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IMEI blocking in Latin America: how to block a stolen phone
How to block a stolen phone by IMEI in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Colombia: official channels, checking a used phone and what changed in 2026.
When a phone is stolen, blocking its IMEI (the 15-digit device ID) stops it from connecting to mobile networks, and blocklists are shared across carriers in many countries. Find yours by dialing *#06#; dual-SIM phones have two.
Brazil
Per Anatel: file a police report asking for the IMEI block, call your carrier, use the Justice Ministry's Celular Seguro app (which also suspends partner banking apps and the line), and use Apple/Google tools. Blocked IMEIs enter the CEMI database and show up on the Celular Legal lookup.
Mexico, Argentina and Colombia
| Country | Report and block | Check an IMEI |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | Carrier must block the device and suspend service | Regulator's IMEI tool (per IFT guide: from Mexico only, 2 lookups/day) |
| Argentina | Carrier or *910 | enacom.gob.ar/imei |
| Colombia | Carrier; IMEI goes to the negative database | Police advise checking before buying |
Mexico's IFT guide says its database is updated daily with reports from 150+ carriers, including 38 in 15 Latin American countries, and blocks extend to foreign networks. Since January 9, 2026, every Mexican mobile line must be linked to a person, under rules the CRT approved in December 2025 (Xataka). In Colombia, the CRC stated on June 30, 2026 that the “administrative theft” category cannot be used to block financed phones over late payments (CRC).
Buying used? Check first
- Compare *#06# with the box and invoice.
- Run the IMEI through the official lookup.
- Make sure it isn't locked to someone else's Apple or Google account.
Read next
المصدر
- Anatel — Celular Legal: perguntas frequentes
- IFT México — Las 10 del IMEI
- Xataka México — registro de líneas 2026 (CRT)
- Argentina.gob.ar — bloqueo de celulares robados
- CRC Colombia — concepto sobre hurto administrativo (30/06/2026)
- Noticias RCN — cifras de robo de celulares (Asomóvil, 2022)