How to Check If Your Phone Is PTA Approved or Not in Pakistan

Buying a new phone in Pakistan is exciting, but there’s one thing you need to check right away. Is your phone PTA approved? If it’s not, you might face serious problems like your phone getting blocked after 60 days.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority makes sure all phones used in Pakistan are legal and registered.

Without PTA approval, your phone won’t work with local SIM cards like Jazz, Telenor, Zong, or Ufone. You won’t be able to make calls, send texts, or use mobile data.

This guide will show you exactly how to check if your phone is PTA approved using simple methods that anyone can follow in 2025.

What Does PTA Approved Mean?

Before we jump into the checking methods, let’s understand what PTA approved actually means. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority is a government organization that controls all mobile services in Pakistan. They use a system called DIRBS (Device Identification Registration and Blocking System) to track every phone in the country.

When a phone is PTA approved, it means:

• Your phone is legally registered in Pakistan
• It will work with all mobile networks without problems
• You won’t face any blocking issues
• Your phone is not fake or smuggled
• You can use calls, texts, and mobile data freely

If your phone is not approved, the PTA system will automatically block it after 60 days. After that, you can only use WiFi on your phone, nothing else.

Why Is PTA Approval Important?

Many people wonder why they need to bother with PTA approval. Here’s why it matters so much:

Legal Protection

Using a non-approved phone is against Pakistani law. If you’re caught using an illegal device, you could face fines or legal trouble. The government takes this seriously because they want to stop phone smuggling.

Network Access

Without PTA approval, your phone becomes useless for communication. After 60 days, all mobile networks will stop working. You can’t call your family, use WhatsApp with mobile data, or check your emails on the go.

Resale Value

If you want to sell your phone later, having PTA approval increases its value. Buyers in Pakistan always check if a phone is approved before buying. A non-approved phone sells for much less money.

Security Updates

Non-approved phones might not get important security updates. This makes your personal information, passwords, and photos unsafe from hackers.

Understanding Your Phone’s IMEI Number

To check if your phone is PTA approved, you need something called an IMEI number. This stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. Think of it like your phone’s fingerprint. Every phone has a unique 15-digit IMEI number.

How to Find Your IMEI Number

Finding your IMEI number is super easy. Here are three simple ways:

Method 1: Using the Dial Code

1. Open your phone’s dialer (like you’re going to make a call)
2. Type this code: *#06#
3. Your IMEI number will appear on the screen immediately
4. If you have a dual SIM phone, you’ll see two IMEI numbers

Method 2: Check Your Phone’s Box

• Look at the box your phone came in
• The IMEI number is usually printed on a sticker
• Make sure it matches the number on your actual phone

Method 3: In Phone Settings

• Go to Settings on your phone
• Find “About Phone” or “About Device”
• Look for IMEI information there
• Write down the 15-digit number

Remember, if you have a dual SIM phone, write down both IMEI numbers. You’ll need to check both separately.

Three Easy Methods to Check PTA Approval

Now comes the main part. I’ll show you three different ways to check if your phone is PTA approved in Pakistan. You can use any method that’s convenient for you.

Method 1: Check PTA Approval Through SMS (Fastest Way)

This is the quickest and easiest method. You don’t need internet or a computer. Just your phone and a local SIM card.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Find your phone’s IMEI number using *#06#
2. Open your messaging app on any phone
3. Type your 15-digit IMEI number (no spaces, no dashes)
4. Send this message to 8484
5. Wait a few seconds for the reply

What the Reply Means:

You’ll get one of these messages back:

• “Device IMEI is Compliant” – Great news! Your phone is PTA approved and legal to use
• “Device IMEI is Non-Compliant” – Your phone is not approved yet, but you can register it
• “Device IMEI is Blocked” – Your phone is blocked and won’t work on any network

This SMS method to 8484 works with all mobile networks in Pakistan including Jazz, Zong, Telenor, Ufone, and Warid. The service is completely free.

Method 2: Check Through PTA DIRBS Website

If you prefer using a computer or want more detailed information, you can check through the official PTA DIRBS website.

Here’s How:

1. Open your web browser on a computer or phone
2. Visit the official website: https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk
3. Look for the “Check Device Status” or similar option
4. Enter your 15-digit IMEI number in the box
5. Click on “Check” or “Submit”
6. Wait for the results to load

The website will show you if your device is compliant or non-compliant. This method gives you more details about your phone’s status and registration history.

Important Note: The DIRBS website only works if you’re in Pakistan. If you’re outside the country, use the SMS method instead.

Method 3: Use the PTA Device Verification System App

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has created an official app for checking phone status. This app is convenient if you check multiple phones regularly.

