By Updated: Nov 5, 2026
Quick verdict
Find your IMEI with *#06#. In Pakistan, SMS it to 8484 or check it on DIRBS. In India, check it on the Sanchar Saathi portal. Check both IMEIs on a dual-SIM phone. In India, tampering with an IMEI can bring up to 3 years in jail and a fine of up to ₹50 lakh under the Telecommunications Act 2023.
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Not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules, duties and plan prices change often. Always confirm with the official source (PTA/DIRBS and FBR in Pakistan, DoT/Sanchar Saathi and TRAI in India) and with your operator before you pay.
What is an IMEI?
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit number that identifies your phone on mobile networks. Governments in Pakistan and India use it to block stolen, fake or unregistered devices. Dual-SIM phones have two IMEIs.
How to find your IMEI (imei number kaise nikale)
- Dial *#06# on the phone
- Android: Settings > About phone
- iPhone: Settings > General > About
- Check the box label and bill, and make sure they match the phone
Pakistan: how to check PTA status
- Dial *#06# and note each IMEI.
- SMS the IMEI to 8484, or enter it on the PTA DIRBS website.
- Make sure the result says the device is compliant or registered.
- For dual-SIM phones, check both IMEIs; one slot can be compliant while the other is not (MobilesHelp).
If the phone is not compliant, you can register it through DIRBS and pay the PTA tax. See our PTA tax guide.
India: how to check on Sanchar Saathi
The Department of Telecommunications' Sanchar Saathi portal lets you verify a handset's IMEI and report or block a lost or stolen phone. In late 2025, the government ordered phone makers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app (November 28, 2025), then withdrew the mandate on December 3, 2025, saying the app was voluntary and had about 1.4 crore downloads (PIB).
India's rules on IMEIs
| Rule | What it says (as reported by PIB/DoT) |
|---|---|
| Device Setu IMEI registration | Manufacturers and importers must register IMEIs on the Indian Counterfeited Device Restriction portal before sale |
| Telecom Cyber Security Amendment Rules 2025 (G.S.R. 771(E), Oct 22, 2025) | Used-phone sellers must check each IMEI against the blacklist; created a Mobile Number Validation platform |
| Telecommunications Act 2023, s.42(3)(c) | IMEI tampering: up to 3 years in jail, fine up to ₹50 lakh, or both |
What the results mean
| Result | Pakistan | India |
|---|---|---|
| Valid / compliant | Phone works on local SIMs | Device is genuine and not blacklisted |
| Not registered / non-compliant | Register via DIRBS and pay tax, or it gets blocked | Don't buy; ask the seller |
| Blocked / blacklisted | Reported or unpaid; don't buy | Reported stolen or lost; don't buy |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Paying an agent who promises to "unblock" a phone without official registration. Only official channels can register a device.
- Ignoring the deadline. Missed deadlines usually mean the phone stops working on local networks.
- Not checking both IMEIs on dual-SIM phones.
- Keeping no record. Save your payment slip, receipt and IMEI screenshots.
Where to get official help
In Pakistan, use the PTA DIRBS portal and FBR's mobile device pages. In India, use the Department of Telecommunications' Sanchar Saathi portal and its helplines. Social media posts and YouTube videos are often out of date, so check the date on any guide you follow, including this one.
Key terms explained
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| IMEI | A 15-digit number that identifies your phone on mobile networks |
| DIRBS | PTA's Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System in Pakistan |
| PSID | The payment slip ID you get when you apply to register a phone in Pakistan |
| Filer / ATL | A taxpayer on FBR's Active Taxpayers List in Pakistan |
| Sanchar Saathi | India's DoT portal to check IMEIs and block lost or stolen phones |
| Device Setu / ICDR | India's portal where makers and importers register IMEIs before sale |
Real-life situations
"My relative brought me a phone from abroad"
In Pakistan, the phone must be registered and taxed. Registration on passport must happen within the traveller's 60-day window. After that, CNIC rates apply, which are usually higher.
"I bought a used phone and it stopped working on my SIM"
The phone may be unregistered, blocked or reported stolen. Check the IMEI. In Pakistan, a non-registered phone can usually be registered by paying the tax; a phone blocked after theft cannot be fixed by the buyer. In India, a blacklisted phone should be returned to the seller.
"My phone was stolen"
Report it to the police, then block it: in India through Sanchar Saathi, and in Pakistan through your operator or PTA's channels. Keep the IMEI and the bill; you will need them.
Bottom line
An IMEI check takes less than a minute and can save you from buying a stolen, fake or unregistered phone. Make it a habit: check before you pay, check both IMEIs on dual-SIM phones, and keep a screenshot of the result with your bill. If anything looks wrong, walk away. No discount is worth a phone that may stop working on your SIM.
How we keep this page current
Phone prices, operator packages and government rules in Pakistan and India change more often than in most markets. Prices move with the rupee, new budgets change taxes, and operators rename or reprice packs without much notice. We date every page and list the exact sources we used, so you can see how fresh each number is. When something changes, we update the table and the "Updated" date at the top. If you spot a price or rule that has changed, check the official source linked below first, then let us know in the comments so we can fix it for other readers. Your feedback helps keep this guide accurate for everyone.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free and fast to check
- Protects you from stolen or fake phones
- Both countries have official portals
Cons
- Dual-SIM phones need two checks
- Results depend on accurate records
- Unblocking takes time
Once your phone checks out, protect it with a good case and screen protector. Browse cases, chargers and screen protectors at the BriskNest shop.
FAQ
How do I check IMEI in Pakistan?
SMS the IMEI to 8484 or check it on PTA DIRBS.
How do I check IMEI in India?
Use the Sanchar Saathi portal.
Is changing an IMEI illegal in India?
Yes. The Telecommunications Act 2023 allows up to 3 years in jail and a fine up to ₹50 lakh.
Is the Sanchar Saathi app mandatory?
No. The pre-install order was withdrawn on December 3, 2025.
How we researched this
This guide is research-based. We did not test these phones in hand. Prices and plan details come from the retailer listings, operator information and official pages named in the sources list, checked or published on the dates shown. Prices in Pakistan and India change with stock, exchange rates and promotions, so treat every number as a dated snapshot and re-check on the day you buy.
Sources
- PTA DIRBS: FAQs
- MobilesHelp: Best phones under Rs 50,000 in Pakistan (PriceOye prices, Nov 4, 2026)
- PIB: Government removes mandatory pre-installation of Sanchar Saathi
- PIB / DoT: IMEI registration under Telecom Cyber Security Rules
- DoT: Telecom Cyber Security Amendment Rules 2025
- PIB: Action against IMEI tampering (Telecommunications Act 2023)
Updated: Nov 5, 2026. Sources were checked on Nov 5, 2026.