How can I tell if a device has been reported lost/stolen?
Query the GSMA Device Check™ service by entering the device's electronic serial number (IMEI, MEID or ESN). If the device has been reported lost or stolen you will see a Red status 'YES - flagged on GSMA Block List' and the reason (e.g. lost or stolen) will be displayed in the Device History. Otherwise you will see a Green status 'NO - not flagged on GSMA Block List'.
What does it mean if a device is flagged on the GSMA Block List?
The device is not with its rightful owner and has been flagged in the GSMA Device Registry to help block the sale and use on mobile networks. If found, the device should be returned to the organisation who flagged the device on the GSMA Block List.
What steps do you suggest if a device owner believes the GSMA Block List status is incorrect?
Consumers should contact their wireless provider who is uniquely capable of verifying the account and recent device network activity. Refer the wireless provider to GSMA if they do not use the GSMA Device Registry. Commercial and government users of the GSMA Device Check service should directly contact the organisation who flagged the device on the GSMA Block List. The GSMA Block List Services Description provides more information about the role of contributors and users of device status information.
What is "Network Blocking" or "Cellular Access Blocking"?
Network Blocking or Cellular Access Blocking is where a mobile network operator prevents use of a device on its network by blocking the IMEI. Network operators block devices if reported lost or stolen, and other reasons, and share these reports with others using the GSMA Device Registry service so they may be blocked on other networks as well.
What is a device IMEI/MEID/ESN?
The IMEI/MEID/ESN are Device Identifiers. Every cellular device has a unique identifier unless tampered with or incorrectly manufactured.
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is the 15 digit electronic serial number of a GSM technology cellular device.
MEID (Mobile Equipment Identifier) is the 14 digit electronic serial number of a CDMA technology cellular device.
ESN (Electronic Serial Number) is the 8 or 11 digit electronic serial numbers for CDMA technology cellular phones.
How do I obtain a device IMEI/MEID/ESN?
You can display the IMEI/MEID/ESN by entering *#06# on the phone app keypad and executing a call on the device. On some devices, the IMEI/MEID/ESN is also printed on a label behind the back cover or underneath the battery of the device.
What types of devices have an IMEI/MEID/ESN?
Devices able to connect to cellular networks to make phone calls or transfer data contain an IMEI, MEID or ESN, eg Mobile Phones, Smart Phones, Tablets, Laptops, wireless dongles, etc.
Devices which rely only on wifi for connectivity do not have an IMEI, MEID or ESN.
What does it mean if the device status is Green?
The device IMEI is not currently flagged on the GSMA Block List.
What does it mean if the device status is Red?
The device IMEI has been flagged on the GSMA Block List due to being lost or stolen, or otherwise unsuitable for use on cellular networks, and may be barred from sale or use.
What if I am told the device status is wrong?
Exercise caution, the information we receive is provided by mobile network operators and approved commercial device owners as further described in the Block List Services Description
What if the device details report does not match the device I can see?
The device could be a counterfeit, or the electronic identity may have been tampered.