How to check if your IMEI is valid and How to get a valid IMEI

I remember in 2009, the market was getting flooded with Chinese smartphones which didn’t carry any IMEI number. A phone without a valid IMEI number can be a security concern. During that time, DOT (Department of Telecom) issued an order that if your handset or mobile phone doesn’t have it, then it might just stop working. In this post, we will share how you can check if your Mobile IMEI number is valid, and what you can do if it doesn’t have a valid IMEI number.

Below is a copy of a letter issued by DOT dated October 6th, 2008.

 

How to check if your IMEI is valid in India?

There are three ways to check if IMEI is valid in India or not. Use these if you have bought a second-hand phone and want to make sure its not fake.

• Verify by sending SMS
• Check on CEIR database
• Use Know your Mobile app

1] Verify by sending SMS

• Press *#06# on your handset. It works for any handset.
• It will display 15 digits IMEI number. Ignore if it shows any special characters like forwarding slash or dots etc.
• Send this number to 53232 or 57886 in the below-mentioned format.
• IMEI <IMEI code>. Ignore the angular bracket.
•  If your IMEI is valid, you will receive a Success message else you will get Invalid IMEI message.

If you have a dual SIM phone, then you will see two IMEI numbers. Make sure to check both of them. Be confident; you have registered number(s) with the service provider(s). So go ahead and check if your IMEI is valid or not.

2] Verify on CEIR Database

Another way is to check in CEIR database. Its the central database of India where you can type in your mobile number, and you will be notified if its a valid IMEI. Enter Mobile number, verify by OTP, and when you submit, you will get to see details such as Brand Name, Model, supported Bands, etc.

3] Use Know your Mobile App

DoT has an official app on Google Play Store which provides the status (Invalid/ Black Listed) or provides details like Manufacturer, Brand name and Model name of the given IMEI. While purchasing a mobile device, the genuineness of mobile devices can be verified using KYM App.

Downlaod

How to copy IMEI Number?

Since the above method only displays IMEI number and doesn’t give you an option to copy it, you need to note down every time on paper or a computer. The best way is to find your box as it has the IMEI number printed, but here is how to copy it directly from the phone.

What you can do if you have an Invalid IMEI message?

You can contact your service provider to the nearest center or any genuine IMEI implant center which can help you in getting a valid IMEI number for your handset. There is a small fee of 199 Rs, of which you get a receipt. You will also need any government-approved photo proof for this procedure.

We hope you were able to check if you have a valid IMEI number on your phone.