How to Check PTA Approval of Any Phone in Pakistan [Step-by-Step]

If you want to know How to Check PTA Approval of Any Phone in Pakistan [Step-by-Step], the shortest route is: get the phone’s IMEI (dial *#06#), then either send that IMEI via SMS to 8484 or paste it into the official DIRBS/PTA Device Verification System portal at dirbs.pta.gov.pk. Those are the official, government-backed ways to verify a device’s legal status on Pakistan networks. DIRBS+1

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Why checking PTA approval matters

Pakistan uses the Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) to prevent use of smuggled, unregistered, or stolen mobile devices on local networks. Using a phone that isn’t PTA-approved may result in service interruption, unexpected tax/regulatory bills, or the device being blocked from mobile networks. Checking before you buy or use a phone avoids headaches and extra expense. Federal Board of Revenue+1

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What is an IMEI and where to find it

An IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit code unique to each mobile device (each SIM slot has its own IMEI on dual-SIM phones). Get it by:

• Dialing *#06# — IMEI appears instantly on screen. Tax Calculator Pakistan 2025-2026.
• Checking the phone box or printed sticker under the battery / inside SIM tray.
• Settings → About phone → Status → IMEI.

Record both IMEIs for dual-SIM phones and always verify each one separately.

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Official methods to check PTA approval (summary)

The PTA/DIRBS offers multiple verified ways to check IMEI status:

1. SMS — send IMEI to 8484 (fastest & simplest). DIRBS
2. DIRBS web portal / Device Verification System (DVS) — paste IMEI into the search box. DIRBS
3. DIRBS mobile app — available on Android (and instructions are on PTA site). Tax Calculator Pakistan 2025-2026.
4. *USSD / 8484# — for registration and some quick checks. Scribd
5. Operator customer service / PTA franchise — in-person support if you need help. Scribd

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Method 1 — SMS to 8484 (step-by-step)

1. Open your Messaging app.
2. Type or paste the full 15-digit IMEI (for dual SIM, send each IMEI separately).
3. Send the message to 8484.
4. Within seconds you’ll receive a reply from PTA/DIRBS with the device status (Compliant / Non-Compliant / Blocked / GSMA Valid). DIRBS+1

Notes: SMS check is typically instantaneous and works even if you don’t have internet access.

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Method 2 — DIRBS DVS web portal (step-by-step)

1. Open a browser and go to the official portal: https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/. DIRBS
2. Find the IMEI/Device Verification (DVS) search box on the homepage.
3. Enter the 15-digit IMEI and click Check.
4. Read the result; the portal will show compliance status and sometimes the device model or GSMA validity. DIRBS+1

Tip: The portal is authoritative — screenshots or copied messages from third-party sites may be outdated. Use the portal for final verification.

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How to read DIRBS/PTA results (what they mean)

• Compliant / Registered / PTA Approved: device is allowed and registered for use in Pakistan. Tax Calculator Pakistan 2025-2026.
• Non-Compliant / Not Registered: the device is not registered and may need tax payment / regularization. Tax Calculation
• Blocked: device has been blocked (often stolen, blacklisted, or involved in fraud); it cannot use local SIMs. Federal Board of Revenue
• GSMA Valid / GSMA Valid (model): IMEI is valid per GSMA and the IMEI is recognized, but it does not necessarily mean PTA registration/regularization is complete — always check the final “Compliant” wording on DIRBS. Reddit+1

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Method 3 — PTA / DIRBS mobile app

• Download the official DIRBS mobile app (linkable from PTA site) and use its IMEI checker. The app duplicates the portal features and is handy when buying in market stalls. Tax Calculator Pakistan 2025-2026.+1

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*Method 4 — USSD / 8484#

• Dial *8484# (or follow the USSD menu indicated by DIRBS) to perform limited checks and begin registration flows if supported. USSD may also let travellers register devices directly from their phone. Scribd

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Method 5 — In-person: operator service centres / PTA franchises

• If you get confusing results or need to submit documents, visit a mobile operator customer service centre or PTA franchise/CSC. Staff can assist with registration, printouts, and acceptance of payments.

