How to Check PTA Approval Status: 3 Official Methods (2026)

Before you buy any phone in Pakistan — new, used, imported, or local — check its PTA status first. It takes under a minute, it is free, and it is the single best way to avoid buying a phone whose SIM stops working after 60 days. Here are the three official methods, step by step.

Step 1: Get Your Phone's IMEI Number

Every check starts with the IMEI — the phone's unique 15-digit identity number. The fastest way: open the dialer and type *#06#. The IMEI appears instantly on screen. Note both numbers if the phone is dual-SIM — both IMEIs must be checked separately.

Need other ways to find the IMEI (settings menu, box, SIM tray)? See our dedicated guide: How to find and verify your IMEI number.

Method 1: SMS to 8484 (Fastest — works in a shop)

1. Open your messaging app and start a new SMS.
2. Type the 15-digit IMEI exactly — no spaces, dashes, or extra text.
3. Send it to 8484.
4. Wait for PTA's reply (usually seconds, sometimes a few minutes). It will show the device status — compliant, non-compliant, or blocked — plus the brand, model, and the date the phone first connected to a Pakistani network.

Notes: A small SMS charge (around Rs. 2–3 including tax) may apply. If you don't get a reply within a couple of hours, you can resend once — don't spam it. This method is perfect when you are standing in a shop: IMEI SMS karein, jawab ka intezar karein, phir paisay dein.

Method 2: DIRBS Web Portal (Most detailed)

1. Go to the official portal: dirbs.pta.gov.pk (check the spelling — fake portals are a known scam).
2. Enter your 15-digit IMEI and complete the captcha.
3. Click Check to see the full status: compliance result, brand and model, import channel, and registration date.

This is the best option when you want a screenshot record of the result — for example, proof for a buyer or seller dispute.

Method 3: Official PTA / DIRBS App

PTA's official mobile app (available on the Play Store and App Store) lets you check multiple IMEIs, track the 60-day grace period with reminders, and even start a registration application if your device is non-compliant. Install only the official app — there are copycat apps that harvest IMEIs.

Alternative: Dialling *8484# from a Pakistani SIM opens a USSD menu with a device-status option — same result, no SMS charge.

Understanding the Result: What Each Status Means

• Compliant (PTA approved) — all good. The phone is registered; no further action needed. Buy with confidence.
• Non-compliant — not registered. If it is within the 60-day grace period, it works for now, but it must be registered through DIRBS (with applicable FBR duties/taxes) before the window closes.
• Blocked — the IMEI is barred from Pakistani networks. The phone works only on Wi-Fi. Getting it working again requires completing registration and payment requirements, which is not always possible — treat this as a major red flag when buying.

Before You Buy: The 60-Second Shop Checklist

1. Ask the seller for the phone's IMEI (or dial *#06# yourself on the device).
2. Send it to 8484 while you are there.
3. Compliant? Proceed to the rest of the used-phone safety checklist (battery, physical condition, iCloud lock).
4. Non-compliant? Ask who will pay the PTA tax — and get it in writing. If the seller says "it will never be blocked," walk away.
5. Blocked? Walk away. A blocked phone is a Wi-Fi-only device.
6. Dual-SIM? Check both IMEIs. Sellers sometimes register only one slot to fake a compliant result.

Common Problems and Fixes

• No reply to the SMS: wait a couple of hours and resend once. Persistent failure may mean a network issue — try the DIRBS portal instead.
• Wrong IMEI entered: double-check the 15 digits; a single wrong digit checks someone else's phone.
• Result shows a different brand/model than the phone: this is a serious warning sign — the IMEI may have been tampered with (CPID/patch). Read CPID vs PTA approval before touching this deal.
• "IMEI already exists" during registration: it may already be compliant (no action needed) or have a pending tax application — check the status first.