How to Check If Your Mobile Is PTA Approved or Not – Complete IMEI Verification Guide

In Pakistan, every mobile device must be PTA approved to work with local SIM cards. If your phone is not verified or its tax is unpaid, the device will become blocked by PTA after a few days of SIM usage. Buying a second-hand phone, importing a mobile from abroad, or using a gifted device makes IMEI verification even more important.
This complete 2025 guide explains every method to check if your mobile is PTA-approved, how to verify IMEI, and what to do if your device shows non-compliant or blocked status.

Why PTA Approval Is Important

PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) introduced the DIRBS system to stop the use of smuggled, fake, and illegal mobile phones.
If your device is not registered in the DIRBS system, it won’t work with any Pakistani network like:

• Jazz
• Zong
• Ufone
• Telenor

PTA verification protects you by ensuring:

• Your device is legal
• You won’t lose network access
• Your IMEI is safe from cloning
• You won’t fall victim to fraud when buying second-hand phones

Method 1: Check PTA Status by Sending IMEI to 8484 (Official SMS Method)

This is the most common and trusted method, and it works on all phones in Pakistan.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open your phone dialer
2. Dial *#06#
3. Your IMEI number will appear on the screen
4. Copy the IMEI
5. Open your SMS app
6. Type the IMEI
7. Send it to 8484
8. You will instantly get a reply from PTA showing the status

You may receive one of these messages:

1. “Your device is PTA compliant.”

✔ Your phone is fully approved
✔ You can use any SIM card
✔ Not required to pay tax

2. “This IMEI is valid but not registered.”

✔ Phone is original
❌ But tax must be paid
✔ Phone will work for 60 days if brought from abroad

3. “Non-compliant IMEI.”

❌ IMEI is cloned, fake, or tampered
❌ PTA will block the device
❌ Not allowed for registration

4. “GSMA valid but not approved.”

✔ Phone is genuine
❌ But must be registered with PTA

Method 2: Check Online via PTA DIRBS Website

PTA’s Device Verification System (DIRBS) provides the most accurate and detailed status.

Steps:

1. Open browser
2. Visit https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk
3. Click “Device Verification”
4. Enter your IMEI
5. Press the Check button

You will see:

• PTA compliance status
• GSMA validity
• Blocked or non-blocked status
• Registration date
• Tax payment status

This is the most detailed verification method.

Method 3: Check PTA Approval Using PTA Mobile App

PTA also provides an official app for easier verification.

Steps:

1. Go to Play Store / App Store
2. Search for “PTA DIRBS”
3. Install the app
4. Open the app
5. Enter your IMEI
6. View your device status

The app gives instant PTA approval results.

Method 4: Check PTA IMEI Status & Tax via PSID Code

If your device shows “valid but not registered”, you must register it.

To generate PSID for tax payment:

1. Dial *8484#
2. Select “Mobile Registration”
3. Choose foreigner/Pakistani
4. Enter your passport or CNIC
5. Enter IMEI
6. You will receive a PSID code
7. Pay the tax via bank, ATM, JazzCash, EasyPaisa

After payment, check the status again on 8484.

Common PTA Messages & Their Meaning

✔ 1. Compliant

Your phone is fully approved and safe to use.

❗ 2. Valid but not registered

Tax must be paid or device must be registered.

❌ 3. Non-compliant

IMEI is illegal or cloned — cannot be registered.

🔓 4. Blocked

Phone is already blocked by PTA; SIM will not work.

Important Tips Before Buying a Second-hand Mobile

• Always dial *#06# and check IMEI on 8484
• Compare box IMEI with phone IMEI — they MUST match
• Do not buy a phone with “valid but not registered” status unless seller reduces price
• Avoid phones showing “non-compliant” or “blocked” status
• Ask for purchase slip or proof

These steps save you from scams.

Why Phones Imported From Abroad Need PTA Approval

If someone brings a mobile from UAE, USA, UK, or Saudi Arabia, PTA gives 60 days free usage.
After that, you must pay tax to keep the device active on Pakistani networks.
Checking IMEI early helps you avoid sudden network blocking.

Conclusion

Checking whether your mobile is PTA approved or not is essential in 2025. PTA’s IMEI verification, SMS 8484 service, and DIRBS website make the process simple. Always verify IMEI before buying a new or used phone and pay the required PTA tax if your device shows “valid but not registered.”
With these methods, you can easily protect your mobile, avoid scams, and ensure your device stays active on all Pakistani networks.

Also Read More: How to Check All SIMs Registered on Your CNIC in Pakistan – Complete Guide