How to Report Your Stolen Phone by IMEI
How to Report a Stolen Phone Using IMEI
If your phone is stolen, reporting the IMEI immediately to your carrier and police maximizes the chances of blacklisting the device before the thief sells it — and protects you from any fraudulent use of your number.
Step 1: Find Your IMEI Immediately
If your phone is stolen and you don't know the IMEI, check:
- The original retail box (IMEI printed on the barcode label)
- Your carrier's My Account portal (IMEI linked to your account)
- Apple ID account at appleid.apple.com → Devices (shows serial number; cross-reference with purchase receipt)
- Google account at myaccount.google.com → Security → Your Devices
- The purchase receipt from the carrier store
Step 2: Contact Your Carrier
Call your carrier immediately. Provide the IMEI and request blacklisting. Most carriers can blacklist the device within 24 hours of a report.
Step 3: File a Police Report
File a police report in person or online (where available). Include the IMEI, device model, purchase date, and any identifying information. The report number is required for insurance claims and adds the IMEI to law enforcement databases.
Check the GSMA blacklist before you trust the listing.
Verify that the IMEI is clean and not reported lost, stolen, or blocked by mobile operators.
GSMA Blacklist
Clean status check
Verify the IMEI is not reported lost or stolen.
Step 4: Report to the GSMA/National Database
In some countries you can report directly:
- UK — immobilise.com (national lost/stolen property database)
- USA — Contact your carrier; they report to the CTIA national database
- Australia — Contact your carrier; they report to AMTA
Step 5: Monitor for Reactivation
Some stolen phones are used internationally where the blacklist hasn't propagated. Check with your carrier if you have GPS tracking data from Find My iPhone or Google Find My Device before the battery died.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What information do I need to report a stolen phone?
- Have your 15-digit IMEI number, phone brand and model, proof of identity, your mobile carrier account details, and the date and location where the theft occurred.
- Who should I contact first when my phone is stolen?
- 1. Use Apple Find My or Google Find My Device to remotely lock and erase. 2. Call your mobile carrier to suspend service and blacklist the IMEI. 3. File a police report.
- Why is a police report needed for a stolen phone?
- Insurance companies require a police report number before approving theft replacement claims, and it registers the IMEI in national criminal registries.
- Can I report a stolen phone if I did not write down the IMEI before?
- Yes. Look up your IMEI on your original purchase receipt, monthly carrier billing statement, packaging box, or your Google/Apple online device account.