Few things are as frustrating, or even frightening, as having your cell phone stolen. Have you ever stopped to think about how much information about us is stored on them? Our photos, social networks, contacts, bank accounts and much more are available on our cell phones for anyone who knows how to get access.
Therefore, it is important to know how to at least discourage this practice. If your cell phone was stolen, read this text until the end. Here you will learn how to block your device's IMEI, which helps to discourage smartphone theft. After all, when you block it, your cell phone will no longer connect to any carrier, making the crime useless. This is because, in most cases, cell phones are stolen to be resold later.
Check out how to block your cell phone's IMEI below!
What is IMEI
Before you block the IMEI of your stolen device, it is important that you know what an IMEI is. So, if you don't already know, the IMEI is a numerical sequence responsible for identifying each cell phone in the world. The name is an acronym for International Mobile Equipment Identity. The number works like a fingerprint for each cell phone.
With IMEI Every mobile device on the planet is unique and identifiable. Thus, using this code, it is possible to completely block the operation of a device, as all cell phones in the world have their IMEI registered in a database known by the acronym in English EIR or as Equipment Identity Register.
The EIR is a database managed by the GSM Association, or GSMA, which is responsible for representing all mobile phone operators and related companies worldwide. So when you report your mobile phone stolen and provide the IMEI to your operator, they can permanently disable the device, making it useless to anyone who has acquired it illegally.
The IMEI code is composed of a numerical sequence in the following pattern: “nnnnnn–nn–nnnnnn–n”. Devices that support more than one telephone line, i.e. dual SIM devices and related technologies, will have more than one IMEI number.
Each digit in the IMEI code has a meaning. The first six digits, called the TAC (Type Allocation Code), refer to the location where the phone was made. The two digits that follow, known as the FAC (Final Assembly Code), refer to the manufacturer. The second-to-last digit is the serial number, and the last digit is the verifier.
How to find the IMEI of a stolen cell phone
There are a few ways to find out your cell phone's IMEI. One of the simplest is to type the code *#06# into your phone's dialer. This will display the IMEI number on your cell phone's screen. This is the simplest way to find your cell phone's IMEI and can be done on any device, regardless of the operating system.
However, if your phone has been stolen or lost, you no longer have that option. However, You can still block the device's IMEI with the carrier by finding out the code in another way.
By barcode
If you still have the box your phone came in, the IMEI code is next to the device's barcode.
If the device is an iPhone
Another option, if you have an iPhone, is to go to the website appleid.apple.com. Log in with your Apple ID that was connected to the phone that was stolen or lost and go to “devices”. Once you have done this, click on your iPhone. The model, system version, serial number and, of course, your IMEI should appear on the screen.
If the device is an Android
If your device is an Android, go to the website “find my device” and log in with the Google account that was connected to your phone. Once you do this, look for your phone in the sidebar and click on (i). Your device's IMEI will appear on the screen.
If the device is a Galaxy
If you have a Galaxy, however, you can access the website “find phone” and log in with your Samsung account that was connected to your phone. Once this is done, look for your phone in the sidebar and click on the three dots. Then, just go to IMEI Information and the device code will appear for you.
File a police report of a stolen or robbed cell phone
Now that you know your cell phone's IMEI, the next step is to file a police report. If your cell phone has been stolen, that is, if your device has been taken from you through serious threat or violence, it is important to go to the nearest police station and file a police report in person.
On the other hand, if your device has simply been stolen, many states allow you to file a police report online. Use your preferred search engine to find the website of the Civil Police in your state and find out if it offers the option of filing a report online.
Block your cell phone's IMEI with the carrier
That's it. Now that you have a police report, you can block it with your carrier. However, be careful, they may request other information, such as your ID, in addition to the report. To block the IMEI of a cell phone due to theft or robbery, contact your carrier. To do this, check the number listed below:
Alive – 1058 or *8486
Nextel – 1050 or (11) 4004-6611
Hey – 1057 or *144
Safe Harbor Connects – 10544 or *333
TIM – 1056 or *144
Of course – 1052
Did you like our article teaching you how to block your cell phone's IMEI remotely? If you want more tips, watch the video below.
