If your mobile phone has been lost or stolen please contact your mobile service provider to block your IMEI number.
Unsure about the status of your handset? Use the IMEI lookup tool here to check if an IMEI is block listed.
What is block listing?
Block Listing works by blocking your phone’s unique identifier (IMEI number). When a phone is block listed because it has been lost or stolen, it cannot make or receive calls or use data.
Once a phone is blocked on a mobile network, it is blocked on all networks in New Zealand.
What is an IMEI number?
Every mobile phone or device with a built-in phone or modem has a unique 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity, or IMEI number. The IMEI is only used for identifying the device.
Note: Dual SIM devices will have two IMEI numbers.
What is an EID number?
EID stands for “Embedded Identity Document”. It is the built-in SIM card identifier for a mobile device. This is a new format of SIM card that allow you to use the services of a mobile operator without the need for a physical SIM card. These embedded SIM cards are called eSIM.
Note:
- Not all carriers support eSIM.
- You do not need your EID to block list your handset.
How do I find my IMEI number?
To obtain your IMEI number, enter *#06# on your mobile phone. The IMEI number can also be found on the original packaging or on the battery of your device.
What is an IMEI block?
Using your phone’s unique identifying number, you can ensure your lost or stolen phone cannot be used on any network in New Zealand by requesting to block list it through your mobile phone service provider.
How do I check if an IMEI number has been block listed?
Check an IMEI number against our block listed database by entering the device’s IMEI number here.
Results:
Red status: this IMEI number is currently block listed.
Green status: this IMEI number is not currently block listed.
What should I do if my phone is lost or stolen?
If you lose your phone or think it has been stolen, report it as soon as possible to your mobile phone service provider and they will block list it.
How do I report my phone lost or stolen?
Contact your mobile phone service provider to have your phone block listed.
How do I block list my phone if I do not know my IMEI number?
Contact your mobile phone service provider.
What do I do if my phone is block listed?
If the mobile phone you are using has become block listed, contact your mobile phone service provider. Proof of phone ownership and proof of the person who requested the block listing, may be required.
How do I unblock my phone?
Only the owner who reported the phone lost or stolen can request to remove an IMEI block. Proof of ownership may be required. Contact your mobile phone service provider.
What do I do if I find a lost phone?
If you find a phone, please hand it in at your local Police station.
How do I check if a second-hand phone is lost or stolen?
If you are buying a second-hand mobile phone, check the status of the handset using the IMEI lookup tool.
What if the phone I bought second-hand was working, but is now block listed?
Stolen phones may be block listed up to 30 days after the event. Phones used in fraudulent activity may be block listed up to 120 days after the event as this activity may take longer to detect.
If the phone you are using has been block listed, first contact the seller. If you bought the device online and the seller cannot be contacted or is uncooperative report the matter to the online marketplace directly (for example TradeMe or eBay).
You can also file a complaint with the New Zealand Police.
Only the owner who reported the phone lost or stolen can request to remove an IMEI block. If the seller was not responsible for block listing the phone, contact your mobile phone service provider.
I lost my phone while travelling overseas, what can I do?
Handset IMEI blocking only applies to New Zealand and users must be connected to a service provider at the time of loss/theft. If you are travelling overseas and your phone is lost or stolen, New Zealand network operators cannot block it.