If you’re planning to buy a new or used mobile phone in Pakistan, it’s very important to understand how to check IMEI & verify phone authenticity in Pakistan. In today’s digital age, mobile scams are increasing, and many people unknowingly purchase stolen or smuggled phones. By checking your device’s IMEI number, you can ensure it’s legal, original, and approved by PTA.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know: from PTA IMEI check online to verifying warranties, activation dates, and brand authenticity for iPhones and Samsung devices.
What is IMEI and Why Is It Important?
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It is a 15-digit unique number assigned to every mobile phone. This number is like your phone’s fingerprint — no two phones share the same IMEI.
Why IMEI Matters:
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Identifies and tracks your device if lost or stolen
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Helps you check if a phone is PTA approved
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Confirms whether a phone is original or fake
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Allows users to do a warranty check IMEI
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Helps in phone activation date check
If a phone’s IMEI is blacklisted or not registered with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), it will be blocked from all mobile networks.
How to Find Your IMEI Number
Before doing any verification, you first need your phone’s IMEI number. There are several ways to get it:
Method | Instructions |
---|---|
Dial Code | Dial *#06# and your IMEI will appear instantly |
Phone Settings | Go to Settings > About Phone > Status |
Phone Box/Back Sticker | Check the label on the box or behind the battery |
SIM Tray (for iPhones) | IMEI is sometimes printed on the SIM tray |
Google Dashboard | Visit Google Find My Device and sign in |
PTA IMEI Check Online (DIRBS Portal)
The most reliable way to verify a phone’s legality in Pakistan is by using the PTA IMEI check online service called DIRBS.
How to Use DIRBS:
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Go to the official PTA DIRBS website: https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk
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Enter your 15-digit IMEI in the search box
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Click “Check”
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You’ll receive one of the following results:
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Compliant (PTA Approved): You can use any network
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Non-Compliant: Phone not registered but might work temporarily
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Blocked: The phone is blacklisted or stolen
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This is the first and most important step in how to check IMEI & verify phone authenticity in Pakistan.
IMEI Check for iPhone and Samsung Devices
Different brands offer their own platforms for checking device authenticity and warranty status. Let’s look at the two most popular ones:
iPhone (Apple)
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Enter the serial number (found in Settings > About)
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You’ll get details like:
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Apple warranty status
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Purchase date
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Support eligibility
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Whether it’s refurbished or original
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You can also confirm if the device was activated legally.
Samsung
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Use the Samsung Members app or visit Samsung’s support page.
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Enter your IMEI or serial number to verify:
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Model information
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Purchase history
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Warranty status
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This is highly useful if you’re doing an IMEI check iPhone or IMEI check Samsung before purchasing.
IMEI Tracker and Lost Phone Help
If your phone is stolen or lost, the IMEI can help locate or block it.
What You Can Do:
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Report your IMEI to PTA via https://complaint.pta.gov.pk
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File a police report and include your IMEI
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Use services like IMEI tracker apps or Google Find My Device
While not all tracker tools are accurate, having the IMEI helps block usage in case of theft.
Warranty Check IMEI and Phone Activation Date Check
Verifying your phone’s warranty check IMEI and activation date helps confirm if a device is brand-new, refurbished, or already used.
Brand | How to Check Warranty & Activation |
---|---|
Apple | checkcoverage.apple.com |
Samsung | Samsung Members App / Support Page |
Huawei | Huawei HiSuite or official website |
Xiaomi | imei.info or Xiaomi official site |
These tools let you do a phone activation date check, which is very helpful when buying a used device.
IMEI Check Free – Best Online Tools
There are several trusted websites that allow IMEI check free services:
Top Free IMEI Check Websites:
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www.imei.info – Detailed info including model, color, specs
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www.imei24.com – Warranty, network, and SIM lock info
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www.snlookup.com – Good for Apple & Samsung
These websites help you learn:
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Original model and specs
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Lock/unlock status
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Blacklist info
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Activation date
Always use these services before finalizing a purchase, especially for second-hand phones.
Common IMEI Scams to Avoid in Pakistan
Unfortunately, mobile scams are rising. Here are the red flags:
Watch Out For:
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IMEI sticker not matching the phone’s software IMEI
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Refurbished phones sold as new
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Phones with no box or documents
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Extremely low price
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Seller refusing to let you check the IMEI
Step-by-Step Recap: How to Check IMEI & Verify Phone Authenticity in Pakistan
Step | Action | Tool/Link |
---|---|---|
1 | Find your IMEI | *#06# , Settings, or Box |
2 | Check PTA status | dirbs.pta.gov.pk |
3 | Check brand authenticity | Apple / Samsung official tools |
4 | Check warranty and activation date | IMEI.info / Brand pages |
5 | Use IMEI tracker (if phone is lost) | Google Find My Device, PTA Report |
Final Tips Before Buying a Phone
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Always check IMEI before purchasing
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Use the PTA IMEI check online to make sure it’s compliant
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Confirm brand authenticity using serial number or warranty tools
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Avoid shady sellers or phones without proper paperwork
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Ask for the original receipt if possible
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Don’t fall for “too good to be true” prices
Conclusion
Understanding how to check IMEI & verify phone authenticity in Pakistan is more than just a good practice — it’s necessary. It protects you from fake, stolen, or smuggled devices that can be blocked anytime. Always verify your phone’s IMEI using trusted tools like PTA DIRBS, brand websites, and global databases.
So next time you’re buying a mobile — whether new or used — make sure you do an IMEI check free, confirm warranty, and stay informed. A few minutes of checking can save you from a major loss.
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