Free IMEI Checker - Verify Your Phone Isn't Stolen or Blacklisted
Buying a used iPhone or Android? Check the IMEI first! SafeOrStolen IMEI checker shows stolen status, blacklisted carriers, insurance claims, and activation lock status.
About This Video
Your smartphone is one of your most valuable possessions, and buying used can save hundreds of dollars—but only if you verify the IMEI first. This video explains everything you need to know about IMEI numbers: what they are, how to find them, and why checking before purchase is absolutely essential. A phone with a bad IMEI could be carrier-blacklisted (unable to activate), reported stolen (leading to confiscation), or tied to an unpaid financing plan. SafeOrStolen's free IMEI checker searches carrier blacklists, insurance claim databases, and stolen property databases to ensure your next phone purchase is safe.
Key Takeaways
- IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit code for every phone
- Find IMEI by dialing *#06# or in Settings > About Phone
- IMEI check reveals: blacklist status, stolen reports, insurance claims, iCloud lock
- Carrier-blacklisted phones cannot be activated on major networks
- iCloud-locked iPhones are essentially unusable without the owner's credentials
- Always check IMEI before meeting the seller—at minimum, before paying
- Refuse to buy any phone where seller won't provide IMEI
Video Transcript Summary
The video opens by highlighting the stakes of buying a used phone: with iPhones costing $1,000+ new, used phones offer significant savings—but only if the phone is legitimate. Kelly explains what an IMEI is: a 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity number assigned to every cellular device. It's like a fingerprint for your phone. When phones are stolen, the owner reports them to their carrier, which adds the IMEI to a global blacklist. Carriers share this blacklist, meaning a blacklisted phone won't work on AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, or any major carrier. The video demonstrates how to find the IMEI: on iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and scroll to IMEI, or dial *#06#. On Android, Settings > About Phone > IMEI. The IMEI is also printed on the original box and SIM tray. Kelly then explains what SafeOrStolen's IMEI check covers: carrier blacklist status (including international blacklists), stolen property databases (NCIC, insurance claims), and iCloud/activation lock status. The video warns about specific scenarios: a phone that looks perfect but shows "SIM not supported" is likely blacklisted; an iPhone asking for previous owner's Apple ID is iCloud-locked; a phone sold with "it works fine" but no proof of carrier activation is suspicious. The demonstration shows the verification process: enter 15-digit IMEI, wait 3 seconds, receive clear results. Kelly concludes with the golden rule: never buy a phone without checking the IMEI, and never accept excuses for why the seller can't provide it.
Key Statistics
15 digits in every IMEI number
Over 2 million phones stolen annually in the US
Carriers share blacklist data globally
iCloud-locked iPhones are unusable without owner credentials
3-second IMEI verification saves hundreds in potential loss
Expert Tips from Kelly McEvoy
"For iPhones specifically, ask the seller to show you that Find My iPhone is disabled. If it's still enabled, the phone has an activation lock tied to the previous owner's Apple ID—even if you buy it, you won't be able to use it without their password. Also ask the seller to show the phone actually making a call on a cellular network, not just Wi-Fi. This proves the phone isn't carrier-blacklisted. Finally, match the IMEI shown on screen (*#06#) with the IMEI on the original box if available—mismatches indicate the box isn't from this phone."
Who Should Watch This Video
Related Resources & Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
Run a free IMEI check and make sure your next phone purchase works perfectly on your carrier.
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