How to Block IMEI Number After Phone Is Lost or Stolen

Imagine this: you just lost your phone, or someone stole it. The first thought that hits you is, “What if they misuse my phone or SIM card?” It’s scary, right? That’s exactly why you need to know how to block your phone’s IMEI number.

Blocking the IMEI number makes your lost phone completely useless for the thief because it can’t connect to any mobile network. In this blog, I’ll show you exactly how to block your IMEI number in the simplest way possible.

By the time you finish reading this, you’ll know exactly what to do if you ever lose your phone (or want to help someone who has).

What is IMEI Blocking?

Every phone has a special number called the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number. It’s like the phone’s ID card. No other phone in the world will have the same number.

IMEI blocking means stopping that phone from working on any mobile network. When the IMEI is blocked, the phone can no longer make calls, send messages, or use mobile data. Even if someone changes the SIM card, the phone will still not work.

The IMEI number importance lies in how it uniquely identifies your device, and lets you lock your phone using IMEI if it’s ever lost or stolen.

What Happens When You Block the IMEI Number?

• The phone cannot make or receive calls
• It cannot send or receive SMS
• Mobile data stops working
• Changing the SIM card will not help – the phone stays blocked
• The phone becomes useless for the person who has it
• Once blocked, the phone is added to a national blacklist, making mobile track by IMEI impossible for unauthorized users.

What does IMEI blocking not do?

• It does not delete your photos, videos, or apps
• It does not lock your phone screen
• It does not stop WiFi from working – it only blocks the mobile network

Keep Reading: How to Check IMEI Number

When Should You Block Your IMEI Number?

Blocking your IMEI number is not something you do every day. You should only do it in serious situations when you want to stop anyone else from using your phone.

You should block your IMEI number only if:

Your phone is lost and you can’t find it

If you have searched everywhere and used phone-tracking options but still can’t find your phone, it’s time to block the IMEI.

Your phone is stolen

When you are sure someone has stolen your phone, blocking the IMEI makes it useless for the thief. They won’t be able to sell or use it.

You think someone might misuse your phone

If your phone has sensitive data or access to banking apps and you are worried it may be misused, block the IMEI quickly.

Your SIM card was removed or replaced in your lost phone

Even if the thief tries to insert another SIM card, the phone will stay blocked.

How to Block IMEI Number in India (Step-by-Step)

In India, you have three main ways to block your IMEI number. All of them are simple, and you can choose whichever is easier for you. Follow the steps carefully, and you’ll be able to block your phone’s IMEI successfully.

1. Block IMEI Through the CEIR Portal

The CEIR portal is the official government website that lets you block your lost or stolen phone’s IMEI number online. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Block IMEI Through the CEIR Portal

The CEIR portal is the official government website that lets you block your lost or stolen phone’s IMEI number online. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Go to the CEIR portal: Open your browser and visit https://www.ceir.gov.in/
2. Click on “Block Stolen / Lost Mobile” on the homepage.
3. Fill in details like:
   1. Your mobile number
   2. IMEI number of the phone (you can find it on the box or bill if you don’t have the phone)
   3. Device brand and model
   4. Mobile purchase invoice copy (upload it if you have it)
   5. Police FIR copy (upload the scanned copy or photo)
4. Enter your ID details: Aadhar card, voter ID, or any valid proof of identity
5. Submit the form: Once you click submit, you’ll receive a request ID. Save it for future reference.

After the IMEI is blocked, you’ll get a confirmation message on your phone number or email. As of July 29, 2025: CEIR blocked 5.1 lakh handsets suspected in fraud, traced 21.35 lakh devices, and recovered 5.07 lakh phones

2. Block IMEI Through your Network Provider (Airtel, Jio, Vi, BSNL, etc.)

1. If you find the CEIR process complicated or you don’t have internet access, you can ask your mobile operator to block the IMEI. Here’s what you need to do:
2. Call your mobile operator’s customer care from any number and explain that you want to block the IMEI of your lost phone.
3. Give them your details:
   1. Mobile number of the lost phone
   2. IMEI number
   3. Device brand and model
   4. Your full name and registered ID proof
   5. Police complaint or FIR number (they may ask you to email or show a copy)
4. They will submit the IMEI blocking request on your behalf.

If you prefer, you can also visit the nearest Airtel, Jio, Vi, or BSNL store and do the process in person. Carry your ID proof and police FIR with you.

3. Block IMEI by Filing a Police FIR

If you can’t use the first two options, you can block your IMEI directly by contacting the police:

1. Visit your nearest police station and file an FIR for your lost or stolen phone.

2. Make sure the IMEI number is clearly mentioned in the FIR.

3. Ask the police to forward the IMEI blocking request to the CEIR system.

Once they send the request, your IMEI will be blocked, and you can check the status on the CEIR portal using your FIR details.

Documents & Details You Will Need

Before you start the IMEI blocking process, it’s better to keep all the required details and documents ready. This will make the process quicker and smoother, whether you are blocking the IMEI online, through your network provider, or at a police station.

