Check if a phone has been reported lost or stolen (IMEI status)
May 4, 2019
AMTA’s free IMEI checker empowers Australians to protect themselves from theft, scams and unusable devices. Use it to confirm whether a mobile phone has been blocked on Australian mobile networks.
When to use this tool:
- You’ve lost your phone or it was stolen and you want to confirm it’s blocked.
- You’re buying or selling a second‑hand phone and want to check its status.
Check your IMEI
Enter your 15‑digit IMEI to see the current status of a device.
Tip: You can usually find your IMEI by dialing *#06# in the Phone app on the device, or in Settings > About phone.
By using this tool you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions here.
What is an IMEI?
An IMEI is a unique 15‑digit number that identifies a mobile phone. Think of it as the phone’s fingerprint. International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI).
How phones are blocked
If a phone is lost or stolen, the owner reports it to their mobile service provider.
The provider blocks the device’s IMEI on its network.
That block is shared across Australian mobile networks, so the device can’t be used with another SIM.
What happens when a phone is blocked
- It can’t make calls, send texts or use data on Australian mobile networks.
- Inserting a different SIM won’t make it work.
- Owners can ask their provider to unblock it if it’s recovered.
What this tool checks
The current IMEI block status of a device on Australian networks, and whether the IMEI has been reported and blocked by a provider.
IMPORTANT: There can be a 3–5 day delay between a report to a provider and the block appearing here. The checker shows current status only. It is not proof of ownership.
What this means for Australians
- Protects buyers from purchasing phones that won’t work.
- Discourages theft and scams by making stolen devices harder to use.
- Supports consumers with a fast, free way to verify device status.
AMTA provides this service free to help Australians make safer choices.
Buying a second‑hand phone? Do these checks
- Check the IMEI first using this tool.
- Ask for proof of ownership (e.g., receipt or invoice).
- Match the IMEI on the device to the box and the receipt.
- Test the device in person: power on, insert your SIM, place a test call.
- Keep records of the seller’s details and the transaction.
- Check the device is comparable with Australian networks and conforms to Australian Standards, by checking with the three mobile operators:
- Scam alert Some scammers sell a device, then report it lost or stolen after the sale, which blocks it. Without proof of ownership, you may not be able to use the phone.
Common questions and facts
Why might a phone not show as blocked immediately?
It can take 3–5 days for a block requested through a provider to appear across all systems and on this checker.
I’ve lost my phone – what should I do?
- Contact your mobile service provider immediately and ask them to block the IMEI.
- Report the theft/loss to police (keep your IMEI handy).
- If you recover the device, ask your provider to unblock it.
What this tool can and cannot confirm
Can confirm
- Current IMEI block status on Australian networks.
- Whether a device has been reported and blocked.
Cannot confirm
- Account/contract issues, outstanding payments or finance.
- Ownership or right to sell.
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