Check if a phone is genuine (IMEI check by SMS to 1555)
Communications Authority of Kenya · sources read 2 Oct 2026
Dial *#06# to see your phone's 15-digit IMEI, then SMS that number to 1555. It's free, and the reply tells you if the IMEI is valid and the phone model. You can also check online on the CA IMEI Checker.
- Fee
- FreeIMEI check by SMS to 1555
- Where
- By SMS to 1555 from any phone, or online at ca.go.ke/imei-checker. Questions: info@ca.go.ke or +254 20 4240000
What you need
- The phone's 15-digit IMEI number
Steps
- Dial *#06# on the phone to show its IMEI.
- Send the 15-digit IMEI number by SMS to 1555.
- Read the reply: it says if the IMEI is valid and gives the phone model. Make sure the model matches the phone in your hand.
- Or type the IMEI into the IMEI Checker on ca.go.ke.
Watch out
- Counterfeit phones do not have valid IMEI numbers and don't meet safety standards.
- Buy from authorised vendors. They must display a Vendor Licence from the Communications Authority.
Who can apply
- Anyone with a mobile phone. Every phone has an IMEI number.
Official sources (1)
- IMEI Checker ca.go.ke · read 2 Oct 2026