Losing your cell phone is a common and frustrating experience. However, technology offers solutions to minimize damage. One of them is the ability to block cell phones via IMEI, an essential security measure to protect personal information.
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique number assigned to each cell phone. However, it functions as a device identity, similar to a car's chassis number.
When you lock your cell phone using IMEI, it becomes unusable even if the SIM card is replaced. This procedure is an effective way to protect your data and discourage cell phone theft.
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GSM can be seen as a problem
The widespread adoption of GSM technology by national telecommunications companies has provided consumers with a greater range of choices when opting for a mobile service provider. There is no doubt that the change has made it easier to change mobile devices or use a stolen device, as simply replacing the chip allows normal use of the cell phone without limitations.
The solution may be in the IMEI
Using a cell phone with GSM technology, it is possible to block it to prevent its use in illegal activities. This blocking is carried out by contacting the telephone operator and requesting that the chip be blocked.
In an attempt to discourage cell phone theft, Anatel, the Ministry of Justice and the country's telephone operators plan to seal an agreement that allows the device to be fully blocked using the IMEI number, or (International Mobile Equipment Identification). This number, unique to each device, is like the car's chassis number or serial code.
The IMEI can be found on the cell phone box, on the back of the battery, or by typing *#06# on the device. Every activated device has its IMEI registered in a database known as the Equipment Identity Register (EIR).
However, when the IMEI is blocked, all functions that depend on the telephone operator, such as calls and internet connection, become unavailable.
What is needed to block the IMEI?
To block a cell phone using IMEI, it is essential to have the IMEI code, made up of a series of 15 digits. In the case of devices with support for two chips, there will be two different IMEI codes. It is not necessary to present the device's invoice or a police report to block the IMEI.
The cell phone plan holder simply needs to contact their operator's call center and request the procedure to block their cell phone by IMEI. In some states, Civil Police stations are also authorized to block lost or stolen cell phones. In this scenario, it is crucial to have some identification document to register the police report.
What are the consequences of blocking the IMEI?
When blocking a cell phone using IMEI, the smartphone is unable to establish connections with mobile networks. This means that the person stealing your device will not be able to make calls, send text messages or take advantage of the mobile internet, as the device will not have access to 2G, 3G, 4G or 5G networks.
However, it is important to emphasize that blocking the IMEI does not make a stolen cell phone completely useless. While the chip slot remains inactive, if the Google and Apple systems are not correctly blocked, it is still possible to access user information and connect the device to Wi-Fi to use social networks, WhatsApp and other phone features.
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How to block cell phone by IMEI?
There are two main ways to block a cell phone by IMEI. The first is through your telephone operator. So, in this case, you will need to contact your operator's call center and provide the IMEI number of your device. Additionally, some carriers may request additional information to confirm your identity. The blocking will be carried out by the operator, making the device unusable for use on any telecommunications network.
The second way to block a cell phone using IMEI is through the police. In some states, Civil Police stations have the authority to block the IMEI of cell phones reported as lost or stolen. You will need to go to the nearest police station and file a police report.
With the police report in hand and the IMEI number of the cell phone in question, the police can proceed with the blocking. Finally, as with the previous method, the cell phone will become useless for use on telecommunications networks.
Common questions
How long does it take for the IMEI to be blocked?
Normally, blocking a cell phone by IMEI that has been lost or stolen is carried out within 24 hours after the request is made to the telephone operator.
How to obtain the IMEI blocking statement?
To obtain an IMEI blocking statement, the telephone line holder can request it directly from the operator, through its call center. Furthermore, it is possible to check the status of the identification code blocking on the official Anatel website.
How to check if the IMEI has been blocked?
Anatel has a portal, where it is possible to check the IMEI status of the device. To do this, you need to have the IMEI code and check if the restriction has been applied.
How to unlock a cell phone's IMEI?
According to Anatel, only the individual who requested the blocking can unlock the IMEI. This procedure must be carried out with the institution that made the blocking request (for example, police stations) or with the telephone operator itself.
Conclusion
Blocking the IMEI is one of the most effective ways to discourage cell phone theft and protect user data. It is a simple and quick process, which can be done through the telephone operator or the police, depending on the state where the cell phone was lost or stolen.
Furthermore, it is important to remember that blocking the IMEI does not make the cell phone unusable, but it prevents its use on telecommunications networks, making it difficult to resell and protecting the user's information. Therefore, it is essential to keep the IMEI code in a safe place and register it in case it is necessary to block it.
