Smartphones of Russians will be added to a unified IMEI database: what is it and what are the risks?

      On June 19, 2026, at 16:57, the Federation Council approved a bill to create an IMEI registry. The government will develop requirements for the database, rules for its operation, and interaction with other systems. The law has already defined the obligations of telecommunications operators: they will link the SIM card to each IMEI number. This will allow for better control over the use of devices and prevent their improper use.

      The Ministry of Digital Development announced that IMEI registration for smartphone owners will be free. Owners can register their smartphones through mobile operator applications by linking them to their SIM cards. One of the authors of the bill, Andrey Svintsov, emphasized in an interview with 360.ru that the 15-digit IMEI number can be found in the phone's settings. To do this, it needs to be entered in the mobile operator's application.

      Svintsov explained that the main goal of creating the registry is to prevent gadget thefts. When the IMEI is linked to the SIM card, the device can be blocked with a simple call to the operator. If a smartphone is stolen, it can be located via geolocation, and the police can quickly apprehend the perpetrator.

      The deputy compared this situation to the fight against car thefts in Moscow, where, thanks to surveillance cameras and data transmission systems to police posts, the number of thefts has significantly decreased. Svintsov urged citizens not to take other people's smartphones to avoid accusations of theft.

      He also noted that there will be no blocking of smartphones. Operators have been given enough time to inform customers about the need to link IMEI to SIM cards. Therefore, there is no need to worry that the smartphone will stop working tomorrow.

      IMEI is a unique digital passport for each smartphone, assigned to it at the factory. The first two digits indicate the manufacturer, the next six indicate the model of the device, and the last six indicate the unique serial number. The last digit is a check digit used to verify the correctness of the IMEI.

      This number is used to block the device in case of theft, determine its location, and confirm its authenticity. The IMEI numbers on the smartphone and packaging must match.

      To find the IMEI, you need to dial the combination *#06# on the smartphone or go to settings and select "About this device" for iPhone or "About phone" for Android. If the smartphone is lost, the IMEI can be found through Google or Apple ID accounts. For Android, you need to go to the "Find My Device" portal, and for iPhone, to the "Manage Apple ID" website and the "Devices" tab.

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