Tuesday, January 17, 2023 – How to check to see if a used phone was reported stolen – Create a desktop shortcut to a PC’s Bluetooth settings

How to check to see if a used phone was reported stolen

Lots of folks prefer to buy used phones instead of new ones in order to save some cash.

And truth be told, if you do your homework and a bit of due diligence you can really get some great bargains by buying used.

Today I’m going to tell you how to use a handy online tool to find out right away if a used phone has been reported stolen.

Just head over to the Free International IMEI Blacklist Checker and type the phone’s IMEI number into the search box.

If you don’t the know the phone’s IMEI number (and you probably won’t since you’re thinking about buying it) you can quickly get it from the phone itself.

Simply turn on the device you’re thinking about buying and open the Dialer app like you’re going to make a phone call. But instead of a phone number, type the following:

*#06#

As soon as you enter the last character the phone’s IMEI number will come up on the screen.

Note: This check will work even if the phone doesn’t have an active cellular plan. In fact, it’ll work even if the phone doesn’t have a SIM card installed.

Once you have the IMEI number on the screen just use a different device to visit the web page I linked to above and type the retrieved IMEI number into the search box.

The tool will check to see if your phone’s IMEI number is in the International Blacklist Database. If the check comes up clean you’ll know it’s probably safe to buy that phone.

However, if the IMEI number is indeed found in the Blacklist Database you’ll know the phone has been reported stolen (which is obviously not a good thing).

And now, I’ll just finish with this…

If you make plans to meet a stranger with the intention of possibly buying a used phone (or a used anything for that matter), be sure to make those arrangements with your personal safety and security in mind. Just sayin’.

The latest from Rick’s Daily Tips Tech Blog…

• Q&A: Can I create a desktop shortcut to the Bluetooth settings?

The answer is yes. This post explains how.

• How to control a hard-wired light fixture with your phone

It’s easy with this handy device.

• Click here to see today’s ‘Picture of the Day’.

Every morning I post a new photo that I find inspiring, intriguing, or just plain beautiful to look at. Jumpstart your day by checking it out.

Rick’s Daily Pick…

Acer 21.5 Inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS Monitor (#ad)

Looking for an inexpensive computer monitor to use as a second screen or simply to keep on hand as a spare? This would be an excellent choice.

Today’s post from ‘My Daily Smile’…

The awesome value of time

It’s the one thing you can never get back or replenish.

Tech news that caught my eye…

• The Apple TV expects you to have an iPhone in order to accept new iCloud terms and conditions

• MSI accidentally breaks Secure Boot for hundreds of motherboards

• New SpaceX-NSF agreement to prevent Starlink satellites from affecting astronomical observations

• Ransomware has now become a problem for everyone, and not just tech

• Report: Google working on an AirTag competitor

Wondering how you can help me keep doing what I’m doing?

1 – If you’d like to help support my work, you can do so by leaving me a tip.

Every penny of your tip will go towards my blog’s web hosting and other related fees, which are substantial.

2 – You can Forward this email to a friend along with a short note of recommendation. (Just click the “Forward” button or link.)

Rest assured that anything you can do to help me keep helping folks will be greatly appreciated.

Have a question, comment or suggestion? Hit the Reply button and reply to this email. I love hearing what you have to say…

Thanks so much, and have an amazing day.

Your tech buddy,

Rick Rouse
https://www.RicksDailyTips.com