How to Block a Stolen Phone Using IMEI Number

Did you just recently lose your phone or have it stolen? If so, the phone can be blocked from accessing the carrier network by knowing the device’s IMEI or MEID number. Every phone has a unique identifier which distinguishes it on the network. No two numbers are the same. Networks that are GSM-based, like T-Mobile and the AT&T network, use IMEI numbers, and CDMA-based networks like Verizon Wireless or Sprint, use MEID numbers as their unique identifiers across the network. This article focuses on how to block a stolen phone using IMEI number.

How to Block a Stolen Phone Using IMEI Number

Before using the IMEI number to block your phone, you have to get a hold of it. Here is where you can find it if you still have the phone in your possession and you just want to be prepared, or if you don’t have your phone anymore.

If You Have Your Phone

• Dial *#06# from your phone. This is the fastest method to acquire your phone’s unique IMEI/MEID.
• Tap your phone’s Settings application, go to ‘General’, then tap ‘About’, and then ‘IMEI/MEID’. This is an alternate method that will work on iPhones.
• Go to the Android Settings menu, tap ‘About Phone,’ and then tap ‘Status.’
• Look at the bottom of the back cover of your iPhone, or on your iPhone’s SIM card tray, depending on the model.
• Remove the phone’s battery and look underneath if your phone is an Android. Make sure to turn off your phone prior to doing this, and take note that this way of retrieving your IMEI or MEID number is not possible if your phone uses a non-removable battery.

If You Don’t Have Your Phone

• Look at your cell phone’s original packaging.
• Log in to the account page of your subscription carrier’s website with the proper credentials, should you be missing your phone’s original packaging or cannot locate the IMEI there.

Once you have your IMEI number, here are the steps you need to follow to block your phone with it.

Step 1: File a FIR or “First Information Report” with the police department if your phone was stolen. You’re going to want to file this report with the police department that serves the area in which your phone was taken. You’ll need to provide your wireless subscription carrier with a copy of this report.
Step 2: Call your wireless carrier and update them on the status of your cellular phone. They’re going to ask you to provide the device’s IMEI or MEID number, which you should already have. If the phone was stolen, they are more than likely going to want a copy of the FIR.

That’s how to block a stolen phone using IMEI number. Blocking it means the person who stole it won’t be able to use it. Do remember to contact your wireless carrier and inform them to white-list your phone again, should you be lucky enough to get it back. If you have experienced something similar to this before, share your thoughts down below. Also, do not hesitate to ask any questions that you may have regarding this topic.