What is an IMEI number and where do I find it?

An IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit number assigned to every mobile phone. You can find it by dialing *#06#, checking Settings > About Phone > IMEI, looking at the original box, or checking the SIM card tray on iPhones. Every smartphone has at least one IMEI number (dual-SIM phones have two).

Is the IMEI check really free?

Yes, SafeOrStolen offers 2 free IMEI checks. This allows you to verify phones before buying without any cost. Additional checks require a paid plan, but our free tier is designed to help casual buyers protect themselves when purchasing used phones.

What databases does SafeOrStolen check?

We check multiple databases simultaneously including: GSMA Device Registry (global stolen phone database), major US carrier blacklists (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint), law enforcement databases, insurance claim databases, and user-reported theft databases. This comprehensive approach gives you the most accurate verification results.

Can I check an iPhone IMEI?

Yes, our IMEI checker works for all smartphones including iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, OnePlus, Motorola, LG, and any other phone with an IMEI number. The verification process is identical regardless of phone brand or model.

What if the IMEI check shows the phone is stolen?

If our check shows the phone is reported stolen, do NOT buy it. Walk away immediately. Buying a stolen phone is illegal and you'll lose your money when the phone is blacklisted or confiscated. Report the listing to the marketplace (Facebook, eBay, Craigslist) and consider reporting the seller to local police.

How long does an IMEI check take?

Our IMEI verification takes only 3 seconds. Simply enter the 15-digit IMEI number and click verify - you'll get instant results showing whether the phone is clean, stolen, blacklisted, or has outstanding issues.

What's the difference between stolen and blacklisted?

Stolen means the phone has been reported to authorities or databases as stolen property. Blacklisted means carriers have blocked the phone from working on their networks (usually because it's stolen, lost, or has unpaid bills). A phone can be stolen without being blacklisted yet, or blacklisted for reasons other than theft. Always check both status types.

Can a seller fake or change an IMEI number?

Changing an IMEI number is illegal in most countries and extremely difficult. However, scammers might provide a fake IMEI number. Always verify the IMEI on the physical phone (dial *#06#) matches the number the seller gives you. Never trust just the box or a screenshot.

Free IMEI Checker - The ONLY Mobile App

Verify any phone's IMEI number in 3 seconds. Check if a smartphone is reported stolen, lost, or blacklisted before buying. Free IMEI verification from multiple databases including GSMA, carriers, and law enforcement.

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What is Phone Verification?

An IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) checker is a tool that verifies whether a mobile phone has been reported stolen, lost, or blacklisted by carriers. Every smartphone has a unique 15-digit IMEI number that can be used to track its status across global databases. SafeOrStolen's IMEI checker instantly searches multiple databases to determine if a phone is safe to buy or if it's been reported as stolen or lost. This protects buyers from purchasing phones that could be remotely locked, reported to authorities, or unusable on cellular networks.

Verified Data Sources50+ Databases

Federal Records

Insurance Bureau

Device Registry

Bicycle Registry

Firearms Database

Vehicle Records

How It Works

Find the IMEI number: Dial *#06# on the phone, check Settings > About Phone, or look at the original box or SIM tray

Enter the 15-digit IMEI number into our verification tool at SafeOrStolen.com/verify

Get instant results showing whether the phone is clean, stolen, blacklisted, or has issues

Review the detailed report including carrier lock status, theft reports, and finance status

Make an informed decision - only buy if the report shows 'CLEAN' status

Our IMEI checker works by querying multiple international databases simultaneously, including GSMA Device Registry, major carrier blacklists (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile), law enforcement databases, and user-reported theft databases. Within 3 seconds, you'll receive a comprehensive report showing whether the phone is clean, stolen, blacklisted, or has outstanding finance. We also check if the phone has been reported lost, if it's locked to a specific carrier, and if there are any insurance claims filed against it.

Why Check Before Buying?

Buying a stolen phone can lead to serious consequences. The phone can be remotely locked or wiped by the original owner, blacklisted by carriers making it unusable, confiscated by law enforcement as stolen property, and you could face criminal charges for possession of stolen goods. Additionally, you lose all your money with zero legal recourse. In 2024 alone, over 2.4 million smartphones were reported stolen in the United States, with many ending up on secondhand marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, OfferUp, and Craigslist. Our free IMEI checker helps you avoid these risks.

Instant verification from multiple databases in 3 seconds

Check GSMA Device Registry and carrier blacklists

Verify phone isn't reported stolen or lost

Check for outstanding finance or insurance claims

Confirm phone works on your carrier network

Free IMEI check before you buy

Works for iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel, and all smartphones

Protects you from legal consequences of buying stolen property

Frequently Asked Questions

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