What is IMEI Number and Why is it Important?

Nowadays, smartphones are not just communication tools—they have become our banks, planners, wallets, and even health monitoring devices. Since they carry such personal and valuable information, identifying and protecting your device is of utmost importance. This is exactly where the IMEI number comes into play.

What is an IMEI Number?

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit identification number assigned to each mobile phone. This number is fixed to the device during manufacturing and allows it to be recognized by global mobile networks. The IMEI number is never repeated on another device—just like a fingerprint, it is unique to your phone.

With an IMEI number, you can obtain various details about a device, such as whether it is legally registered, the manufacturer information, the country it was shipped to, and its registration status. This makes it especially important when buying or selling second-hand phones, using imported devices, or dealing with stolen phones.

How to Find Your Phone’s IMEI Number

Finding your phone’s IMEI number is quite simple. You can use one of the following methods to access it:

• Dial *#06# on the keypad (the fastest and most common method)
• Check the label on the original phone box
• Go to Settings > About (varies by iPhone or Android)
• Check the label inside the SIM card slot

It is highly recommended to note this number down somewhere. If your phone is lost or stolen, the IMEI number can be used to block the device.

Why is IMEI Check Important?

Checking the IMEI number is a vital safety step, especially when buying a second-hand phone. It allows you to find out if the device is legally registered, whether it is reported as stolen, and if it requires registration if imported. In Turkey, all mobile devices must be registered with BTK (Information and Communication Technologies Authority). Otherwise, unregistered phones will lose network access after a short period and can only be used via Wi-Fi.

So, IMEI checking is not just a technical process—it’s a critical step to confirm that the device is legal, secure, and functional.

How to Check IMEI via e-Devlet (e-Government)?

The e-Devlet IMEI inquiry is the fastest and most reliable way to check whether your phone is registered in Turkey. Follow these steps to easily access the information:

1. Visit www.turkiye.gov.tr/imei-sorgulama
2. Log in with your Turkish ID number and e-Devlet password
3. Enter your device’s IMEI number on the page
4. The registration status, operator information, and device details will be displayed

Through this process, you can see whether the device is registered, the date of registration, and the subscriber number it was registered under. This is especially useful when purchasing second-hand devices, significantly reducing the risk of fraud.

IMEI Check via BTK (ICTA) System

Another method is to use the BTK IMEI checking system directly. This system provides technical details such as the device’s registration date, operator info, and brand. If the IMEI has been cloned and used on multiple devices, that will also be shown in the report.

BTK also handles the IMEI registration process. Citizens bringing phones from abroad must register their devices and can perform inquiries through this system as well.

Devices Without IMEI Registration or with Cloned IMEI

Phones brought from abroad must be registered to be used in Turkey. Otherwise, after 120 days, mobile network access will be blocked by Turkish operators. For this reason, a device bought abroad must be registered with a passport entry.

Devices with cloned IMEI numbers also pose a serious threat. Some malicious individuals copy a legal phone’s IMEI to another device for illegal activities. Therefore, it is crucial to make sure the phone you are purchasing has a unique and legitimate IMEI number.

The Role of IMEI in Device Security

The IMEI number is essential not just for legal registration but also for your security. If your phone is lost or stolen, it can be blocked from connecting to mobile networks using its IMEI. Additionally, some mobile security apps support remote access, locking, or data deletion through the IMEI number. That’s why it’s vital to write it down before you lose your phone.

Knowing Your IMEI Means Protecting Your Device

The IMEI number is your device’s identity card. Knowing this number protects you both legally and technically. Whether you're buying a new phone or facing issues with your current one, checking the IMEI is a crucial step for your security and user rights.

With inquiries through e-Devlet and BTK, you can gain clear information about your device’s status and protect yourself from potential fraud or technical issues. Remember, a phone’s appearance is not the only thing that matters—its digital identity matters too. And the first step to knowing that identity is knowing and correctly verifying its IMEI number.