Smartphones today are more than just communication tools — they store our personal data, financial details, and even control parts of our daily lives. But as useful as they are, they’ve also become one of the top targets for thieves, especially high-end models. Unfortunately, phone theft cases have been on the rise worldwide, and losing your device isn’t just about the cost of the hardware — it’s about the risk of your sensitive information falling into the wrong hands.
The good news is, if your phone is ever stolen or lost, you have options. Beyond tracking tools like Google’s Find My Device or Apple’s Find My iPhone, one of the strongest protections available is the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number. With the IMEI, you can block, disable, or even help trace your stolen phone, making it unusable for thieves and preventing misuse of your personal data.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step methods to block a stolen Android phone using its IMEI number, plus additional tips to secure your device and information.
What you need to know to block your stolen phone
Before we go into how to block an Android phone that has been stolen, let’s talk about what you will need to do to make the procedures work. To use the IMEI to disable a stolen Android phone, you will need:
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- Your stolen phone’s IMEI number: Every mobile device is given an IMEI, which is a unique identification number. Usually, you may locate it by calling *#06# on your device or by looking at the original packing of your phone.
- Availability of a computer or other mobile device with an internet connection — In order to block your stolen or lost phone, you must visit particular websites or utilize applications designed for mobile devices.
What is IMEI and Why it Matters
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit number assigned to every mobile phone. Think of it as your phone’s fingerprint — no two devices in the world have the same IMEI. Unlike your SIM card, which can be swapped, or your phone number, which can be changed, the IMEI stays permanently tied to your device.
This number is important for several reasons:
- Device Identification: Network providers use IMEI to recognize valid devices connected to their network.
- Theft Protection: If your phone gets stolen, the IMEI allows your network provider or regulatory body to block the device, making it useless even if the SIM card is changed.
- Global Tracking: Since IMEI is universal, it can be flagged across different networks, preventing stolen devices from being reused or resold in many countries.
- Proof of Ownership: In some cases, your IMEI can serve as proof that the phone belongs to you.
With phone theft and fraudulent activities increasing, understanding your IMEI and keeping it safe is crucial. It’s not just a technical code — it’s one of your strongest tools for protecting your smartphone.
How to Find Your IMEI Number
Locating your IMEI number is simple, and you don’t need any technical skills to do it. Here are the most reliable ways:
- Dial a USSD Code
- Simply dial
*#06#on your phone’s keypad. - Your IMEI number will instantly appear on the screen.
- Simply dial
- Check in Phone Settings
- On Android: Go to Settings > About Phone > Status to find your IMEI.
- On iPhone: Go to Settings > General > About, then scroll down to see the IMEI.
- Look on the Device Itself
- Many phones have the IMEI printed on the SIM tray, back of the phone, or underneath the battery (for models with removable batteries).
- Check the Packaging
- If you still have your phone’s original box, the IMEI is usually printed on the sticker along with the serial number and barcode.
- Through Online Accounts
- For Android users, log into your Google account and check under Find My Device.
- For iPhone users, log into your Apple ID account and check under Devices.
Pro Tip: Always keep your IMEI written down or saved somewhere safe. If your phone is stolen, this number will be critical in reporting the theft and blocking the device.
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How to Block a Stolen/Lost Phone via IMEI
Losing your phone can be stressful, but acting quickly can save you from bigger problems like identity theft or data misuse. Here are the steps you should take immediately:
1. Stay Calm and Retrace Your Steps
First, make sure it’s really lost. Call your phone from another number or use a “Find My Device” service (Google’s Find My Device or Apple’s Find My iPhone) to locate it. See details below
2. Disable the Device using IMEI
With your IMEI number (which you should already have noted down), request your network provider to block the phone itself. This ensures it won’t work on any Nigerian network.
Steps to Block Your Phone Using IMEI in Nigeria
- Report the theft or loss at the nearest police station and get a police extract/report.
- Contact your mobile network provider (MTN, Glo, Airtel, or 9mobile) with the police report and your IMEI number.
- The provider will blacklist your phone on the national IMEI database, making it unusable across all networks in Nigeria.
Tip: Always write down and store your IMEI in a safe place. Without it, you won’t be able to block the phone.
Other Ways to Block a Stolen/Lost Phone
- Block Your Line
Contact your network provider (MTN, Glo, Airtel, or 9mobile) and request a line suspension. This prevents anyone from using your SIM card for calls, SMS, or mobile banking. - Report to the Police
File a report and get a police extract. This is often required by network providers before they can block your device. - Secure Your Accounts
Change the passwords of accounts linked to the phone — email, social media, and especially banking apps. If possible, enable two-factor authentication on a new device. - Consider Remote Wipe
If your phone contains sensitive data, use remote wipe features (available on Android and iOS) to erase everything.
Valid Ways to Blacklist a Phone Using IMEI
1. GSMA Blacklist (Global Level)
The GSMA maintains a global database of blacklisted IMEIs. While regular users can’t submit directly, you can check the status of your device through public IMEI lookup tools like IMEI24 or IMEI.org. If the phone is on the list, it’s generally blocked on global networks.
2. Nigeria’s Device Management System (DMS) / CEIR
In Nigeria, the NCC’s Device Management System (DMS) also known as CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) has become the national standard. Since mid-2024, all mobile network operators must connect to the DMS, ensuring that blacklisted IMEIs are blocked nationwide.
3. Mobile Network Operator Blacklisting
Even before the DMS rollout, you could still block your phone by contacting your network operator directly. Provide your IMEI and a police report, and they’ll blacklist the device using their own Equipment Identity Register (EIR). With the DMS now active, this block extends across all networks.
How to Block Stolen Android Phone via Third-Party Anti-Theft Apps, Google find my device
For Android smartphones, there are several third-party anti-theft apps that provide extra functionality for tracking, locking, and even blocking stolen phones. These apps often include features like remote tracking, triggering alarms, capturing photos of potential thieves, or wiping data remotely.
Here’s a quick guide to using such apps (steps may vary depending on the app you choose):
- Install a trusted anti-theft app from the Google Play Store, such as Cerberus, Prey Anti-Theft, or Find My Device by Google. See how to block your phone using Google find my device for android and IPhone
- Set up permissions & account – Follow the app’s instructions to grant necessary permissions and register your phone.
- Track your device remotely:– If stolen, log in to the app’s web dashboard or use another device with the same app installed to track its location.
- Lock or wipe the phone:– Use the app’s features to remotely lock your phone, display a message for the finder, or erase all data if recovery seems impossible.
- Enable extra security features:– Some apps allow you to sound an alarm, capture photos of the thief, or prevent SIM card replacement.
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