If you are thinking to buy a used or new smartphone, it is highly recommended that you check its genuineness. The authority has made it easier for people to check if a smartphone is stolen, also, if the phone you are planning to get is a genuine or not. There is a newly introduced platform called Central Equipment Identity Register that checks the IMEI number of a phone to inform customers whether they should buy a particular smartphone or not.
Here is how to use it.
To use the Central Equipment Identity Register, you need to come up with the IMEI number of the phone
All mobile phones come with a 15-digit IMEI number. It is not legal to sell a phone in India without a valid IMEI number. To check the IMEI number of the phone, dial *#06# from the mobile. All legit phones responds to the *#06# code. If there is no response, then be alert that the device is being illegitimately sold in India.
You can check the IMEI number before buying the phone
You can check the IMEI number on the purchase invoice, packing box and on the back of new phones on a sticker too. It is not necessary to buy a phone first to get the IMEI number.
Visit Central Equipment Identity Register, once you get the IMEI number
Visit to Central Equipment Identity Register – – https://ceir.gov.in/Home/index.jsp. website, check the Device Verification webpage, https://ceir.gov.in/Device/CeirIMEIVerification.jsp– to check if the IMEI number is valid or not. Never buy any phone without a valid IMEI # or a blocked IMEI number because these types of phones are largely stolen. One is required to give your mobile number and verify the same via OTP to use the website.
Don’t buy phones these happens in IMEI status
Status shown as Black-listed, duplicate or already in use, please dont buy the smartphone, as per the Central Equipment Identity Register website. If a phone is good to purchase, then the status should be: IMEI is valid.
USE SMS to verify the IMEI of a Mobile
Just type “KYM <15 digit IMEI number> from any mobile and send the SMS to 14422
Use an official Android app called “KYM – Know Your Mobile”
(C-DOT) The Centre for Development of Telematics has initiated an Android app called “KYM – Know Your Mobile” which you can use to verify any mobile by its IMEI number. This app will also provide status as such Invalid, Black Listed or provide details like Brand name, Manufacturer, and Model name of the submitted IMEI.