PTA Approved Check: How to Check Any Phone by IMEI (8484)
You can check whether any mobile phone is PTA approved in less than a minute by sending its 15-digit IMEI number to 8484. The reply tells you if the phone is registered, needs registration, or will be blocked. This check is a must before you buy a used or imported phone in Pakistan. Below are all the official ways to check, what each reply means and what to do next.
PK Portals is an independent information site and is not linked to PTA. The steps below follow PTA’s official DIRBS guidance.
Step 1: Find the IMEI number of the phone
- Dial *#06# on the phone. The IMEI number(s) appear on the screen.
- Or open Settings > About phone (on iPhone: Settings > General > About).
- Or look at the sticker on the phone’s box.
- Dual-SIM and eSIM phones have two IMEIs. Check both.
When buying a used phone, make sure the IMEI on the screen matches the IMEI printed on the box.
Step 2: Check the IMEI with PTA
| Method | How to do it |
|---|---|
| SMS | Type the 15-digit IMEI and send it to 8484 from any Pakistani SIM |
| Website | Open PTA’s device verification page at dvs.pta.gov.pk (also linked from dirbs.pta.gov.pk) and enter the IMEI |
| Mobile app | Use PTA’s official DVS / DIRBS app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store |
What the PTA reply means
| Reply | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Compliant | The phone is PTA approved and registered | Nothing. The phone will work with any Pakistani SIM |
| Valid / GSMA valid | The IMEI is genuine but not yet registered with PTA | Register it and pay the PTA tax within 60 days of first use on a Pakistani network |
| Non-compliant | The IMEI is not a valid GSMA IMEI (often a copy or tampered phone) | Do not buy it. It is blocked one day after first use and cannot be registered |
| Stolen | The phone has been reported stolen, lost or misused | Do not buy it. It is blocked on all Pakistani networks |
| Fraudulent activity | The IMEI was flagged for fraud | It will be blocked on the stated date unless justification is submitted through PTA’s complaint portal |
If the phone needs registration, follow our guide on how to register a phone with PTA, and see the PTA tax on mobile phones to know the cost.
Dual-SIM phones: check both IMEIs
PTA requires every IMEI in a phone to be registered, including the eSIM IMEI. If only one SIM slot shows as compliant and the other does not, you can file a complaint on PTA’s complaint management system (CMS) in the “One Slot Compliant / One Non-compliant” category. The manufacturer then verifies the second IMEI.
Checklist before buying a used phone
- Dial *#06# and match the IMEI with the box.
- Send each IMEI to 8484 and make sure the reply says compliant.
- Insert your own SIM and make a test call to confirm the network works.
- Ask for the box and purchase receipt, and avoid sellers who refuse to show the IMEI.
- Never buy a phone whose reply says stolen or non-compliant, whatever the price.
Related guides
- PTA tax on mobile phones 2026-27
- How to register a phone with PTA (DIRBS)
- SIM check by CNIC
- All Mobile & Tech guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check if my phone is PTA approved?
Dial *#06# to see the IMEI, then send the 15-digit IMEI to 8484. A “compliant” reply means the phone is PTA approved.
What does “valid” mean in the 8484 reply?
It means the IMEI is genuine but the phone is not registered with PTA yet. It must be registered and the PTA tax paid within 60 days of first use, or it will be blocked.
Can I check PTA status online?
Yes. Enter the IMEI on PTA’s device verification website (dvs.pta.gov.pk) or in PTA’s official DVS / DIRBS app.
Why does only one SIM work in my phone?
Your phone may have one registered IMEI and one unregistered IMEI. Check both IMEIs with 8484 and file a complaint on PTA’s CMS if one slot is non-compliant.
Can a non-compliant phone be registered?
No. A non-compliant IMEI is not GSMA standard and cannot be registered. It is blocked after its first day of use on a Pakistani network.
Source: PTA DIRBS official FAQs.
