India provides an official Central Equipment Identity Register, commonly known as CEIR, for IMEI verification and lost or stolen mobile workflows. Buyers can use the official verification service, while owners can submit blocking requests and later request unblocking if a phone is recovered.

What CEIR does

The Government of India CEIR portal supports:

  • IMEI verification;
  • blocking requests for lost or stolen phones;
  • request-status checking;
  • unblocking requests for recovered devices.

Before using CEIR

Prepare accurate ownership and incident information. The official instructions indicate that identity proof and a police report are required for a blocking request, and the purchase invoice can also be provided.

How to find the IMEI

Dial *#06#, open Settings > About phone, or check the retail box and invoice. Record both identifiers on a dual-SIM phone.

How to verify an IMEI

Use the official CEIR IMEI Verification service. The current portal uses mobile-number verification, OTP and CAPTCHA before accepting the 15-digit IMEI. Avoid unofficial websites that copy the CEIR name.

How to report a lost or stolen phone

  1. Obtain a replacement SIM where required by the current process.
  2. Prepare identity proof.
  3. Prepare the police report.
  4. Collect IMEI 1, IMEI 2, brand and model.
  5. Submit the official CEIR request.
  6. Save the generated request ID.

How to check request status

Use the official CEIR request-status page and enter the request ID or accepted complaint reference. Keep screenshots and confirmation emails.

How to unblock a recovered phone

CEIR provides a process for unblocking a recovered device. If the block was initiated through police, follow the current instructions regarding the responsible authority.

Used-phone safety in India

Before buying:

  • verify IMEI through the official portal;
  • compare the phone, box and invoice;
  • check account and activation locks;
  • verify seller identity;
  • keep a detailed receipt;
  • avoid phones with unclear finance or ownership history.

Official resources

Key takeaway

Use CEIR for official Indian verification, blocking and unblocking. Use IMEI Alert as an additional ownership and reporting layer, not as a replacement for government procedures.

Frequently asked questions

What is CEIR in India?

CEIR is the Government of India system for IMEI verification and lost or stolen mobile blocking workflows.

Can I block a lost phone through CEIR?

Yes, eligible users can submit a blocking request with the required details and documents.

What documents may be required?

The official CEIR instructions mention identity proof and a police report, with purchase invoice information where available.

Can a recovered phone be unblocked?

Yes, CEIR provides an unblocking process for a recovered or found phone.

Can I verify an IMEI before buying?

The CEIR portal provides an IMEI verification service.

Does IMEI Alert replace CEIR?

No. CEIR is the official Indian system. IMEI Alert is an independent registry and reporting platform.