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IMEI Check Mexico: IFT Registration, Telcel & AT&T Mexico Guide

5 min readUpdated 6/1/2025

IMEI Check in Mexico: Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT) Guide

Mexico's Federal Telecommunications Institute (Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones — IFT) manages Mexico's national IMEI database, known as the REDNAM (Red Nacional de Acción de Marcas). Here's how to check phone IMEI status in Mexico.

Mexico IMEI Check via IFT

  1. Visit ift.org.mx/industria/numeracion-y-concesiones/equipos-moviles
  2. Enter your 15-digit IMEI number
  3. Results show whether the IMEI is registered in Mexico's database and its current status

Mexico's IMEI Blocking System

Mexico implemented mandatory IMEI blocking for stolen and lost devices through REDNAM. All major Mexican carriers participate:

  • Telcel (América Móvil) — Mexico's largest carrier
  • AT&T Mexico
  • Movistar Mexico
  • Altán Redes (wholesale network)

A phone reported stolen on one carrier is blocked on all Mexican networks.

How to Block a Stolen Phone in Mexico

  1. File an acta de denuncia (crime report) at the nearest Ministerio Público
  2. Contact your carrier with the IMEI and crime report number:
    • Telcel: Call 260 or visit a Telcel store
    • AT&T Mexico: Call 800 288 2020
    • Movistar: Call *611
  3. Carrier blocks the IMEI in REDNAM within 24 hours

US Phones in Mexico (Important for Travellers)

US carrier-locked phones (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) will not work with Mexican SIM cards unless unlocked. Before travelling to Mexico:

  • Request carrier unlock from your US carrier (see our AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon unlock guides)
  • Or use international roaming (expensive) or purchase a US eSIM for Mexico coverage
  • Telcel and AT&T Mexico have the best coverage nationwide; Movistar is strong in major cities

Buying Used Phones in Mexico

Mexico's second-hand phone market is active on platforms like Mercado Libre and Facebook Marketplace. Key risks include iCloud-locked iPhones (very common in Mexico's market) and phones locked to US carriers. Always run an IMEI check via imeicheckpro.com and verify iCloud status before purchasing.