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Tengrinews.kz - Starting from May 25, Kazakhstan will begin blocking smartphones that are not officially registered.
What happened
On March 24, new rules for smartphones were introduced in Kazakhstan. Now, all devices are placed into one of three lists:
- White list - Phones that have passed verification and are officially registered.
- Gray list - Smartphones with an unclear status. They may work in the network for up to 30 days while undergoing verification.
- Black list - Devices with incorrect or counterfeit IMEI numbers. They will be permanently disconnected from the network. These phones can be checked and registered until May 24.
After this date, "black" smartphones will stop working in Kazakhstan’s mobile networks.
“If you buy a smartphone through a Kazakhstani marketplace, the seller will verify the device. Currently, platforms are working on displaying IMEI codes directly in the product description. This will allow you to check the phone before payment,” explained the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry.
The introduction of the "white," "gray," and "black" smartphone lists does not mean a ban on distributors. The changes only concern the verification procedure for devices - that is, checking and registering their IMEI codes.
Smartphone sales are not restricted: businesses can continue to operate if the smartphones have passed verification. The Ministry of Digital Development recommends that all buyers check the IMEI in advance.
The goal of these new measures is to fight against the shadow market. According to the order, the restrictions apply to devices imported into the country after March 24. It is currently unknown how many such smartphones have already entered Kazakhstan.
Sellers were given time until May 24 to verify unsold devices in their warehouses. Starting May 25, the IMEI verification website will continue to operate, and sellers will be able to add new devices. However, from this date, unverified phones will be disconnected from mobile networks.
How to check your phone’s IMEI
Kazakhstan has a special website for checking mobile devices - imei.rfs.gov.kz.
There, you can check:
- Whether your device is registered in the database.
- How many numbers are linked to your IIN (Individual Identification Number).
- How many numbers are registered under your IMEI.
- Only the first 14 digits of the IMEI code are considered.
How to find your IMEI
To find your IMEI, dial *#06# on your phone - the IMEI will appear on the screen.
On Android: Go to Settings → About Phone → IMEI.
On iPhone: Go to Settings → General → About → IMEI.
It’s also recommended to check the code on the box or warranty card. If the phone has a removable battery, the IMEI is usually under the battery.
The verification will only take a few minutes and will help avoid issues with your mobile connection.
