What is an IMEI?

In case of loss or theft of your cellphone, there are several steps you can take. In addition to filing a police report, you can remotely block your phone to prevent its misuse, for example, for scamming others.

To block your phone, call your carrier with the police report in hand. Provide your phone’s IMEI number, and request the block. This will prevent the phone from making calls or receiving SMS messages.

The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a globally unique 15-digit number that identifies your cellphone. Think of it as an ID for your mobile device. Each SIM card slot in your phone has its own IMEI, so a cellphone can have multiple IMEI numbers.

When you acquire a new cellphone, make sure to write down the IMEI. You can find this number on the device's box, behind the battery (if removable), or on the invoice you received when purchasing the device. If these options are not available, simply dial *#06# on the device to display the IMEI number. Take a photo, screenshot, or write down the number and keep it in a safe place.

If you do not have the IMEI number, you can still block the device by informing your cellphone number, though this process may be more difficult. If you recover your device, simply contact your carrier once again, provide the requested data, and request the unblocking.

Additionally, when buying a new cellphone, compare the IMEI on the packaging with the number displayed on the device. If they don’t match, it might be an indication of an issue with the device's origin.

When purchasing a used cellphone, it is also recommended to check the IMEI to make sure that it isn’t blocked.

More information: https://cartilha.cert.br/fasciculos/#celulares-e-tablets (Portuguese only)

Video Description

In the first scene, a smiling woman stands in front of an electronics store showing her new cellphone. The phrase "Bought a new cellphone?" appears above her. In the second scene, the woman is in her living room with the phrase "Remember to keep the IMEI number" above her. The woman looks puzzled.

The text changes to "There are several ways to find it." Various ways to check the IMEI number appear around the woman: on the cellphone's box, by dialing the code *#06# on the phone, on the purchase invoice, and on the back of the phone where the battery is located.

In the last scene, the screen is split in two. On one side, the woman is in a coffee shop talking on the phone, and on the other, a customer service representative of the carrier is on the phone talking to her. The phrase "In case of theft, inform the IMEI and ask the carrier to block the device" appears above them.

The woman explains that her cellphone was stolen and provides the IMEI number to the representative, who confirms that her cellphone has been successfully blocked. The scene ends with the woman clapping happily: the device has been blocked.