How to check a used phone's IMEI on Sanchar Saathi before you buy

A quick IMEI check on the government's Sanchar Saathi service tells you if a second-hand phone has been reported stolen, blocked or cloned. It takes about a minute and costs you one SMS.

Dial *#06# on the phone you want to buy and note the 15-digit IMEI. Send an SMS that reads KYM followed by a space and that IMEI to 14422, or use the Sanchar Saathi app or portal. If the reply says blacklisted, duplicate or already in use, do not buy the phone.

• 1. Read the IMEI on the phone itself: Open the dialler on the phone you are buying and type *#06#. One or two 15-digit numbers will pop up. Write them down or take a photo with your own phone. Never rely on a number the seller reads out or sends you.
• 2. Match it with the box and bill: Compare the number on screen with the sticker on the box and the IMEI printed on the invoice, if the seller has them. On many phones you can also find it under Settings, in the About phone section. A mismatch is a warning sign, so ask the seller to explain it.
• 3. Send the KYM SMS to 14422: On your own phone, type KYM, a space, then the 15-digit IMEI, and send it to 14422. For a dual-SIM phone, repeat this for the second IMEI. The reply usually arrives within a minute or two.
• 4. Or check in the Sanchar Saathi app or portal: If you prefer, install the official Sanchar Saathi app (Play Store or App Store) or open the Sanchar Saathi portal and choose the Know Your Mobile (KYM) option. You verify your own mobile number with an OTP, then enter the IMEI.
• 5. Read the result carefully: A clean result shows the brand and model linked to that IMEI. Check that it matches the phone in your hand. If the result says the IMEI is blacklisted, duplicate or already in use, the official advice is simple: do not buy that phone.
• 6. Keep proof of the purchase: Once you are happy, take a written or digital receipt from the seller that shows the IMEI, the date, the price and the seller's name and phone number. Save a screenshot of the KYM reply as well. This helps if any question comes up later.