Buying Second Hand Phone? Check IMEI To See Its Stolen Device

Smartphone prices have started to increase, thanks to the ongoing chip shortage. This also means the second-hand phone market will grow as people look for cheaper devices. Although it is viable, it is still a risky option, especially if there is a rise in demand. This makes checking the IMEI number, which is a device’s unique identifier, a crucial step before buying such devices. In this article, we’ll explore why one should verify the IMEI before making a purchase and some ways to do it.

Verify IMEI Number Before Purchase

IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It is a 15-digit number that uniquely identifies an individual mobile device. Whenever you are about to purchase a used mobile phone, verify the IMEI number before paying, ideally when you meet the seller. Below are some ways through which you can find out what the IMEI number of the device is:

• Dial *#06*: Open the dialer on the device and dial this code ‘*#06*’. Once you do that, you will receive a pop-up message displaying the IMEI number of the device.
• Check the Phone Box: Ideally, the device should be turned on, but if, for some reason, you cannot access the dialer at that time, then you can check the phone box if available. The device’s box has the IMEI number printed on it. In case the device is in perfect condition and box is also available, you can verify whether the box is original. The IMEI printed on the box should match the one displayed by the device.
• Phone Settings: You can also access the IMEI number in your phone settings. This is generally in the ‘Mobile and Network’ settings, in the sim information section.

Now that you have accessed the IMEI number, you must verify its status. This would help you avoid devices that are stolen, blocked, or legally problematic.

Using Sanchar Saathi Portal

Sanchar Saathi is an initiative by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) of the Government of India. Its main aim is to empower mobile subscribers, strengthen their security, and increase awareness. This portal will help you identify if any device is lost, stolen, or blocked. Let’s see how you can check the device.

1. Open the Sanchar Saathi Portal. Scroll down, and you will find the ‘Know genuineness of your mobile handset’ option. Click on it.

2. You will be redirected to a new tab. Enter the captcha text and your phone number. You will receive an OTP on the same number.

3. Once the OTP is verified, enter the IMEI number of the device you want to check. Click ‘Submit’.

4. You will be able to see the status of the device.

Generally, if a device is valid, there is nothing flagged about it, and it is safe to purchase. Avoid buying the device if the IMEI is blocked or blacklisted. If the entered IMEI is not found, then one should be cautious about purchasing the device, as it may not be recommended, as the device can be unregistered or imported.

Sanchar Saathi SMS Method

This method is helpful if you have limited internet access.

1. Open the messaging app on your phone.

2. Type a new message – ‘KYM’ followed by the 15-digit IMEI (for example, KYM123456789012345)

3. Send the message to ‘14422’.

As you can see, you will receive the information regarding the device.

This method also shows the status of the device and whether it is flagged as stolen or not.

Using OEM Websites

Many brands, such as Vivo, Oppo, Samsung, etc., also allow IMEI verification on their official sites. These provide information on the device’s warranty status, manufacturing details, and whether the phone model is authentic. This should be a secondary verification measure and not a replacement for the above-mentioned methods. These OEM websites would not have information if they are flagged for theft or any other malicious use.

FAQs

Q. Will a factory reset change the IMEI status to default?

No, once the device’s IMEI number is flagged, it cannot be changed even after a factory reset.

Q. Why is there a legal risk involved in buying a flagged device?

This is because it is illegal to be in possession of a stolen or blocked device, even if you have unknowingly acquired it.

Wrapping Up

Sometimes, a deal may be too good to be true, especially if we look at the current state of affairs. If you are considering buying a second-hand phone, make sure that you take the appropriate measures before making the payment. Always verify the IMEI number and check the device’s status, and Sanchar Saathi should always be the first step. It hardly takes 2 minutes, but it can save you from any inconvenience, such as legal trouble and your money too.

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