IMEI ICDR Registration

There are two main government portals depending on your need: To Register New Imports (Business): icdr.ceir.gov.in (Indian Counterfeited Device Restriction). To Block/Register a Stolen Phone (Citizen): ceir.sancharsaathi.gov.in (Central Equipment Identity Register).

No. The IMEI is registered to the device (handset). It acts like the phone’s fingerprint. The SIM card (IMSI number) is what links the device to a specific person (subscriber). However, authorities can link an IMEI to a person by checking which SIM card is currently active inside that device.

Theft Protection: Registered IMEIs can be blocked instantly if stolen, making the phone useless to thieves. Network Access: Only registered IMEIs are legally allowed to connect to Indian mobile networks. Resale Value: A verifiable IMEI proves the phone is not fake or stolen, maintaining its resale value. Warranty: Manufacturers require a valid IMEI to process warranty claims.

It is the process of whitelisting a mobile device’s unique 15-digit identity number in the national database (CEIR). This confirms that the device is genuine, customs-duty paid (if imported), and legally allowed to operate on the country’s telecom networks.

You can check if your IMEI is valid and registered using the KYM (Know Your Mobile) service: Dial: *#06# on your phone to see your IMEI. SMS: Send KYM to 14422. App: Use the “KYM – Know Your Mobile” app by C-DoT. Web: Visit the “Check IMEI” section on the CEIR website.

No, it is strictly illegal. Under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, tampering with, altering, or reprogramming an IMEI number is a punishable offense. Offenders can face imprisonment (up to 3 years) and heavy fines. It creates “Invalid” or “Duplicate” IMEIs which are blocked by networks.

You need it to ensure your phone works. The government creates a “whitelist” of valid IMEIs. If your IMEI is not on this list (i.e., it is unregistered, fake, or reported stolen), telecom operators will eventually block that device from making calls or using data.

Generally, No. Traditional Tracking: Police track IMEIs by triangulation when the phone connects to cell towers. If the phone is Switched Off, it stops communicating with towers, making real-time tracking impossible. Exception: Some premium smartphones (like newer iPhones or Pixels) have a “Reserve Power” mode that allows them to be found via Bluetooth mesh networks (like Apple’s “Find My”) even when switched off, but this is different from police tower tracking.

Yes, it can be “Cloned.” Hackers can use special software to flash a valid IMEI onto a stolen or invalid device. This is called IMEI Cloning. Risk: If your IMEI is cloned onto a criminal’s phone, authorities might track their activity back to your ID. Detection: If your phone suddenly loses network or you receive bills/OTP for services you didn’t use, check your IMEI status immediately on the CEIR portal.