Check phone blacklist status via the AMTA blockcheck database. Verify stolen/lost phones across Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone networks in Australia
Australia has one of the world's most effective phone theft prevention systems, managed by the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA). The AMTA maintains a centralized IMEI blacklist database known as blockcheck, which is shared across all major Australian carriers, including Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone, as well as all Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs).
When a phone is reported lost or stolen in Australia, its IMEI number is added to the AMTA blacklist. Once blacklisted, the phone cannot register on any Australian carrier's network — even with a new SIM card. This system is mandated under the Telecommunications Act 1997 and has significantly reduced phone theft rates since its introduction.
The AMTA also operates the Lost/Stolen Mobile Equipment Register, which allows consumers to check a phone's blacklist status before purchasing a secondhand device. The IMEICheck platform provides this verification instantly — simply enter the 15-digit IMEI number to get a complete report.
According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, approximately 100,000 mobile phones are stolen each year in Australia, with Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane having the highest theft rates. Many stolen phones are resold through online marketplaces like Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace.
The AMTA blockcheck system is regulated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), which enforces mandatory IMEI blocking across all carriers. Australia also requires all mobile carriers to verify IMEI numbers at the point of network registration.
Major Australian carriers and their IMEI policies:
If your phone is stolen in Australia, follow these steps:
Australia's smartphone market is dominated by premium brands. Here are the top 5 by market share:
When buying used phones from these brands, check their dedicated pages: iPhone Check, Samsung Check, Google Pixel Check, OPPO Check, Xiaomi Check.
AMTA blockcheck is Australia's official IMEI blacklist checking service operated by the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association. It allows consumers to verify whether a secondhand phone has been reported lost or stolen before purchase. All Australian carriers participate in the system.
Report the theft to your local police (call 131 444 for Police Assistance Line), then contact your carrier (Telstra: 13 22 00, Optus: 13 39 37, Vodafone: 13 14 23) with the police report number and IMEI. The carrier will block the IMEI on the AMTA blacklist, preventing the phone from connecting to any Australian network.
No. Once an IMEI is on the AMTA blacklist, all Australian carriers (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, and MVNOs) will refuse to connect the device. The phone cannot make calls, send SMS, or use mobile data on any Australian network.
Dial *#06# on your phone to display the 15-digit IMEI. You can also find it in Settings > About Phone (Android) or Settings > General > About (iPhone). The IMEI is also printed on the device packaging and purchase receipt.
Yes. Under the Telecommunications Act 1997, all Australian mobile carriers are required to participate in the IMEI blocking system. The AMTA manages the shared blacklist database that all carriers must check before allowing a device to connect.
Enter your IMEI number and get a full verification report in 3 seconds
