GSMA Blacklist Check: How to Tell if a Phone Is Reported Stolen
If a phone has been reported stolen or lost, its IMEI goes on a global blacklist and carriers can refuse it on their networks. It can look and work perfectly until the moment it stops making calls. Checking that list before you hand over money takes seconds, and this is how it works.
Checking a phone against the blacklist
You need the device’s IMEI — the 15-digit number that identifies that specific handset. Ask the seller for it before anything else; dial *#06# on the phone itself if it is in front of you.
Kelpom returns the GSMA blacklist status in seconds, for Apple and Android alike. It is included in the Premium reports and available on its own from the Expert interface.
Two possible answers, and only one of them is safe:
Blacklisted means the carriers can bar it. No calls, no mobile data. It is not something a shop can unlock for you, and a device that reads clean today can be reported tomorrow — so check as close to the purchase as you can.
The rest of this article explains who runs that list, how a phone ends up on it, and what the IMEI actually is.
The GSMA, a worldwide organisation
As its name indicates, the GSM Association (GSMA for short) is an association of the world’s mobile operators, counting more than 750 members according to its 2019 Annual Report.
By affiliating the mobile industry’s actors, the GSMA represents its members interests on a global scale and promotes an auspicious environment for the development of their activities. As a worldwide organisation, the GSMA which is headquartered in London, is present on every single continent.
The IMEI Number
On top of its representation mission, the GSMA is also in charge of allocating TAC numbers (Type Allocation Code) used to identify device models. For instance, the TAC number 35266891 designates an iPhone 13 Pro (A2483) while 35839868 is for a Samsung Galaxy S1 5G (SM-G991B/DS).
This TAC number constitutes the first 8 digits of another number we are very familiar with at Kelpom: the IMEI number (International Mobile Equipment Identity). The IMEI is formed by the TAC, followed by a unique 6-digit serial number plus one last digit which is used for validation purposes with the Luhn Algorithm. Those 15 digits uniquely identify any cellular device in the world, no matter what the brand is.
It is important to note that the IMEI number is only used for devices that can connect to cellular networks. As such, an iPad WiFi + Cellular will have an IMEI whereas the same model of iPad but WiFi only won’t. On the other hand, the IMEI is used not only for mobile phones but also 4G hotspots, automobile equipment as well as devices designed for IOT (Internet Of Things) or M2M (Machine To Machine) applications. Interestingly, a “Dual SIM” cell phone will be equiped with two distinct IMEIs.
Tip: You can get your phone’s IMEI number simply by dialing the following code on your keypad: *#06#
The IMEI, being a unique identifier for each and every device, makes it possible to create a database storing stolen and lost handsets. That’s exactly what the GSMA did. We’re obvisously talking about the infamous “Blacklist” which is under the GSMA’s management. That database allows mobile operators who are part of the association to access its information and block stolen devices from being used on their network. The end goal is to combat theft, fraud or any other criminal activities involving stolen devices.
The process to register a phone on the blacklist depends first and foremost on the end user and his mobile operator: the customer has to alert his carrier which in turn is in charge of instructing the GSMA to add the IMEI to the database. Unfortunately, as mentioned on the GSMA’s own website, not every operator uses the information made available in the database which is arguably a weakspot for this system.
It is worth noting that police authorities don’t play any role in the registration of stolen devices in the GSMA’s database. In case of theft or loss it is imperative to file a complaint with BOTH the carrier and the police. The IMEI number is required in both cases. Also, if your handset is insured, the IMEI will be asked by the insurance company as well.
For these reasons, it is important to make sure that you can retrieve the IMEI in case something bad happens to your phone. If you have activated Find My iPhone (or Find My Device for Android phones) you can easily access your IMEI through Apple’s iCloud.com or Google’s website. Kelpom also provides a free service that allows you to register your devices’ IMEI and Serial Numbers.
Conclusion
The GSMA is not a household name — its job is representing mobile operators, not consumers. But the database it runs is one of the few tools a second-hand buyer has, and it costs nothing to consult before parting with money.
One caveat worth keeping in mind: the blacklist only knows what carriers have told it. A clean result means nothing has been reported yet, which is why it is worth checking as late in the negotiation as you can, and why it is worth pairing with the other checks a stolen or locked device can fail.