How to block a stolen cell phone by IMEI

If you have been a victim of crime or lost your phone, here we explain how to block your cell phone by IMEI.

Cell phones are essential for daily life, we store contacts, documents and banking information on them that can be exposed if we lose or have this item stolen. Do you know how to block a stolen or lost cell phone using the IMEI ?

According to the National Survey of Victimization and Perception of Public Safety (ENVIPE) and Inegi, in 2021, 3.62 million cell phones were stolen through robbery on public roads or public transportation.

What is IMEI?

The IMEI is a 15-digit code pre-recorded on mobile phones, which acts as an international identity code for each cell phone and uniquely distinguishes it.

What is the IMEI for?

As it is a mobile phone identity code, it is possible to know if a cell phone has been included in the global list of stolen or lost mobile devices, before purchasing them. This is intended to discourage the theft of cell phones and thus prevent them from being used by criminals to carry out extortion and other illegal activities.

How to block my cell phone by IMEI?

If you are in Mexico City, you can block your cell phone by going to the Mexico City Government website and registering your IMEI.

You can also call Locatel (56-58 -11-11) and carry out the procedure with the operator.

Where can I check my report or if I am about to purchase a cell phone that has been reported stolen or lost?

The IFT provides you with the website www.ift.org.mx/imei , where to consult it, you only have to enter the IMEI number of the device.

How can I get the IMEI of my cell phone?

You can check the 15 digits that make up the IMEI by dialing *#06# from your device, finding it in the phone settings (device specifications) or, failing that, on a white label under the device's battery.