Losing a mobile phone can be a distressing experience, but the Indian government has come up with a solution to ease your worries. The Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) is an online portal designed to report and track lost or stolen mobile devices across the country. In this article, we will get into the CEIR portal’s objectives, benefits, and procedures to utilize its services effectively.
Central Equipment Identity Register Portal (ceir.gov.in):
The CEIR portal, short for Central Equipment Identity Register, serves as a digital interface to assist over 50 million mobile users in tracing their misplaced or stolen devices. It achieves this by using the unique International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number of the phone to blacklist it and discontinue its services. Once blacklisted, all network service providers will cease incoming/outgoing calls and other services. These services can be resumed when the device owner requests to unblock the IMEI number through the CEIR portal.
Regulated under the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India, the CEIR portal was launched with the aim of combating counterfeit mobile devices and addressing illegal practices in the mobile market.
Objectives of CEIR Portal:
The primary objective of the CEIR portal is to curb counterfeiting practices in the mobile phone market by facilitating the easy traceability of stolen or lost mobile phones. It achieves this by blocking the IMEI number of such devices, leading network operators to blacklist the specific device. This not only protects consumer interests but also reduces the likelihood of misuse through inserted SIM cards and mobile phones.
Key Features of ceir.gov.in Portal:
The ceir.gov.in Portal, developed by the Department of Telecommunications, offers numerous advantages:
- Enhanced Mobile Security: CEIR addresses mobile security concerns, including theft and related issues.
- Support from CEIR: The Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) system powers the KYM portal, providing robust functionality.
- Benefitting Millions: This initiative aims to serve approximately 5 crore mobile customers in Delhi and surrounding areas.
- IMEI Blocking: CEIR serves as a centralized database that enables the blocking of individual phones, even if their IMEI numbers have been copied.
- Interoperability: All network operators share blacklisted mobile devices through CEIR, ensuring that banned devices remain unusable across different networks, even with a changed SIM card.
- Collaboration: The system was developed in collaboration with Delhi Police and telecom service providers, further reinforcing mobile security.
Benefits of CEIR Portal:
The CEIR portal offers numerous benefits to mobile users:
- Effortless Blocking: Users can easily block their missing devices, whether due to negligence or theft, ensuring the security of their personal data.
- Preventing Misuse: Blocking the IMEI number of a lost or stolen device eliminates the risk of misuse, as all network services are restricted.
- Law Enforcement: While network services are halted, law enforcement agencies can still trace the phone, aiding in potential recovery.
CEIR Portal @ ceir.gov.in Portal:
| Scheme Name | ceir.gov.in Portal |
| Introduced By | Telecom minister Ravi Shankar Prasad |
| Department | Department of Telecommunications |
| Beneficiaries | People from all over India |
| Objective | To track the lost or stolen mobile Phones |
| Benefits | Reduction in the misuse of the mobile phones |
| Official Website | https://ceir.gov.in/ |
Understanding IMEI:
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity, a unique 15-digit code assigned to every GSM-based mobile device. GSM networks use this code to identify recognized devices. If your mobile device is lost or stolen, contacting authorities to block the IMEI number will render the device inoperative, even with a new SIM card until unblocked.
How to Find Your Phone’s IMEI Number:
Locating your phone’s IMEI number is crucial. Here’s how:
- Open your phone’s dialing keypad.
- Dial “*#06#.”
- Your device’s IMEI number will appear on the screen.
- Secure it for future reference.
IMEI Verification on CEIR Portal:
Ensuring the security of your mobile device begins with IMEI verification on the CEIR portal. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official CEIR portal https://ceir.gov.in/ online.
- Click on the “Applications” tab in the menu bar.
- Select “IMEI Verification” from the list.
- A new page will open. Enter your mobile number.
- Click on “Get OTP” to receive a one-time password.
Documents Required:
Before proceeding to block a lost or stolen phone on the CEIR portal, certain documents are essential:
- ID Proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Driving License, etc.)
- Copy of the registered First Information Report (FIR)
- Device purchase invoice
Registering on the CEIR Portal:
Initiating your CEIR journey involves registering on the official portal. Here’s how:
- Visit the CEIR https://ceir.gov.in/ website.
- Create an account by providing personal details.
- Verify your account with the received One Time Password (OTP).
Blocking a Lost Mobile Phone:
If your mobile phone is lost or stolen, it’s crucial to promptly block it through the CEIR portal. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official CEIR portal https://ceir.gov.in/ and click on “CEIR Services” in the menu bar.
- Select “Block Stolen/Lost Mobile” from the dropdown list.
- Tick the Self-Declaration checkbox if you agree and click “Submit.”
- An application/request ID will be generated for your reference.
- Device Information:
- Mobile Number
- IMEI Number
- Device Brand
- Device Model
- Mobile Purchase Invoice
- Lost Information:
- Place
- Date
- Select State / UT
- District
- Select Police Station
- Police Complaint Number
- Upload Police Complaint *
- Mobile Owner Personal Details:
- Owner Name
- Address
- Copy of ID Proof
- Mobile Number
- Email ID
Other Methods to Block IMEI:
Apart from the CEIR portal, you can also report the loss of your phone and block its IMEI through:
- Telecommunications Service Providers’ specified customer outlets.