Here’s what you should have with you:

1. IMEI number of your phone

If you don’t have your phone, you can still find the IMEI:

• Check the phone’s box (it’s usually printed on the sticker)
• Look at the purchase bill or invoice
• Sign in to your Google account (Find My Device) or Apple ID; the IMEI is often listed there

2. Mobile number linked to the lost phone

The number that was active on the lost device is required

3. Identity proof

Aadhar card, voter ID, driving license, passport, or any valid ID in your country

4. Proof of purchase

Original bill or invoice of the phone (soft copy or hard copy)

5. Police FIR or complaint copy

Most carriers or portals require a police report mentioning the IMEI number

If you filed online, download and keep the FIR acknowledgement

6. Email address or alternate phone number

This is where you’ll receive confirmation and updates

How to Check If Your IMEI is Blocked?

After you request to block your IMEI, you might want to confirm if it has really been blocked. This is very easy to check, and you can do it in different ways depending on where you are.

1. Try inserting a SIM card

• Insert any working SIM card into the phone you blocked.
• If the phone is still able to make calls or use mobile data, the IMEI is not blocked yet.
• If the phone shows “No service,” “Invalid IMEI,” or does not connect to any network, it means the IMEI is successfully blocked.

2. Check through the CEIR portal (India only)

• Visit https://www.ceir.gov.in/
• Click on “Check Request Status” on the homepage.
• Enter the request ID you received when you submitted the block request.
• You will see the current status: Pending, Processed, or Rejected.

3. Contact your mobile network provider

• Call the customer care of your mobile operator and give them your IMEI number.
• They can check in their database and confirm if the IMEI is already blocked.

4. Use an online IMEI checker

Many countries have online IMEI databases where you can check if your phone is blacklisted.

• Search “IMEI blacklist check + [your country]” on Google to find the right site.
• Enter your IMEI number, and you will see if it is blocked.

How to Unblock the IMEI Number

Sometimes you may need to unblock your IMEI number. This usually happens if you have recovered your lost phone after blocking it or if the phone was mistakenly blocked. The good news is you can unblock it, but the process is as strict as blocking because only the rightful owner can request it.

Here’s how you can unblock your IMEI number:

1. If you blocked the IMEI through the CEIR portal (India)

1. Once again go to the CEIR portal: Open https://www.ceir.gov.in/
2. On the homepage, click on “Un-Block Found Mobile”
3. Fill out the form carefully:
   1. Enter the same details you gave when you blocked the IMEI
   2. Provide your IMEI number
   3. Mention the reason for unblocking (for example, you found your lost phone)
4. Attach proof:
   1. A copy of the ID you used before
   2. The mobile purchase bill or invoice
   3. If you had filed a police FIR, attach a copy and mention that the phone has been found
5. Submit the form: You will receive a request ID. Save it to track the status.

Once the request is approved, you’ll get a confirmation message. The IMEI will be unblocked, and the phone will start working again on all networks.

2. If you blocked the IMEI through your mobile network provider

Contact customer care of the same provider (Airtel, Jio, Vi, BSNL, etc.).

Tell them you want to unblock the IMEI and explain the reason (for example, you recovered your phone).

They will ask for the same documents again:

• Proof of ownership (purchase bill)
• Your valid ID
• Any previous FIR copy if required

Once verified, they will send a request to unblock the IMEI.

Important:

• The IMEI can only be unblocked by the same authority that blocked it.
• You must provide strong proof that you are the rightful owner; otherwise, the request will be rejected.
• Do not fall for websites or shops that claim they can unblock IMEIs without documents. These are usually scams.

How Does IMEI Get Blacklisted?

An IMEI number gets blacklisted when it is added to a special database that mobile networks use to block stolen or suspicious phones. Once a phone’s IMEI is blacklisted, it will not work on any mobile network.

Here’s how an IMEI number gets blacklisted:

When you block it yourself

If you lose your phone and request the CEIR portal, your network provider, or the police to block it, they will add the IMEI to the blacklist database.

When the phone is reported stolen or lost

If someone reports your phone as stolen and provides your IMEI number, it can be blacklisted even if you didn’t block it yourself.

If the phone is involved in fraud

Phones linked to illegal activities or fraud are often blacklisted by authorities and network providers.

If the phone’s bills or EMI payments are not paid

Many carriers block the IMEI if the customer doesn’t pay for the phone (like EMIs or postpaid bills).

If the phone is imported illegally

Phones that are smuggled or do not meet legal import requirements may also get blacklisted by the government.

Final Thoughts on Blocking IMEI Number

Blocking or unblocking your IMEI number is not something you do often, but it is one of the most powerful ways to protect your phone if it is lost or stolen. Once you block your IMEI, the phone becomes completely useless to anyone who has it.

Always keep your IMEI number written down in a safe place (or saved in your email or notes). It only takes a few minutes, but it will save you a lot of stress if you ever lose your phone. And if you ever buy a second-hand phone, make sure you check if its IMEI is blacklisted before making the purchase.

Your phone carries so much personal information – contacts, photos, banking apps, so protecting it must always be a priority.

Thank you for reading this blog. I truly hope this guide helped you understand everything about blocking, unblocking, and checking your IMEI number.