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Have you misplaced your phone? Are you worried about loss or misuse of your personal data as a result? Now, you can block and trace your phone’s whereabouts using the central equipment identity register (CIER). Developed by Centre for Development of Telematics (CDoT), it has already been piloted in Maharashtra and Karnataka. The system will be launched pan-India on May 17, 2023.

How does it work?

It is mandatory to disclose a phone’s 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) while selling the device. All mobile networks, which have a list of such approved IMEIs, will be instantly alerted to action in case an unregistered number enters the system, or there is an attempt to modify the identity number.

The endeavour is already yielding fruit, or rather, phones. Recently, the Karnataka police retrieved and returned over 2,500 mobile phones to their users. Even Thane police leveraged this system to get back 711 mobile phones worth Rs 1.28 crores.

How to block your phone?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to blocking your lost phone:

File an FIR regarding your lost/stolen phone at the nearest police station, with your IMEI number and phone’s invoice.

Obtain a duplicate SIM from your telecom operator basis this report.

On CEIR’s portal, fill in all the requisite details, along with uploading a copy of FIR. Fill in the OTP you receive for submitting the form. You will receive a request ID, which will come in handy while tracking and unblocking your retrieved phone.

Within 24 hours of this process, your phone will be blocked.