iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Find the Samsung phone’s IMEI, check whether it is flagged in the GSMA Block List, then ask the carrier you plan to use to verify activation eligibility. A green registry result is not a guarantee: records can take time to update, and a carrier may block a phone for reasons that do not appear in the shared list.
1. Find the Samsung phone’s IMEI
-
On the phone, open Settings > About phone. The IMEI is listed with the device information. Menu names can vary by Galaxy model and software version.
-
Where supported, open the Phone app and dial *#06# to display the IMEI. Samsung also identifies Samsung Members, carrier account records, the original packaging, and the bill of sale as possible places to find it. See Samsung Support’s IMEI instructions.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsSpecial offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
If the phone is unavailable, compare any IMEI you find on packaging or paperwork with the device when you can access it. Avoid posting the full number publicly; provide it only to the carrier or an official checking service through a private channel.
#1 Best Overall
Samsung Galaxy A16 4G LTE (128GB + 4GB) International Model SM-A165F/DS Factory Unlocked, 6.7", Dual SIM, 50MP Triple Camera (Case Bundle), Black- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
2. Check whether the IMEI is flagged
Enter the IMEI in an official lost-or-stolen status service where one is available. GSMA Device Check reports whether an identifier is on the GSMA Block List: its FAQ describes green as “The IMEI is not currently flagged on the GSMA Block List,” and red as flagged. The list is shared among participating operators; coverage and access depend on the service and operator arrangements. See the GSMA Device Check FAQ and GSMA Device Check service information.
A red result means the IMEI is flagged in that registry. It does not, by itself, establish who currently possesses the handset or settle ownership. A green result means only that the IMEI was not flagged there at the time of the check.
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
3. Ask the carrier you intend to use
Contact the intended carrier and ask it to check the IMEI for activation eligibility on your account and network. This is a separate check from the GSMA list: the carrier can review its own records and account conditions, and a clean registry result does not guarantee that it will activate the phone. GSMA’s terms say a carrier may block a device for billing issues even when the device is absent from the GSMA Block List. They also warn that another carrier may or may not permit its use. Read the GSMA Device Check Terms of Use.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11For a used phone, do this before paying and close to the purchase. A status can change after a lookup, and GSMA says a report or recovery may take up to 24 hours or longer to appear; that is a possible delay stated in its terms, not a guaranteed update schedule.
Rank #3
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
What the result does—and does not—tell you
| Check | What it can establish | What it cannot guarantee |
|---|---|---|
| GSMA Block List lookup | Whether the IMEI is currently flagged in the GSMA registry at the time checked. | That the phone is paid off, unlocked, compatible with your carrier, authentic, or permanently clear of future reports. |
| Intended carrier’s eligibility check | Whether that carrier can confirm activation eligibility using its relevant records and policies. | That every other carrier will accept the phone or that its status will never change. |
GSMA says listed IMEIs can correspond to devices reported lost, stolen, faulty, or otherwise unsuitable for network use. Participating operators use shared data to support blocking, but participation and national or carrier practices differ. A result from the GSMA list is therefore useful, not universal proof of a phone’s history or future network access.
If the phone is flagged or the checks disagree
Before buying
Pause the purchase if the IMEI is red or the result conflicts with the seller’s explanation. Ask the seller to resolve the issue with the provider before you pay; do not rely on a screenshot or a promise that the phone will work. GSMA directs consumers with a disputed result to the wireless provider, which can verify relevant account and recent device activity.
Rank #4
- AWESOME SCREEN. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES: Elevate your content no matter where you are with the 6.7" Super AMOLED display¹ of the Galaxy A37 5G. Enjoy massive detail and stunning clarity on the go
- LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Whether it’s family moments or important calls, stay powered without the wait with Galaxy A37 5G. Super Fast Charging 2.0² ensures you’re back up and running quickly
- NEVER MISS THE SHOT, EVEN IN LOW LIGHT: With effortless Nightography, you can capture clear high-quality photos and videos on your phone automatically without adjusting manual settings
- PRO SHOTS, NO PROBLEM: Capture every moment effortlessly on Galaxy A37 5G with the advanced triple-lens camera system featuring a 50MP HDR main camera and a studio-grade front camera
- MORE POWER. MORE AWESOME: Enjoy smooth performance on Galaxy A37 5G. From detailed graphics while gaming to quick app launches and effortless multitasking, the Exynos 1480 keeps everything running
After buying
Contact the seller or marketplace promptly about return options, and contact the carrier about the block. Do not try to change or bypass an IMEI block; follow the provider’s instructions.
Recommended Free Tools
If your own phone was stolen
Use Samsung Find or SmartThings Find to locate, lock, or erase the device if the phone and account meet the service prerequisites. Contact your carrier, which may be able to suspend service, and report the theft to local authorities. Samsung warns against going to a mapped location yourself. See Samsung’s guidance on finding and securing a Galaxy device.
Best Value
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
About U.S. checker availability
GSMA announced in 2017 that CTIA’s U.S. Stolen Phone Checker was powered by GSMA Device Check, and CTIA reported in 2018 that the service had checked one million devices since its May 2017 launch. Those are historical announcements, not confirmation that a public CTIA consumer checker is currently accessible. Use the intended carrier’s own support channel if you cannot access a consumer lookup. GSMA describes an international operator registry, but its coverage depends on participating operators and local practices.
When sharing an IMEI to resolve a problem, send it privately to the provider or official service rather than posting it publicly. For lookup disputes, GSMA’s consumer FAQ says to contact the wireless provider.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
