Can a blacklisted phone on CEIR be unblocked?

Only the original registered owner who filed the initial complaint can unblock an IMEI through the CEIR portal by submitting proof of recovery and police verification.

Is it illegal to buy a stolen phone in India even if I didn't know?

Under Indian law (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita), possessing stolen property can lead to police inquiries, device seizure without compensation, and legal complications even if bought unknowingly.

Can I check an iPhone's CEIR status using the SIM slot IMEI?

Always check the digital IMEI dialed via *#06# on screen. Hardware parts like SIM trays can be easily swapped from other devices.

Does Handovr verify both IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 for dual-SIM phones?

Yes. Dual-SIM smartphones possess two unique IMEIs. Handovr validates both numbers through CEIR to ensure neither slot is blacklisted.

How to Check if a Used Phone is Stolen Before Buying (CEIR Check Guide)

What is CEIR and Why is It Critical in India?

The Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) is a centralized database maintained by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. CEIR connects all major telecom service providers (Jio, Airtel, Vodafone Idea, BSNL) and law enforcement agencies across the country.

When an individual files an FIR for a lost or stolen mobile phone, the device IMEI is submitted to CEIR. Once blacklisted, the device is permanently blocked from registering on any cellular network in India. If you unknowingly purchase a blacklisted phone, it will become a useless offline Wi-Fi device within days—and you may face police questioning for possessing stolen property.

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Step-by-Step: How to Perform a CEIR Check

Step 1: Retrieve the Actual Hardware IMEI

Never rely on the IMEI printed on a bill, sticker, or retail box, as boxes can be easily swapped or forged. Open the Phone app on the device and dial:

*#06#

A system popup will display the device's 15-digit IMEI 1 and IMEI 2. Write down both numbers.

Step 2: Access the Official Government Portal

Open your mobile or desktop browser and navigate to the official portal at ceir.gov.in. Look for the "Know Your Mobile (KYM)" service tab. Alternatively, you can download the official "KYM - Know Your Mobile" app developed by C-DOT from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Step 3: Enter the 15-Digit IMEI

Input the 15-digit IMEI and complete the mobile OTP verification. The system will return a real-time status report.

Understanding CEIR Status Results

Status Message	Meaning	Action Required
Valid	IMEI is genuine and cleared by DoT. Not reported stolen.	Safe to proceed with purchase.
Blacklisted / Blocked	Device reported lost/stolen or flagged in police FIR.	Do NOT buy. Immediate legal liability.
Duplicate / Invalid	Counterfeit hardware or cloned IMEI number.	Reject device immediately.

How Handovr Eliminates Stolen Phone Risk

At Handovr, manual CEIR checking is mandatory step #1 of our 16-point physical verification protocol. Our technicians query both IMEIs against central government registers before approving any device for pickup. Buy verified clean second-hand smartphones with guaranteed CEIR clearance on Handovr.