Guides & JournalHow to Check if a Mobile Is PTA Approved
To check if a mobile is PTA approved, dial *#06# to see its IMEI number, then send that IMEI by SMS to 8484 or enter it on the PTA's DIRBS website. The reply tells you whether the phone is registered (compliant), unregistered, or blocked. It is free, takes under a minute, and it is the single most important check before buying a used mobile in Pakistan — do it before you pay, not after. This guide shows each step, what the replies mean, and what to do with a dual-SIM phone.
1. Find the phone's IMEI number
The IMEI is a 15-digit number that identifies the phone. Every phone has one, and dual-SIM phones have two.
- Dial *#06# on the phone's keypad — the IMEI appears on screen.
- Or look in Settings → About phone (Android) or Settings → General → About (iPhone).
- Compare it with the sticker on the box. It should match exactly.
💡 Worth knowing
Buying from someone far away? Ask them to send the IMEI first so you can check PTA status before you travel or pay.
2. Method 1: send the IMEI by SMS to 8484
Open your messages, type the 15-digit IMEI number, and send it to 8484 from any Pakistani mobile number. You get a reply within a few seconds telling you the status of that IMEI.
On a dual-SIM phone, check both IMEI numbers. A phone is only fully usable if the IMEI of the slot you use is registered.
3. Method 2: check on the DIRBS website
The PTA's Device Verification System is available online at dirbs.pta.gov.pk. Enter the IMEI to see its status.
Use the official PTA website or app only. Ignore third-party sites that ask you to pay or install something to "check PTA".
4. What the reply means
The wording can vary a little, but these are the outcomes you will see and what they mean for a buyer.
| Reply | What it means | Should you buy? |
|---|---|---|
| Compliant / PTA approved | Registered — works with any Pakistani SIM | Yes, go on to check condition |
| Valid but not registered (non-compliant) | Genuine device, not registered in Pakistan | Only if you want a Wi-Fi-only phone and the price reflects it |
| Blocked | Blocked from Pakistani networks (e.g. reported lost or stolen, or unregistered) | No |
| Invalid IMEI | Not a recognised IMEI — possibly altered or fake | No |
5. Approved but still suspicious? Check the IMEI match
A "patch approved" phone can show as compliant because its IMEI was changed to copy a registered phone's IMEI. So a compliant reply is not the end of the check.
Make sure the IMEI you checked came from dialling *#06# on the phone itself, and that it matches the box. If the box is missing, ask why. If the phone model shown for the IMEI does not match the phone in your hand, walk away. Our guide PTA Approved vs Non PTA explains patched and JV phones.
⚠️ Careful here
Never rely on a screenshot of a PTA check sent by the seller. Screenshots are easy to fake — send the SMS yourself.
6. How to check PTA tax on a non PTA phone
If you are thinking about buying a genuine non PTA phone and registering it, the PTA's DIRBS website is also where registration starts. The tax depends on the phone model and your circumstances and changes from time to time, so check the current amount on the official website before you agree a price — and remember that patched or JV phones cannot be registered this way.
7. After the PTA check
Once the status is confirmed, check the rest of the phone: How to Check a Used Mobile Before Buying covers the screen, cameras, battery and accounts, and How to Check a Used iPhone Before Buying adds iCloud lock and battery health for iPhones.
Shopping online? On dapxop, sellers state the condition of every item, and any advance is paid to dapxop and checked before the order goes to the seller. See the complete guide to buying used electronics for everything else.
Shop small sellers across Pakistan with the condition stated on every listing.
Browse dapxop →Explore on dapxop
Frequently asked
How do I check if my phone is PTA approved?
Dial *#06# to get the IMEI, then send the IMEI by SMS to 8484 or enter it on the PTA's DIRBS website. The reply shows whether the phone is registered, unregistered or blocked.
What is the PTA approved check code?
The code to find your IMEI is *#06#. To check PTA status, send that IMEI number as an SMS to 8484.
Can I check PTA status online by IMEI number?
Yes. Enter the IMEI on the PTA's official Device Verification System at dirbs.pta.gov.pk.
Do I need to check both IMEI numbers?
Yes, on a dual-SIM phone check both. Each SIM slot has its own IMEI, and the one you use must be registered.
Can a patch approved phone show as PTA approved?
Yes. Because a patched phone copies the IMEI of a registered phone, it can show as approved. Always check the IMEI on the phone itself matches the box and the model.
Is the PTA check free?
Checking by SMS to 8484 or on the PTA's official website is free apart from normal SMS charges. Avoid third-party services that ask for payment.