One of the many tools we use to keep the Swappa community safe is our free IMEI check. Although IMEI checks are just one piece of the listing review process, they are important, which is why Swappa’s free IMEI check is available to staff and to the public. And, rather than restricting our IMEI check to devices bought and sold on Swappa, it is freely available so anyone can check the status of a device they’re looking to buy or sell, and make sure it hasn’t been reported stolen or placed on a blocklist.
This article covers IMEI numbers, why they’re important, and how Swappa’s IMEI checker keeps you safe.
What is an IMEI and why should I care?
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. The IMEI is a 15-digit number used to uniquely identify every cellular-enabled device. Since no two devices share the same IMEI, this number can be used to track or flag a particular phone for whatever reason. If a phone is reported lost or stolen, its IMEI will be added to a global blocklist database. ESN and MEID are similar unique identifiers that are used primarily with CDMA devices.
Read more: IMEI numbers, ESNs, and why they’re important
How do I find my IMEI number?
It is quick and easy to find the IMEI number.
- iPhone IMEI numbers can be found by going to Settings > General > About
- Android IMEI numbers can be found by going to Settings > About Phone > Status
Read more: How to find your phone’s IMEI number
Swappa’s IMEI Checker
Swappa’s ESN Checker takes a smartphone’s IMEI, ESN, or MEID number and checks it against a database of blocklisted devices. This helps verify device authenticity and makes sure that the phone or tablet in question hasn’t been reported lost or stolen. Similar services typically charge a fee on a per-check basis. But unlike those other sites, Swappa makes our IMEI check service available free of charge to private buyers and sellers by giving you 10 free IMEI checks every 24 hours. Paid checks are also available to commercial sellers who require more than 10 per day.
Swappa’s IMEI Checker features
Swappa’s free IMEI checker is nothing new. In fact, we recently passed our 10 millionth GSMA check. Our IMEI check lets you know if a device is on the allowlist, or on the blocklist, along with much more. For example, you can also get details about the phone and what it’s worth.
- GSMA Integration: Check the IMEI against the GSMA device registry and find out instantly if the device is on the allowlist or blocklist.
- Product Matching: Quickly match the IMEI number to the device type.
- Product Pricing: The product pricing information helps sellers get an idea of what to charge, and also means buyers can purchase with confidence knowing they are paying a fair price.
- History & Tagging: Larger sellers, and those who check more IMEI numbers can use the history and tagging functionally to make notes for easy reference.
Swappa was founded in 2010, and since then it has been our mission to improve the way people buy and sell used tech. A large part of this comes down to safety. Sites like eBay and Craigslist often feel like the Wild West since you never know what to expect. In contrast, Swappa is a human-powered marketplace. Our dedicated support team goes to great lengths to keep scams and junk devices out, and our Free IMEI Check helps us accomplish this.
Tap the button below to get started with our IMEI checker. And while you’re at it, consider buying and selling on Swappa. Swappa cuts out the middleman so buyers pay less and sellers make more. And since we help keep you safe while buying and selling, why wouldn’t you choose Swappa?
