How to Disable a Phone
If your mobile phone was lost or stolen or you want to prevent someone from using the phone altogether, you may decide to disable the phone to avoid fraudulent charges on your account and/or any of your personal information being stolen. Once your phone is disabled, no one will be able to activate the device even if he or she uses another SIM card. You can have your phone disabled by contacting your wireless carrier.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Retrieve your mobile phone or the documents and/or box that accompanied your device.
-
2
Locate the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identifier) number for your device. If you have the phone in your possession, then remove the battery and locate the IMEI number on a bar code inside the battery compartment or dial *#06# to bring up the IMEI menu. If you have the original packaging that accompanied the phone, then locate the IMEI number on a bar code on the back of the box or on your wireless contract.
-
-
3
Contact your wireless provider and follow the prompts to speak with a representative.
-
4
Inform the representative of your intent to disable your phone. Verify your wireless account when prompted to do so and provide the representative with your phone's IMEI number.
-
5
Wait for the representative to disable your phone. Disconnect the call when prompted to do so.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Write down your phone's IMEI number and save it in a safe place to prevent the possibility of losing it.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
