What Is an IMEI and How Can You Find It?

IMEI is a unique identification number for a mobile device. In Northern Cyprus, the MCKS system uses the IMEI to determine whether a phone brought from abroad is registered and whether it can operate on local carriers’ networks. The easiest way to find your IMEI is to dial *#06# — the number will appear on your phone’s screen.

• What is an IMEI?
• How to find your phone’s IMEI
• Why does a phone have two IMEIs?
• Why is an IMEI needed in Northern Cyprus?
• How to check IMEI registration
• Frequently asked questions

What is an IMEI?

IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It is a unique number used to identify the device itself on a mobile network.

The IMEI belongs to the phone, not to the mobile number. Therefore, changing the SIM card does not change the device’s IMEI.

How to find your phone’s IMEI

The easiest way is to open the dialler app and enter:

*#06#

The device’s IMEI will appear on the screen. You can also find this number in your phone’s settings and, on some models, on the device’s packaging.

Why does a phone have two IMEIs?

A modern phone may display IMEI1 and IMEI2. This is because it supports multiple mobile lines — for example, two physical SIM cards or a combination of a SIM and an eSIM.

The number of IMEIs depends on the device’s design and the SIM interfaces it supports. BTHK also provides for the technical handling of cases where the number or type of SIMs in a device does not match the information in MCKS.

Therefore, when registering a phone, it is important to present the device itself, rather than just an IMEI number written down in advance.

Why is an IMEI needed in Northern Cyprus?

Northern Cyprus has a Mobil Cihaz Kayıt Sistemi — MCKS. Through this system, BTHK monitors the registration of mobile devices brought from abroad.

A foreign device can be used without registration for a total of 90 active days during a calendar year. Only the days when the device is used on a local mobile network count.

Once the permitted period has expired, an unregistered device must be registered for continued use on a local mobile network.

For more details about the procedure, read the article “Registering and customs-clearing a phone in Northern Cyprus.”

How to check IMEI registration

BTHK lets you check a device’s status using the IMEI Sorgulama service.

If, after individual registration, the system displays the message “Bireysel başvuru yolu ile kayıt altına alınmıştır. IMEI kullanıma açık.”, registration is complete and the IMEI is enabled for use.

You can check the status in the MCKS section of the official BTHK website.

Frequently asked questions

Are an IMEI and a phone number the same thing?

No. A phone number belongs to a mobile line and SIM card, while an IMEI identifies the mobile device.

How can I quickly check my IMEI?

Dial *#06# on your phone.

Why does my phone show two IMEIs?

This is typical of devices that support multiple mobile lines, such as two SIM cards or a SIM and an eSIM.

How long can I use a foreign phone without registering it?

A device brought from abroad can be used without registration for a total of 90 active days during a calendar year.

Where can I check the IMEI status?

You can check the device’s status using the IMEI Sorgulama service in the MCKS section of the official BTHK website.