Last Updated: December 3, 2025

How to Check if Your Phone Is PTA Approved Through DRBS and SMS 8484 in Pakistan

Mobile fraud and non-registered phones have increased in Pakistan, especially in the second-hand market. Many people unknowingly buy phones with changed IMEIs, unregistered IMEIs, or PTA-blocked devices. This leads to issues such as network blockage, loss of WhatsApp access, and complete disconnection after a few days.

To stay safe, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) provides multiple official methods to verify whether a phone is legally approved in Pakistan. The two most accurate methods are:

• DRBS (DIRBS) Online Verification
• SMS 8484 IMEI Checking

This complete guide explains both methods and how to avoid buying fake or illegal devices.

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1. What Is PTA Approval?

PTA approval means the device’s IMEI is registered in Pakistan and is allowed to use local SIM networks (Jazz, Zong, Telenor, Ufone). A non-approved phone may work for a few days but eventually gets blocked by PTA systems.

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2. How to Check PTA Approval Using DRBS (DIRBS) Online

PTA provides an official portal called DIRBS (Device Identification, Registration & Blocking System). This is the most accurate and updated method.

Steps to Check Through DRBS:

1. Dial *#06# on your phone to display your IMEI numbers.
2. Go to the official PTA verification website: https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk
3. Enter your IMEI in the search bar.
4. Press the verification button.

You Will See One of These Results:

• “Your IMEI is compliant” → Fully approved, safe to use.
• “Your IMEI is non-compliant but active” → Will work only on the SIMs already used; may stop later.
• “Your IMEI is blocked” → Do NOT buy; phone is illegal or cloned.
• “GSMA approved but pending registration” → A foreign device that must be registered.

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3. How to Check PTA Approval via SMS 8484

PTA allows IMEI checking using a simple SMS.

Steps:

1. Open the messaging app on any phone.
2. Type your IMEI number.
3. Send it to 8484.
4. You will receive a detailed response within a few seconds.

Typical SMS Responses:

• “IMEI is compliant” → PTA approved.
• “Non-compliant” → May be blocked anytime.
• “Blocked” → Illegal/fake device.
• “Stolen/Blacklisted” → Avoid at all cost.

Important: SMS 8484 is not free; standard SMS charges apply.

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4. How to Check Dual SIM Phones (IMEI 1 & IMEI 2)

Every dual SIM phone has two IMEI numbers. You must check both:

• If IMEI 1 is approved but IMEI 2 is not, the phone will still face issues.
• Some scammers register only one IMEI to sell illegally imported devices.

So always verify both IMEIs via DRBS and SMS 8484.

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5. Warning Signs of an Illegal or IMEI-Changed Phone

• Very low price compared to market.
• IMEIs on the phone and the box do not match.
• The shopkeeper avoids letting you check IMEI online.
• The shop has multiple units of the same model with no box.
• WhatsApp gets blocked repeatedly after a few days.
• The phone shows signs of being opened (refurbished).

If you see any of these signs, walk away immediately.

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6. Why Some Phones Get Blocked After 3–7 Days

PTA systems first allow temporary usage, then perform deeper verification. Illegal phones often face:

• Network Block – No SIM works.
• WhatsApp Block – Suspicious IMEI triggers multiple bans.
• Non-stop issues – Call drops, mobile data failure, or fingerprint mismatch.

These are clear signs of altered or duplicated IMEIs.

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7. Safe Tips Before Buying a Used Phone in Pakistan

• Always check IMEI using both DRBS and SMS 8484.
• Buy only from trusted sellers or buy brand-new.
• Ensure IMEI numbers on the box, SIM tray, and software match.
• Check battery health, speakers, mic, camera, and physical condition.
• Check for signs of opening (gap between frame and display).
• Check WhatsApp stability: illegal phones get banned quickly.
• Avoid shops with “too many same-model phones”—they often deal in refurbished imports.

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Conclusion

Checking PTA approval through DRBS and SMS 8484 is the safest way to avoid buying illegal or blocked phones in Pakistan. A few minutes of verification can save you from massive losses, frauds, and mobile service bans. Always verify both IMEIs and buy only from trusted places or go for new phones whenever possible.

If everyone follows these steps, mobile fraud will reduce significantly, and buyers will stay protected at all times.

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