Smartphone blocking in Kazakhstan: new details revealed

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Tengrinews.kz – The Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry (MDDIAI) has shared details about the new rules for registering subscriber devices.

Starting from March 24, Kazakhstan introduced lists of "white," "gray," and "black" smartphones. The white list includes devices that have successfully passed verification and are registered in the database. The gray list includes devices whose status requires further verification, but which are temporarily allowed to operate on the network for up to 30 days. The black list includes devices with invalid IMEI numbers. These blacklisted devices will be permanently disconnected from cellular networks. Users have until May 24 of this year to verify them.

In connection with the new mobile phone registration rules, the Tengrinews.kz editorial team reached out to the ministry for clarification—specifically, how to check a phone when purchasing from a marketplace if payment is required upfront.

"If a buyer purchases a phone through Kazakhstani marketplaces, they are buying from a domestic seller who verifies the device themselves. Local marketplaces are currently considering displaying IMEI codes directly on the product page. This way, when buying from domestic sellers, the customer will be able to see the device's IMEI code during the ordering process," the MDDIAI said in response to Tengrinews.kz’s official inquiry.

The ministry emphasized that the new measures are not intended to ban the activities of distributors in Kazakhstan. The changes concern only the verification procedure for mobile devices.

“The new requirements do not restrict sales channels — businesses can continue operating by verifying their devices. We recommend checking the IMEI code before purchasing, as the consumer ultimately decides whether to buy the product. The goal of this order is to formalize the market — that is, to combat the shadow segment,” the ministry added.

According to the order, restrictions may apply to devices imported into the country after March 24. It is currently unknown how many such devices have been brought into Kazakhstan. However, the ministry noted that during an additional 60-day period (until May 24), all sellers may verify unsold devices remaining in their warehouses. This time frame is sufficient to complete the verification process.

After May 25, the website for checking IMEI status and verifying smartphones will continue to operate, and sellers will still be able to verify new devices. However, restrictions on cellular network usage will begin to apply to unverified devices.

“We are not banning imports or restricting sales. We are simply introducing an obligation to confirm the origin of a device. (...) The goal of this order is to bring transparency to the mobile device market, ensure fair competition, and protect consumers from the shadow economy. Mobile device verification does not require any financial cost,” the ministry added.

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is an international identifier for mobile equipment — a unique code. The IMEI identifies a device on a mobile network, helps operators block a phone in case of theft, and is used to verify the authenticity of a device.

How to check your IMEI

Kazakhstan has a national database of identification codes, available at imei.rfs.gov.kz. On this site, you can check:

Your device using its IMEI;
How many phone numbers are registered to your IIN (Individual Identification Number);
How many subscriber numbers are registered to your IMEI.

Note: When checking the IMEI, only the first 14 digits are considered.

Ways to Find Your IMEI

Dial *#06# on your phone – the IMEI will appear on the screen;
For Android: Settings → About Phone → IMEI;
For iPhone: Settings → General → About → IMEI;
Check the box the device came in or your warranty card;
If your phone has a removable battery, the IMEI is listed under the battery.

smartphone check Kazakhstan