How to report and block lost phone in the Philippines

You hoped it won’t ever happen to you, but it still did. You’re probably reading this because you lost your phone or worse, it got stolen.

You’ve searched everywhere, you’ve asked a lot of people, but to no avail. It’s time to accept the fact that it’s gone.

Getting through the acceptance stage quick is quite important because you should act fast to prevent anyone who might have gotten a hold of it from accessing important files. This is why you should report and try to block your device as soon as possible, to make sure that no one would be able to use it.

That’s what we’ll help you with today. Here’s everything you should know about blocking and reporting your lost or stolen smartphone.

Table of Contents

• How to report and block my lost smartphone?
• What is IMEI?
  • Where can I find my phone’s IMEI?
  • What to do if I can’t find the IMEI on the box?
    • For Android
    • For iPhone/iOS
• How to block or report lost/stolen phone to the NTC
  • For walk-ins
  • Online via email

How to report and block my lost smartphone?

In case you lost your phone, you can report it to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) using the device’s IMEI. This is so they can block it from accessing mobile networks in the Philippines, thus rendering them (almost) useless.

What is IMEI?

The IMEI, or the International Mobile Equipment Identity, is a 15 decimal digits (IMEI) or 16 decimal digits (IMEI/SV) that contains information about the device like its model, origin, and serial number.

Where can I find my phone’s IMEI?

On older phones, the IMEI can be seen underneath the removable battery.

Today, the IMEI is usually printed on the device’s box or on the documentation within the packaging. This allows you to still access the IMEI even when you already lost your phone.

See also: Should you get smartphone insurance?

What to do if I can’t find the IMEI on the box?

If you can’t find your IMEI because you also lost the gadget’s box, here are ways you can still retrieve it.

For Android

Owning an Android phone means that you’re required to sign it in on your Google account via Google Play. This means that Google has a record of some information about your phone, including its IMEI. Here’s how to access it.

Step 1: Open your Google account using a mobile or desktop browser.

Step 2: Once in, proceed to this link: https://www.google.com/android/find.

Step 3: Here you’ll see all the devices connected to your Google account. Find the one that’s been lost and click the “i” button beside it. This will reveal the device’s IMEI and other information related to the device.

Alternatively, you should also be able to see your device’s IMEI on your phone brand’s account. As you know, products from companies like realme, OPPO, vivo, and Huawei ask you to create an account with them to gain access to special and dedicated services. By doing so, they must record key information about your smartphone including your IMEI, which you can easily access on any other device in case that phone gets lost.

For iPhone/iOS

This method works if you’ve signed in your device to your Apple ID. This is actually one of the key requirements before you can use your iPhone, so we’re sure you already did.

Step 1: Visit this link on a desktop or mobile browser: http://appleid.apple.com/ 

Step 2: Sign in the Apple ID that you also use on the lost or stolen device.

Step 3: Proceed to the “Devices” section to see the IMEI/MEID and serial number.

Related: Do’s and don’ts when your iPhone gets lost or stolen

How to block or report lost/stolen phone to the NTC

For walk-ins

Step 1: Secure the following requirements:

• Proof of ownership: The box of the phone with the IMEI printed or official receipt. If you don’t have both, you can provide a police report.
• Two valid IDs with at least one government-issued ID.

Step 2: Go to your nearest NTC Regional Office. They are open from Monday to Friday, 8AM to 5PM.

Step 3: Approach an NTC representative, present the requirements, and fill out the forms handed to you. Wait for the process to be completed.

Online via email

Step 1: Prepare the following requirements:

• Duly accomplished and notarized Affidavit of Ownership and Loss with Undertaking, which you can download from the NTC website.
• Scanned copy of the box or official receipt with IMEI printed. If both are not available, a police report will do.
• Scanned copy of two valid IDs (at least one government-issued ID)

Step 2: Send all the requirements to consumer@ntc.gov.ph.

Step 3: Wait for a reply from the NTC confirming that your request to block the lost device has been approved or declined.

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That’s it. Did we miss anything? If you have any questions or suggestions, please drop them in the comments section below.