Losing a cell phone is a common and frustrating experience. However, technology offers solutions to minimize the damage. One of them is the ability to block a cell phone by its IMEI, an essential security measure to protect personal information.
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique number assigned to each cell phone. However, it functions as the device's identity, similar to a car's chassis number.
When you block a cell phone using the IMEI, it becomes unusable, even if the SIM card is replaced. This procedure is an effective way to protect your data and discourage cell phone theft.
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GSM can be seen as a problem
The widespread adoption of GSM technology by national telecommunications companies has provided consumers with a wider range of choices when opting for a mobile service provider. There is no doubt that this change has facilitated the exchange of mobile devices or the use of a stolen device, since simply replacing the chip allows normal use of the cell phone without limitations.
The solution may lie in the IMEI
Using a cell phone with GSM technology, it is possible to block it to prevent its use in illegal activities. This block is performed by contacting the telephone operator and requesting the chip block.
In an attempt to discourage cell phone theft, Anatel, the Ministry of Justice, and the country's telephone operators plan to seal an agreement that allows the complete blocking of the device through the IMEI number, or (International Mobile Equipment Identification). This number, unique for each device, is like the car's chassis number or the serial code.
The IMEI can be found on the cell phone box, on the back of the battery, or by dialing *#06# on the device. Every activated device has its IMEI registered in a database known as the Equipment Identity Register (EIR).
However, when the IMEI is blocked, all functions that depend on the telephone operator, such as calls and internet connection, become unavailable.
What is needed to block the IMEI?
To block a cell phone by IMEI, it is essential to have the IMEI code, composed of a series of 15 digits. In the case of devices with support for two chips, there will be two distinct IMEI codes. It is not necessary to present the device's invoice or a police report to perform the IMEI block.
The cell phone plan holder simply needs to contact their operator's customer service center and request the procedure to block the cell phone by IMEI. In some states, the Civil Police stations are also authorized to block lost or stolen cell phones. In this scenario, it is crucial to have some form of identification to register the police report.
What are the consequences of blocking the IMEI?
By blocking a cell phone by IMEI, the smartphone becomes unable to establish connections with mobile networks. This means that the perpetrator of the theft of your device will not be able to make calls, send text messages, or take advantage of mobile internet, as the device will not have access to 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G networks.
However, it is important to emphasize that blocking the IMEI does not make a stolen cell phone completely useless. While the chip slot remains inactive, if the Google and Apple systems are not properly blocked, it is still possible to access user information and connect the device to Wi-Fi to use social networks, WhatsApp, and other phone functionalities.
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How to block a cell phone by IMEI?
There are two main ways to block a cell phone by IMEI. The first is through your telephone operator. In this case, you will need to contact your operator's customer service center and provide the IMEI number of your device. In addition, some operators may request additional information to confirm your identity. The block will be performed by the operator, making the device unusable for use on any telecommunications network.
The second way to block a cell phone by IMEI is through the police. In some states, the Civil Police stations have the authority to block the IMEI of cell phones reported as lost or stolen. You will need to go to the nearest police station and register a police report.
With the police report in hand and the IMEI number of the cell phone in question, the police can proceed with the block. Finally, as with the previous method, the cell phone will become useless for use on telecommunications networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quanto tempo leva para o IMEI ser bloqueado?
Normalmente, o bloquear celular pelo IMEI que foi perdido ou roubado é executado em até 24 horas após a solicitação feita à operadora de telefonia.
Como obter a declaração de bloqueio do IMEI?
Para obter uma declaração de bloqueio do IMEI, o titular da linha telefônica pode solicitar diretamente à operadora, por meio de sua central de atendimento. Além disso, é possÃvel verificar o status do bloqueio do código identificador no site oficial da Anatel.
Como verificar se o IMEI foi bloqueado?
A Anatel possui um portal, onde é possÃvel consultar a situação do IMEI do aparelho. Para isso, é necessário ter o código IMEI e verificar se a restrição foi aplicada.
Como desbloquear o IMEI de um celular?
Segundo a Anatel, apenas o indivÃduo que solicitou o bloqueio consegue desbloquear o IMEI. Esse procedimento deve ser realizado com a instituição que fez a solicitação do bloqueio (por exemplo, as delegacias de polÃcia) ou com a própria operadora de telefonia.
Conclusion
Blocking the IMEI is one of the most effective ways to discourage cell phone theft and protect user data. It is a simple and quick process that can be done through the telephone operator or the police, depending on the state where the cell phone was lost or stolen.
In addition, it is important to remember that blocking the IMEI does not make the cell phone unusable, but prevents its use on telecommunications networks, making it difficult to resell and protecting user information. Therefore, it is essential to keep the IMEI code in a safe place and register it if it is necessary to perform the block.