- The concerned police station.
How CEIR Works:
In the unfortunate event of a lost or stolen phone, users can promptly report it to their mobile network operator or directly through the CEIR portal. By furnishing the phone’s IMEI number (found on packaging, bill, or by dialing *#06#), it is registered on the CEIR database.
After reporting, any attempt to use the phone with a different SIM card prompts the network to cross-check the CEIR database. If a match is found, the phone’s network access is blocked, rendering it unusable.
Checking Request Status on CEIR Portal:
You can track the status of your request applications for blocking/unblocking mobile IMEI:
- Visit the CEIR portal https://ceir.gov.in/.
- Navigate to “CEIR Services” > “Check Request Status.”
- Enter your Request ID.
- Click “Submit” to check the status of your application.
Unblocking a Recovered/Found Mobile Phone:
Once your lost/stolen phone is recovered, you must unblock the device to reuse it. This can be done through the CEIR portal:
- Visit the CEIR portal and select “CEIR Services” > “Un-Block Found Mobile.”
- Enter your mobile number for verification and click “Get OTP.”
- Enter the OTP sent to your mobile.
- Click “Submit,” and your request for unblocking the recovered phone is submitted.
CEIR Mobile Services:
Losing a phone is a distressing experience, but with CEIR, the process of reporting and tracking lost or stolen phones is streamlined.
After reporting, CEIR blocks the IMEI, preventing network access. A Unique Request Number (URN) is generated for tracking your complaint.
Preventing Phone Loss or Theft:
Prevention is key:
- Keep your phone secure, especially in crowded places.
- Set up passcodes or fingerprint locks for added security.
- Never leave your phone unattended in public areas.
- Install a tracking app for added security.
- Record and store your phone’s IMEI number safely.
- Regularly back up your data to the cloud or a hard drive.
What to Do if Your Phone is Found:
If your phone is found, follow the instructions provided via SMS. You’ll need proof of ownership and a retrieval fee.
What if Your Phone Isn’t Found:
If retrieval isn’t possible, protect your data. Use features like Google’s Find My Device or Apple’s Find My app for remote erasure.
CEIR Portal Limitations:
- CEIR can only block network access, not track location or erase data.
- If the SIM card is replaced, the phone may still be used for other purposes.
- CEIR does not offer remote locking or erasing capabilities.
Know Your Mobile (KYM)
The Know Your Mobile (KYM) portal, offered through the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR), is a powerful tool for mobile users in India. It serves multiple purposes, allowing users to check a mobile phone’s authenticity before purchase and providing essential services for device security. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the functionalities, benefits, and methods of accessing the KYM portal.
KYM Portal Access Methods:
You can access the KYM portal through three convenient methods:
- Use of KYM via SMS:
- Send KYM <15-digit IMEI number> from your mobile to 14422.
- Receive the mobile’s status on your screen.
- Through KYM App:
- Enter the IMEI number in the KYM app to check your mobile’s status.
- KYM Access through Official Website:
- Visit the official CEIR portal website.
- Click on the “Here” option to open a form.
- Enter required details and receive an OTP on your mobile.
- Enter the OTP at the specified location and provide the 15-digit IMEI number to view the mobile’s status.
Downloading the KYM App:
To access the KYM App, follow these steps:
- Visit Google Play Store or Apple App Store on your mobile.
- Search for “Know Your Mobile App” in the search bar.
- Locate the app and click on “Install” to download it.
- Open the app, enter the IMEI number, and view the mobile’s status.
Conclusion: The CEIR portal empowers mobile users to safeguard their devices and personal data in case of loss or theft. By following these procedures, you can ensure the security of your mobile device, giving you peace of mind in the digital age.
CEIR Portal- FAQs
1.What is the CEIR, and why was it introduced?
- CEIR, short for Central Equipment Identity Register, is a government-run database that stores information about mobile devices connected to Indian networks. It was introduced to combat mobile phone theft and fraud by allowing users to report lost or stolen phones and block them from accessing mobile networks.
2.How do I register on the CEIR portal?
- To register on the CEIR portal, visit the official website and create an account by providing personal information. After registration, you’ll receive a One Time Password (OTP) to verify your account.
3.What happens when I report my lost or stolen phone on the CEIR portal?
- When you report your lost or stolen phone, its IMEI number is added to the CEIR database. This prevents the phone from connecting to any mobile network in India. You’ll also receive a Unique Request Number (URN) to track the status of your complaint.
4.What should I do if my lost phone is found?
- If your lost phone is found, you’ll receive instructions via SMS on how to retrieve it. You’ll need to provide proof of ownership, such as the original bill or packaging, and pay a fee for the retrieval process.
5.What are the limitations of the CEIR portal?
- The CEIR portal can only block a phone’s access to mobile networks if it’s reported as lost or stolen. If the phone’s SIM card is removed or replaced, it may still be used for other purposes like Wi-Fi access. Additionally, the CEIR portal cannot track the phone’s location or remotely erase its data.