How to Check IMEI Number on Any Phone
What you need to know about check imei number on any phone
PTA phone registration affects every Pakistani who uses a mobile phone — which is essentially everyone. The system tracks every device on Pakistani networks through its unique IMEI number, blocking phones that aren't registered or have been reported stolen. For most people, registration is a one-time process: check your IMEI at dirbs.pta.gov.pk, pay the applicable tax (if any), and your phone works permanently. The process takes 5-10 minutes online. Where people get stuck is when they miss the 60-day deadline, buy a used phone without checking PTA status, or bring a phone from abroad without understanding the registration requirements.
The PTA tax feels steep on expensive phones — Rs. 37,000+ on phones above $700 — but it's a one-time charge, not annual. Spread over a phone's typical 3-4 year lifespan, even the highest tax tier adds Rs. 770-1,030 per month to your cost of ownership. Factor this into your phone purchase decision: sometimes buying locally (with PTA pre-registered and local warranty) costs the same or less than importing plus PTA tax plus losing international warranty. Always check the PTA-assessed value at dirbs.pta.gov.pk before deciding whether to import or buy locally.
Dial *#06# on any phone. Dual-SIM phones show two IMEIs — both need PTA registration. Also printed on the original box and sometimes under the battery.
Related: register phone, check PTA status, unblock phone.
IMEI Number — Complete Guide
| Method | Steps | Works On | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dial *#06# | Open dialer → type *#06# → IMEI displays | All phones | Fastest method; dual SIM shows 2 IMEIs |
| Phone settings | Settings → About Phone → IMEI | Android/iOS | Useful if dialer doesn't work |
| Original box | Check sticker on phone box | All brands | Verify it matches the phone's actual IMEI |
| SIM tray | Some phones print IMEI on SIM tray | Select models | Remove tray to check |
| Under battery | Printed on label under battery | Older phones | Removable battery phones only |
Check PTA status with your IMEI: PTA check. Register: DIRBS registration. Calculate tax: PTA tax calculator. SMS check: 8484 method.
Why your IMEI matters: The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is your phone's unique fingerprint — a 15-digit number that identifies your specific device globally. PTA uses it to register, track, and if necessary block phones. When you buy a used phone, always verify the IMEI matches across all sources (dialer, settings, box, physical label). Mismatched IMEIs indicate a replaced motherboard (common in refurbished phones) or IMEI tampering (illegal and makes the device permanently non-compliant with PTA).
IMEI cloning is a criminal offense. Some unauthorized repair shops offer to "change" or "clone" IMEIs to bypass PTA blocking. This is illegal under Pakistan's telecommunications laws — punishable by fine and imprisonment. A cloned IMEI can also cause your phone to be remotely blocked at any time when PTA detects the duplicate. If your phone is blocked, the legal solution is paying the PTA tax, not IMEI manipulation.
The PTA registration system affects every phone user in Pakistan — whether you bought your device locally or brought it from abroad. The process is designed to be quick (5-10 minutes online) but the consequences of ignoring it are severe (complete cellular blocking after 60 days). The most important habit: check any phone on dirbs.pta.gov.pk BEFORE purchasing. This free, instant check reveals whether the device is compliant, non-compliant, blocked, stolen, or counterfeit. In Pakistan second-hand phone markets, an estimated 5-10% of devices have registration issues that only surface after the buyer has already paid. The 30-second DIRBS check eliminates this risk entirely — make it non-negotiable before any phone purchase, whether from a shop, online marketplace, or personal seller.
Always verify current requirements. Fees, timelines, and document requirements can change without advance notice. Check the relevant official website or call the office before your visit to confirm the latest requirements.