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If your phone is Non-Compliant: how to get it approved

1. Identify why: DIRBS may show why (tax due, unregistered import, or mismatch). Tax Calculation
2. Travellers: If you brought the phone in while travelling, you typically must register it with the same passport/CNIC used on arrival. There’s usually a 60-day window for many traveller registrations — check DIRBS instructions for exact timelines. Tax Calculator Pakistan 2025-2026.
3. Pay applicable tax/levy: the DIRBS portal will show the payable amount and online payment options (bank, e-wallet, ATM, or designated channels). After payment, PTA updates status (often within 24–48 hours). Raabty+1
4. If blocked for theft: you’ll need documentation (proof of purchase, police FIR) and PTA/operator guidance — blocked devices are typically not easily reinstated.

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How to check IMEI validity / detect tampering

• Confirm the IMEI shown in settings matches the one on the box and the one you retrieved using *#06#. Mismatches can indicate swapped motherboards or cloned IMEIs. DIRBS will sometimes flag tampered IMEIs as invalid. For used phones, insist on original invoice and seller identity. Tax Calculator Pakistan 2025-2026.

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Safety checklist when buying a used phone

• Always check IMEI via 8484 or dirbs.pta.gov.pk before paying. DIRBS+1
• Ask for original receipt/invoice and seller CNIC copy.
• Power on the device, insert your own SIM, and confirm voice/data connectivity.
• Avoid deals that insist on “IMEI will be changed later” — that’s illegal and risky.

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Common DIRBS/PTA messages and what to do

• “Compliant / PTA Approved” — safe to buy/use. Tax Calculator Pakistan 2025-2026.
• “Non-Compliant” — check tax/registration steps on portal and pay if required. Tax Calculation
• “Blocked” — contact seller, request refund, or walk away. Contact PTA/helpline (0800-55055) if you suspect fraud. DIRBS

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Troubleshooting: conflicting information

If SMS says one thing and the portal another:

• Re-send IMEI to 8484 and re-check on the DIRBS portal (use the exact same IMEI). If conflict persists, contact PTA helpline or visit a franchise with proof of purchase. DIRBS+1

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What number do I send IMEI to for PTA check?
A1: Send the 15-digit IMEI in an SMS to 8484. This is the official short code used by PTA/DIRBS. DIRBS

Q2: Is the DIRBS website the official PTA portal?
A2: Yes — https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/ is the official Device Verification System maintained by PTA/DIRBS. Always use that for authoritative checks. DIRBS

Q3: How long after payment will my phone show “Compliant”?
A3: After paying required duty/tax via the DIRBS payment channels, status typically updates within 24–48 hours, though delays can happen. Raabty

Q4: I bought a used phone — can I register it?
A4: Yes, depending on the device history. If it’s non-compliant due to taxes, you can regularize by paying; if blocked for theft, registration will not be possible without resolving the block. Tax Calculation

Q5: Does “GSMA Valid” mean PTA-approved?
A5: Not necessarily. GSMA valid means the IMEI structure/model is recognized globally. For PTA approval you need the DIRBS/DVS status to show “Compliant” or “Registered.” Reddit+1

Q6: Can I check IMEI status without internet?
A6: Yes — use SMS to 8484 or USSD methods like *8484# where available. DIRBS+1

Q7: Who do I contact if DIRBS shows wrong info?
A7: Contact PTA helpline or visit a PTA franchise / your mobile operator’s customer service with proof of purchase. PTA helpline is listed on the DIRBS/PTA site. DIRBS

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Conclusion — quick checklist to carry when buying a phone

1. Dial *#06# and copy the 15-digit IMEI(s).
2. Send IMEI(s) to 8484 and/or check https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/. DIRBS+1
3. Confirm status is Compliant before paying or leaving with the phone.
4. Keep invoice and seller details for future proof.

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If you’d like, I can now generate 3 blog-ready images (photorealistic and/or flat UI illustrations) to go with this article — for example:

1. A clean infographic showing the three main verification methods (SMS 8484, DIRBS web, DIRBS app).
2. A mobile screenshot-style mock showing how to dial *#06# and where IMEI appears.
3. A friendly marketplace scene with a buyer verifying IMEI on the spot.