What is the IMEI Number?
The IMEI uniquely identifies an individual mobile device. The IMEI is unique to every Mobile Equipment [“ME”] and thereby provides a means for controlling access to GSM networks based on ME Model or individual units. The IMEI consists of a number of fields totaling 15 digits having digits from 0 to 9. The first eight digits are called Type Approval Code (TAC).
Who Issues the IMEI Number?
The GSMA is the allocation authority for IMEI number which is allocated by authorised reporting bodies that allocates the TAC number to manufacturer, brand owners etc. Mobile phone manufacturers assign IMEI numbers to each device based on TAC number allotted to them by the Reporting bodies appointed by Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA). Dual SIM phones will have two IMEI numbers.
How to check the IMEI number in the mobile device?
User can dial *#06# in their device to check the IMEI number allotted to the mobile devices.
How to verify the IMEI number in the Mobile Device?
Users can verify their IMEI details by sending SMS “KYM<15 digit IMEI number>” to 14422.
What information can I obtain through IMEI verification?
IMEI verification message provides information about the manufacturer, device type, brand name, and model number.
What is the current regulation w.r.t. IMEI numbers working on the telecom network?
Mobile Phones with all Nulls or Zeros or invalid IMEI numbers are not allowed to work on Telecom Network.
What is the responsibility of manufacturers/brand owner w.r.t. IMEI number?
Mobile Manufacturer/Brand Owner is required to implant genuine IMEI number as allocated by reporting bodies of GSMA in mobile devices at the time of manufacturing.
What is an EIR?
An Equipment Identity Register [“EIR”] is a network entity used in GSM networks that stores lists of IMEI numbers, which correspond to physical handsets and not to subscribers. Every mobile network in India has an EIR. The mobile network operator’s primary tool used to prevent the connection and use of stolen or counterfeited devices is the Equipment Identity Register (EIR), which contains a domestic blacklist and the sharing and consolidation of blacklists from multiple operators from various jurisdictions via the GSMA’s IMEI Database. These capabilities are used to block devices from receiving service based on the IMEI transmitted by the device to the mobile network.
What is CEIR?
A Central Equipment Identity Register [“CEIR”] is a centralised database of mobile equipment identifiers (i.e. IMEI for networks of GSM standard). Such an identifier is assigned to each SIM slot of the mobile device. Such a CEIR may include the following lists:
- White list for devices that are allowed to register in a cellular network,
- Black list for devices that are prohibited registration in a cellular network, and
- Grey for devices in intermediate status (i.e. when it is not yet defined whether the device should be placed in the white list or the blacklist).
The CEIR acts as a central system for all network operators connected to their EIRs to share blacklisted mobile devices so that devices blacklisted in one network will not work on other networks even if the SIM card in the device is changed.
Why CEIR is required?
The CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) is a centralized system implemented to manage and track mobile devices using their International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers. It will help in combating mobile device theft and misuse.
What are guidelines/ standards for security of IMEI of mobile device?
As per 3GPP TS 22.016 version 15.0.0 Release 15The IMEI shall be unique and shall not be changed after the ME’s final production process. Over the past few years technology has become more secure & Brand owners are doing best-case efforts to deliver fool proof devices to customers.
What is considered as unlawful tampering of Mobile Device Equipment Identification (IMEI) number?
It shall be unlawful, if a person except the manufacturer:
Intentionally removes, obliterates, change or alter unique Mobile Device Equipment Identification number; or
Intentionally use, produce, traffic in, have control or custody of, or possess hardware or software knowing it has been configured as above.
How can a consumer protect himself from duplicate or invalid IMEI numbers?
Consumer are advised to purchase the device from authorized sources, verify the IMEI as per the process outlined above, keep his devices secure with strong passwords or biometric authentication, use only authorized service center for repairs. Repairs at unauthorized repair center may lead to malicious activity with the mobile handset including tempering of IMEI. In such cases or when the handset is lost\stolen, the consumer should immediately notify the Law enforcement agencies.
When to block your phone’s IMEI?
The user should block the IMEI of their phone if it has been lost/stolen.
How to block a lost/stolen phone?
The user can block the phone’s IMEI by any one of the following means:
- Through a form submitted on this website. The procedure to do it is as follows: –
- File a report with the police, and keep a copy of the report.
- Get a duplicate SIM Card for the lost number from your telecom service provider (eg, Airtel, Jio, Voda/Idea, BSNL, MTNL etc.). This is essential because you will need to provide this as the primary mobile number (OTP will be sent on this number) while submitting the request for blocking your IMEI.
Note: As per TRAI’s regulation, SMS facility on re-issued SIMs is enabled after 24 hours of SIM activation. - Get your documents ready – a copy of police report and an Identity Proof must be provided. You can also provide the mobile purchase invoice.
- Fill out the request registration form for blocking the IMEI of lost/stolen phone, and attach the required documents. Click here to go to the form.
- After submitting the form, you will be given a Request ID. The same can be used for checking the status of your request and for unblocking the IMEI in future.
- Through State Police.
Note: If the user receives the message “Request already exist for IMEI *** and mobile number *** with FirNo = *** on *** by State police.” after submitting the blocking request, it means that the request for their IMEI and mobile number already exists in the CEIR system through State police.
What happens after the user blocks their phone’s IMEI?
After the successful submission of blocking request, the user’s phone is blocked within 24 hours. After the phone has been blocked, it cannot be used on any network across India.
Note: This does not prevent the police from tracking the lost/stolen phone.
When to unblock your phone’s IMEI?
The user should unblock the IMEI of their phone only if it has been found and is in possession of the user.
How to unblock a blocked phone?
To unblock a lost/stolen phone’s IMEI, the user has to report to local Police that it is found. After that user can unblock the phone by any one of the following means:
- Through a form submitted on this website. The procedure to do it is as follows: –
- Fill out the request registration form for unblocking the IMEI of found phone. Click here to go to the form.
- After submitting the form, the IMEI will be unblocked.
Note: If the user has registered the blocking request with State Police, they will have to approach State police to register the unblocking request for their phone.
How to register a complaint?
To register a complaint, follow the given procedures: –
- Fill out the Complaint Registration Form. Click here to go to the form.
- After submitting the form, a unique Complaint ID will be generated.
- The form details will be mailed to your given mail ID as well.
- Save the Complaint ID and Registered Mobile Number for further use.
How to check complaint status?
To check the complaint status, follow the given procedures: –
- Fill the Complaint ID and registered mobile number in the Complaint Status Form. Click here to go to the form.
- A 6-digit OTP will be sent to registered mobile number. Confirm the OTP received.
- Submit the form and the Complaint Details will be available to you.
