Every mobile phone has a unique 15-digit number called the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity). Dual-SIM phones have two. When you sell a phone, a genuine buyer will always check it, and it is printed on your sale receipt. Here is how to find it and why it matters.
How to find your IMEI number
Dial *#06#. This works on every phone, iPhone or Android. The IMEI appears on screen straight away; dual-SIM phones show IMEI 1 and IMEI 2.
On an iPhone: Settings > General > About, then scroll to IMEI. On many iPhones it is also printed on the SIM tray.
On Android: Settings > About phone > Status (or IMEI information). The exact menu name varies by brand.
On the box: the sticker on the original box lists the IMEI. It should match the number on the phone.
Why buyers check the IMEI
- To make sure the phone is not stolen. Lost and stolen phones are reported and blocked using their IMEI through the government's CEIR system. A blocked phone cannot work on Indian networks.
- To match the box and bill. An IMEI that matches the box and purchase bill shows the phone is genuine and yours.
- To record the sale. SellEazy writes the IMEI on your PDF sale receipt, so there is a clear record of exactly which phone you sold and when.
How to check if a phone is blacklisted
The Department of Telecommunications runs a free service called Know Your Mobile (KYM) on the Sanchar Saathi portal. Enter the IMEI, or send an SMS KYM <15-digit IMEI> to 14422. The reply tells you whether the IMEI is valid, blacklisted or a duplicate. If you are buying a used phone, always run this check.
If your phone was reported lost and later found
If you blocked your phone after losing it and later got it back, unblock it on Sanchar Saathi using the request ID from the original complaint before selling. A blocked IMEI cannot be bought.
What to keep ready when selling
- The phone, charged and unlocked
- The original box and bill, if you have them (the IMEI on both should match)
- A government ID for the receipt
Read the full list of documents you need to sell an old phone.
Sell your phone with a proper receipt
SellEazy picks up anywhere in Delhi, Faridabad, Gurugram, Noida and Ghaziabad, usually within 24 hours of booking. The phone is inspected in front of you, and once you accept the offer you are paid the same day by UPI, bank transfer or cash, with a PDF receipt for the sale.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find my phone's IMEI number?
Dial *#06# on the phone. The IMEI appears on screen immediately. You can also find it in Settings > About phone (Android) or Settings > General > About (iPhone), and on the box label.
Why does a phone buyer ask for my IMEI?
The IMEI uniquely identifies the phone. A buyer checks it to make sure the phone is not reported lost or stolen and that it matches the box and bill. SellEazy records it on your sale receipt as proof of which phone you sold.
How can I check if a phone is blacklisted in India?
Use the Know Your Mobile (KYM) service on the government Sanchar Saathi portal, or send an SMS "KYM <15-digit IMEI>" to 14422. It shows whether the IMEI is valid, blacklisted or a duplicate.
Is it safe to share my IMEI number?
Sharing it with a genuine buyer at the time of sale is normal. Avoid posting it publicly online, because it can be misused to clone a phone identity.
