If you recently bought a mobile phone from the market, ordered from abroad, or received a device as a gift, the first thing you MUST do is check its IMEI number and verify the PTA tax. In 2025, Pakistan’s PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) has made IMEI verification mandatory to ensure your mobile is legal, original, and registered for use on all networks like Jazz, Zong, Telenor, and Ufone.
This guide will explain everything step-by-step:
✔ What is IMEI?
✔ How to check your IMEI number
✔ How to verify PTA status
✔ How to check PTA tax on your mobile
✔ How to calculate PTA tax
✔ Why IMEI verification is important
Let’s begin.
What is an IMEI Number?
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit code assigned to every mobile phone. It confirms your device’s identity worldwide and helps check if your phone is original or duplicate, stolen, blocked, or PTA approved.
If the IMEI is not registered with PTA, your phone will stop working on mobile networks in Pakistan.
How to Check Your Mobile IMEI Number
✔ Method 1: Dial the Code
Go to your phone dialer and enter:
*➡️ #06#
Your IMEI will appear instantly on the screen.
This works on:
✔ Android
✔ iPhone
✔ Samsung
✔ Huawei
✔ Xiaomi
✔ Vivo
✔ Oppo
✔ Method 2: From Phone Settings
For Android:
Settings → About Phone → Status → IMEI Information
For iPhone:
Settings → General → About → Scroll down to IMEI
✔ Method 3: On the Box of Your Mobile
Every mobile box has an IMEI sticker.
If your box has two IMEIs, it means your phone is dual SIM.
✔ Method 4: On SIM Tray (iPhone Only)
Apple engraves the IMEI number on the SIM tray of some iPhone models.
How to Verify PTA Approval Status
Once you have your IMEI, check if PTA has approved your device.
✔ Method 1: SMS to 8484
Send your IMEI to:
➡️ SMS: Write IMEI → Send to 8484
You will receive a reply:
- PTA Approved
- PTA Non-Approved
- Blocked
- Stolen
- GSMA Valid
- Clone/Replica
✔ Method 2: Check Online (DIRBS)
Go to:
PTA Device Verification System
(Just search “PTA IMEI Check” on Google)
Enter your IMEI → Click Verify.
✔ Method 3: PTA Mobile App
Download:
📱 DVS – Device Verification System
Available on Android only.
Enter IMEI → Tap Check.
How to Check PTA Tax on Your Mobile (2025 Updated)
If your phone is non-PTA approved, you must pay tax to register it.
✔ Method 1: PTA Tax Check Through DIRBS Website
Search on Google → PTA Tax Calculator
Enter:
- IMEI
- Passport/CNIC
- Your mobile model
PTA will show your exact tax amount.
✔ Method 2: Through PTA Device Registration Portal
Search → “PTA Device Registration Portal”
Login with:
- CNIC
- Phone Number
- OTP
Enter your mobile IMEI → Your tax amount will appear.
✔ Method 3: Using WeBoc (For Overseas Pakistanis)
If you brought a phone from abroad, use WeBoc to generate a PSID for tax payment.
4️⃣ PTA Tax Rates in 2025 (Approx.)
These are approximate PTA tax ranges:
✔ For CNIC Holders (Local):
- Low-end phone: Rs 7,000 – 18,000
- Mid-range phone: Rs 25,000 – 45,000
- Flagship phones: Rs 60,000 – 150,000+
✔ For Passport Holders (Overseas):
Tax is LOWER:
- Rs 3,000 – 90,000 depending on model
Example:
- iPhone 11 → 47,000 tax
- iPhone 12 → 69,000 tax
- iPhone 13 → 94,000 tax
- iPhone 14 → 115,000+
- iPhone 15 → 120,000+
5️⃣ Why IMEI & PTA Tax Check Is Important?
✔ Prevents your phone from getting blocked
✔ Ensures your device is original
✔ Protects you from buying stolen / fake phones
✔ Helps you avoid network problems
✔ Legal protection in case of theft
✔ Lets you register your phone easily
6️⃣ What to Do If Your Mobile Is Not PTA Approved?
You have 2 options:
✔ Option 1: Pay PTA Tax
Go to the PTA portal → Generate PSID → Pay through
- JazzCash
- EasyPaisa
- Online Banking
Your phone will be approved in 24–48 hours.
✔ Option 2: Use It on WiFi Only
You can still use:
✔ WhatsApp
✔ Facebook
✔ YouTube
But no SIM network will work.
7️⃣ What If Your IMEI Is Fake or Cloned?
If PTA shows:
❌ “GSMA Invalid”
❌ “Non-compliant”
❌ “Cloned/Replica”
Then your device is fake, and PTA will eventually block it.
This cannot be fixed.
Final Words
Checking your mobile’s IMEI and PTA tax is extremely important in Pakistan, especially in 2025 when rules have become more strict. You should always verify the IMEI before buying a phone and check its PTA status to avoid problems later. This guide explained everything in detail so you can easily check:
✔ IMEI
✔ PTA approval
✔ PTA tax
✔ Device status
Also Read More: How to Check If Your Mobile Is PTA Approved or Not – Complete IMEI Verification Guide