Download and Use the App:

1. Open Google Play Store (for Android) or Apple App Store (for iPhone)
2. Search for “PTA Device Verification System” or “DVS“
3. Download and install the official PTA app
4. Open the app
5. Enter your IMEI number or use the app’s scanner feature
6. Tap “Check Status”
7. The app will show if your phone is PTA approved or not

The app is free to download and use. It’s handy because you can save your IMEI numbers and check them anytime without typing again.

What to Do If Your Phone Is Not PTA Approved

Don’t panic if you find out your phone is not PTA approved. You can still register it and make it legal. Here’s what you need to do:

Understanding PTA Tax

To get your phone approved, you need to pay something called PTA tax. The amount depends on your phone’s brand and model. Expensive phones like iPhones have higher taxes than budget phones.

Tax Examples:

• Budget phones (under PKR 30,000): Around PKR 5,000 to 10,000
• Mid-range phones: Around PKR 15,000 to 30,000
• iPhones and flagship phones: Can be PKR 40,000 to 100,000 or more

How to Register Your Phone and Pay PTA Tax

Registration Steps:

1. Visit the official PTA registration website: https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/drs
2. Create an account using your CNIC or passport
3. Log in to your account
4. Click on “Register Device” or similar option
5. Enter your IMEI number and phone details
6. The system will calculate your PTA tax amount
7. You’ll receive a Payment Slip ID (PSID)
8. Pay the tax through online banking, any ATM, or bank branch
9. After payment, your phone will be registered within 24-48 hours
10. You’ll get a confirmation SMS

Once your payment is processed, your phone becomes PTA approved and fully legal to use in Pakistan forever.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When buying or checking phones, people make some common mistakes. Here’s what you should avoid:

Don’t Buy Patched or CPID Phones

Some sellers offer “patched” phones or use something called CPID to fake PTA approval. These phones might work temporarily, but they get blocked eventually. Always verify approval yourself before buying.

Check Before Paying

Whether you’re buying from a shop in Hafeez Centre Lahore, Saddar Karachi, or online from Daraz or OLX, always check PTA approval before making payment. Ask the seller for the IMEI number and verify it through SMS 8484.

Beware of Too-Good Deals

If someone is selling an iPhone or Samsung flagship phone for suspiciously low prices, it’s probably not PTA approved. The seller might be hiding the fact that you’ll need to pay heavy taxes later.

Don’t Trust Fake Apps

Only use the official PTA Device Verification System app. There are fake apps that steal your information. Always download from official app stores and check the developer name.

Tips for Buying PTA Approved Phones

Want to avoid problems from the start? Here are smart tips for buying PTA approved phones in Pakistan:

Shop from Authorized Dealers

• Buy from official brand stores like Samsung Pakistan, Apple authorized resellers
• Purchase from trusted online platforms like Daraz.pk or PriceOye
• Check seller ratings and reviews before buying

Ask for Documentation

• Request the original box with PTA approval sticker
• Match the IMEI number on the box with the actual phone
• Get a proper receipt or invoice

Test the Phone

• Before buying, insert your SIM card and test calls and data
• Check the PTA status using SMS 8484 while you’re still at the shop
• Don’t feel shy to verify everything before paying

Buy Local When Possible

• Phones officially sold in Pakistan usually come PTA approved
• They’re more expensive than imported ones, but you save on tax and hassle
• You get proper warranty and after-sales service

Frequently Asked Questions About PTA Approval

How long does it take for a phone to get blocked if it’s not PTA approved?

You have 60 days from the first time you insert a SIM card. After that, all mobile network services stop working.

Can I use my phone with WiFi if it’s blocked?

Yes, WiFi will still work even if your phone is blocked. But you can’t use calls, texts, or mobile data.

Do I need to check PTA approval for phones bought in Pakistan?

If you bought from an authorized dealer with a proper invoice, it should already be approved. But it’s always good to verify.

What happens if I don’t pay PTA tax?

Your phone will be permanently blocked from all networks after the grace period. The only solution is to pay the tax and register properly.

Can someone else register my phone for me?

Yes, but you’ll need to provide your CNIC or passport details. The phone will be registered under your name.

Conclusion

Checking if your phone is PTA approved in Pakistan is not complicated at all. You have three simple methods: send your IMEI number to 8484 through SMS, check on the DIRBS website, or use the official PTA Device Verification System app.

Each method takes just a few minutes and can save you from serious problems later. Remember, using a non-approved phone means losing all mobile services after 60 days, facing possible legal issues, and having trouble selling your phone later.

Whether you’re buying a new phone from a shop in Lahore, ordering from Daraz, or bringing one from abroad, always verify the PTA approval status before using it. If your phone isn’t approved, don’t worry because you can still register it by paying the required PTA tax through the official website.

Taking these simple steps ensures your phone works perfectly on all networks like Jazz, Telenor, Zong, and Ufone, keeps you on the right side of the law, and protects your investment in the long run.