Block a cell phone’s IMEI is one of the solutions to restrict the use of your smartphone by third parties in case of loss, theft or theft. This is one of the procedures that must be carried out immediately after your device is missing, but not the only one: the restriction only inhibits the capture of the operator’s signal; to block the complete use of the phone, it is necessary to trigger other mechanisms.
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) blocking is carried out by mobile operators, who put the cell phone identifier on the national block list and prevent authentication on their networks. The restriction can be reversed if the cell phone is recovered.
The procedure can be requested directly from the telecoms, but some police stations are also able to block the stolen device when registering an occurrence.
Have the IMEI at hand!
Before proceeding, it is important to have the IMEI number of the stolen or lost device at hand. If you don’t have this code, see our article on how to find out the IMEI of a cell phone.
Documents needed to block IMEI
To block, you must have the IMEI codeconsisting of 15 digits. If the cell phone supports two SIM cards, it will have two unique codes🇧🇷
It is not necessary to have an invoice for the device or a police report to block the IMEI of the cell phone — it is enough for the holder of the cell phone plan to contact the call center of his operator and request the restriction.
Civil Police stations in some states are also able to block lost or stolen cell phones. In that case, it is important to have some identity document to register the police report.
What number to call to block IMEI?
It is necessary to call your operator to request the blocking of the line and the cell phone. Check below the service channels of the main telephones:
- clear: 1052 (Combo Multi customers should call 0800 72 36 626🇧🇷
- TIM: 1058
- Alive: 1058
- Algar: 1055
- Mobile Post Office: 10543
Blocking must be requested by the owner of the telephone line. If the device in question supports two SIM cards (including models with eSIM), it is important to inform the two IMEIs; otherwise, the cell phone will continue to function partially.
Can I block cell phone IMEI online?
If you live in Minas Gerais, you can request an IMEI block online at Cbloc portal (Cell Phone Blocking Center)🇧🇷 There are still no similar solutions for other states.
Cbloc only responds to requests in cases of theft of cell phones in the state; in case of loss, it is necessary to block directly with the operator. The system accepts requests for occurrences registered in the last 30 days.
To proceed with blocking the IMEI over the Internet, it is first necessary to open a online incident report or face-to-face. The request will only be processed if the police document contains the subtracted device’s IMEI number(s).
What happens when I block the phone’s IMEI?
By having the IMEI blocked, the cell phone is prevented from connecting to mobile networks. Therefore, whoever stole your smartphone cannot make calls, send SMS or use mobile internet, since the device will not get a 2G, 3G, 4G or 5G signal.
Still, IMEI blocking doesn’t turn a stolen phone into a paperweight. The device will have an unusable chip slot, but if the smartphone is not properly blocked in Google and Apple systems, it is possible to access user data and connect it to Wi-Fi to use social networks, WhatsApp and other functions. from the phone.
To prevent leaks of your personal information and important data such as credit card credentials, check out all the measures to be taken in case of loss, theft or theft of the cell phone🇧🇷
Is IMEI blocking international?
To Technoblog, Anatel informed that Brazil is part of the world list of stolen terminals of the GSMA, global association of mobile operators. Therefore, a device blocked in Brazil is also registered on the international list and is prevented from working on cellular networks that also participate in the same database.
Who can block the IMEI of a cell phone?
Only the holder of a mobile line can request IMEI blocking from their operator. It will be necessary to inform the personal data for the service.
It is not necessary to present an invoice or proof of purchase of the cell phone: it is enough that the device has been used with the chip of the holder of the line.
Anatel does not allow stores and financial institutions to do IMEI blocking in case of default🇧🇷 The inclusion in the list of restrictions can only be done in cases of theft, theft or loss.
How long does it take to block IMEI?
After requesting the operator, the IMEI of the lost or stolen cell phone will be blocked within 24 hours.
How to get IMEI block statement?
You can request an IMEI blocking statement from your mobile operator by call center🇧🇷 The identifier code restriction can also be checked in the Anatel website🇧🇷
How to know if IMEI has been blocked?
Anatel maintains a portal that allows consult the IMEI to know your status🇧🇷 Just have the code in hand and check if the restriction has been applied.
How to unlock a cell phone’s IMEI?
To TechnoblogAnatel informed that only the user who blocked the IMEI can request unlock🇧🇷 The process must be done with the entity that made the request (such as civil police) or with their respective operator.
The problem is that IMEI blocking is not always effective. Nowadays, criminals manage to circumvent the blocking configuration with the help of technicians, who change the serial number and restore the access of a stolen cell phone to the telephone networks.
https://tecnoblog.net/responde/celular-roubado-como-bloquear-imei-operadora/