Swappa IMEI Checker: IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. As the name indicates, it is a unique 15 or 16-digit number that is used to identify individual mobile devices. The first 13 or 15 digits of the IMEI number are the identifying parts, while the last digit is a check which is calculated using the Luhn algorithm. The IMEI number was developed as a permanent identifier of the device, as SIM cards are usually associated with the user. The IMEI number is usually printed inside the phone’s battery compartment, but most modern devices make it easy to obtain by entering *#06# on the keypad or by going into system settings. (Our blog has a great post showing how to get the IMEI number from any device.)
The IMEI number is used by carriers such as Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T to determine if a device is legitimate. This allows them to prevent individuals from using a stolen Android phone or iPhone on their network. Since the number is directly linked to the device, tactics such as swapping SIM cards to give access to a stolen phone will not work. This is why it is important to check its IMEI status.
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Check your IMEI, ESN, and MEID for free on Swappa
Our free IMEI check is one of the many tools we use to keep the Swappa community safe. Although IMEI checks are just one part of the listing review process, they are important, which is why Swappa’s free IMEI check is available to staff and the public. And, instead of limiting our IMEI check to devices being bought and sold on Swappa, it’s freely available, so anyone can check the status of a device they want to buy or sell, and make sure that it has not been reported stolen or placed on a block list.
What is IMEI and why should I care?
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. IMEI is a 15-digit number used to uniquely identify each cellular-enabled device. Since no two devices share the same IMEI, this number can be used to track or flag a particular phone for any number of reasons. If a phone is reported lost or stolen, its IMEI will be added to the Global Blocklist database. ESN and MEID are similar unique identifiers used primarily with CDMA devices.
How do I find my IMEI number?
Finding the IMEI number is quick and easy.
The IMEI number of the iPhone can be found by going to Settings > General > About
Android IMEI number can be found by going to Settings > About Phone > Status
Also, Read- Phone Tracker by Number Free, 5 Best Websites & Apps to track mobile numbers for free… Read More
How does IMEI Blocklist work?
When a device is stolen, a person can contact their service provider and ask them to block the phone from their network. That carrier or MVNO then adds the blocked IMEI number to shared registries such as the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR). Since virtually all networks use the CEIR and related systems, the phone quickly “briquets” around the world. This includes more than just iPhones or Android devices; Many smartwatches, such as the Apple Watch, include an IMEI.
It is possible that your current phone is blocked for reasons other than theft. Depending on your relationship with your carrier, you may be able to get a device that has been blocked off the blocklist. For example, if an ESN/IMEI is blocked for non-payment, you can easily remove it by updating your account. Our service allows you to check IMEI numbers to see the status of your phone at any time.
Swappa’s IMEI Checker
Swappa’s ESN checker takes a smartphone’s IMEI, ESN, or MEID number and checks it against a database of blocklisted devices. This helps verify the authenticity of the device and ensures that the phone or tablet in question has not been reported lost or stolen. Similar services usually charge on a per-check basis. But unlike those other sites, Swappa makes our IMEI check service available to private buyers and sellers for free by giving you 10 free IMEI checks every 24 hours. Paid checks are also available for commercial vendors that require more than 10 per day.
Swappa’s IMEI Checker Features
Swappa’s free IMEI checker is nothing new. In fact, we just passed our 10 millionth GSMA check. Our IMEI check tells you whether a device is on the allowed list or the block list, and much more. For example, you can also get details about the phone and its price.
- GSMA integration: Check IMEI against the GSMA device registry and instantly find out if the device is on the allowed list or blocklist.
- Product Match: Quickly match the IMEI number to the device type.
- Product Pricing: Product pricing information helps sellers know what to charge, and it also means buyers can buy with confidence that they are paying a fair price.
- History and Tagging: Large vendors, and those who check more IMEI numbers, can functionally use history and tagging to create notes for easy reference.
- Swappa was founded in 2010, and since then it has been our mission to improve the way we buy and sell used technology. A big part of it comes down to security. Sites like eBay and Craigslist often feel like the Wild West because you never know what to expect. In contrast, Swappa is a human-driven marketplace. Our dedicated support team does a lot to keep scams and junk devices out, and our free IMEI checker helps us accomplish this.
Also, Read- Phone Number Tracker Free Online, 10 Best Websites & Apps, Pros & Cons… Read More
Check Phone IMEI on Swappa for Free
Now that you have the IMEI of the phone, you can proceed to check it. Similar to finding IMEI – Checking IMEI is as easy as that. You can visit Swappa’s free IMEI check page and enter the IMEI in the “IMEI or TAC” field. After that, you simply tap on the search icon.
The main benefits of using the Swappa IMEI checker include finding out whether an IMEI is good (on the allowed list, and able to be listed for sale) or bad (on the blocklist, and unable to be listed for sale). Other key benefits include details about the model (storage, color, carrier, model), which network bands the phone supports, and a history (shows whether the device was ever listed or sold on Swappa).
As we have covered here in this post – It is important to always check the IMEI before buying a used phone. Alternatively, you can buy a gently used phone from the Swappa Marketplace and rest easy knowing that a Swappa staff member has already checked the IMEI number.
How to check on Swappa, if the phone is stolen?
If you’re buying a used phone, you should always check its condition to make sure it hasn’t been reported lost or stolen. Some sites like Swappa check the IMEI number before allowing the phone to be sold in the market.
Checking the IMEI number before the listing is approved eliminates the possibility of phone fraud. This is one of the reasons Swappa is trusted and considered a safe marketplace. But if you buy your phone from another site, or from a third party or person you don’t know personally. That level of trust may not be available.
FAQs on Swappa IMEI Checker
Does Swappa verify IMEI?
Additionally, you can take advantage of services like Swappa’s IMEI Blocklist Check to see if an iPhone or Android device is allowed on all carrier networks. All devices on Swappa Marketplace are subject to IMEI checking, which means you can buy and sell with confidence.
Can Police Check IMEI?
A mobile service provider can block the said mobile phone by blacklisting the IMEI number. Once blacklisted, the phone becomes unusable as it can no longer be used. The operator can locate the mobile phone by GPS using its IMEI number. Thus helping you to locate your lost or stolen mobile phone.
What can scammers do with the IMEI number?
IMEI is tied to the device, not your phone number or account. It can be used to track stolen phones and lock them out of the network (done in some countries, but not normally across borders or carriers, they can’t agree on a global DB).
Can blacklisted IMEI be unlocked?
You can still get your phone’s IMEI unblocked or removed from the carrier’s block list. The easiest way to unlock blacklisted iPhone devices is to contact the previous owner and ask for their help.
Can blacklisted phones still be used?
If you choose to have a device with a blacklisted number, you most likely will not be able to access cellular services. In other words, you won’t be able to use your device as a phone. However, you’ll still have the ability to play music, movies, or games.
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@Ron