How to Register Mobile in PTA

In Pakistan, aside from considering a phone’s specs and features, its compliance with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is paramount. Opting for a non-PTA phone may seem more affordable initially, but it comes with a caveat – the phone becomes inoperable after a specific period unless you settle the owed taxes to the government. Recently, PTA has raised these taxes. To avoid potential further increases, it is advisable to promptly pay your dues, ensuring uninterrupted use of your phone. Regrettably, due to a lack of information, what should be a straightforward process has become cumbersome. This article provides a guide on how to register mobile in PTA, and will provide insights into PTA and non-PTA approved phones.

PTA Phones Vs Non PTA Phones

Phones approved by PTA are imported into Pakistan through legal channels, completing all necessary formalities, with PTA registering their IMEI. These devices are officially recognized and authorized for telecommunication across various service providers in Pakistan. All phones manufactured within Pakistan fall under PTA approval.

On the contrary, non-PTA phones denote devices imported into Pakistan without fulfilling all formalities, although not illegally. These phones simply haven’t adhered to the official distribution channel. After 60 days of inserting a SIM card (as per PTA’s official website, although phones have been blocked sooner), such phones must undergo registration with PTA. Failure to comply results in PTA blocking the IMEI, rendering the phone incapable of making and receiving calls.

How to Register Mobile in PTA?

The registration process is easy and it’s online. Simply follow these steps:  

PTA mobile registration online

Step 1: Navigate to the PTA Device Registration System. Choose the Purpose, indicating whether you are registering your phone as an individual or a commercial entity. Then, specify your nationality by selecting either Pakistani or Foreigner.

Step 2: Input the necessary information on your screen and proceed to submit the details for the creation of an account.

Step 3: Access your account and click on “Register Your Device” to actively initiate the registration process. Enter the essential details on your screen, which include your contact number and phone information.

Step 4: Authenticate by using the verification code sent to your phone number. Following verification, your screen will display the PTA tax amount. Proceed to make the payment through online banking or other accessible third-party payment services.

Once successfully paid, it will take a few hours for your phone to get registered. 

Where to find your phone’s IMEI number?

• Dial *#06# to display the 15-digit IMEI number on your screen.
• Examine your phone’s box to locate this number.
• Inspect the back cover of your phone for the IMEI number.
• Check under the battery of your phone for the IMEI.
• Navigate to the “Settings” of your phone to find the IMEI number.

How to check your mobile registration

Verify the registration status of your mobile phone with PTA by sending a message to 8484. Type your mobile IMEI in the message and send it to 8484. PTA will send you a message confirming whether your device is verified or not.

To verify your mobile phone’s IMEI, dial *#06# on your device. If you have a dual SIM mobile phone, it will have two distinct IMEI numbers. Dialing *#06# will provide you with a 15-digit IMEI number. Alternatively, you can locate the IMEI number in your mobile phone settings.

You can also check the device status on https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/. After submitting your mobile device’s IMEI to 8484, you will receive the following message.

Upon sending a message to 8484, you will receive one of the following messages:

• Your device’s IMEI is compliant (PTA Approved), indicating approval by PTA, allowing you to enjoy all network services.
• Your device’s IMEI is non-compliant, but you can still use network services. If your device is non-complaint, send an SMS or make a call to register it.
• Your device’s IMEI is blocked, meaning your mobile device is blocked and unusable in Pakistan. To use it, you must settle the taxes.
• If you receive a blocked IMEI message from PTA, you need to register your mobile device to resume usage.

This article will explore various methods for registering your mobile phone.

Resister Mobile Phone through USSD

To register by dialing *8484#, follow these active steps:

1. Dial *8484# on your mobile phone.
2. Upon dialing, different options will appear. Press 1 to initiate the registration process for your mobile device.
3. Respond with 1 if you are a citizen of Pakistan or 2 if you are a foreigner.
4. Choose 1 if it is your first device, and your first device will be registered free of cost.
5. Enter your passport number and CNIC.
6. Specify the number of SIM slots your mobile device has.
7. Enter your IMEI number, and if you have dual SIMs, input both IMEI numbers.
8. Respond with 1 to complete this registration request, and your request will be submitted to PTA.
9. If all the provided credentials are correct, you will receive a confirmation message from 8484. In case of incorrect credentials, repeat the above steps.

Resister Mobile Phone through DIRBS

To register using DIRBS (Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking System), follow these active steps.

• Open your browser and visit https://dirbs.pta.gov.pk/drs to access the Device Registration Portal.
• Log in to your account, or if you don’t have one, click on Sign Up.
• Complete the form that appears after clicking Sign Up, providing all the required details.
• Choose the purpose and user type, selecting personal/individual for mobile/tablet PCs in purpose and local or foreigner in user type.
• Fill in your email, passport number, phone number, and address to finalize the signup procedure.
• Confirm your account by clicking on the confirmation link sent to your email.
• Log in to your account.
• Upon logging in, encounter a declaration window, and on the left side, find the individual COC option. Click on apply for COC.
• Enter your mobile device’s IMEI number and your contact number.
• Receive a text from PTA indicating whether you need to pay taxes for your mobile phone or not.
• Track the application status by clicking on my Application.

In a Nutshell

f you plan to use a phone in Pakistan for an extended period, fulfilling government requirements is unavoidable. Registration with PTA is mandatory for every device. Follow this brief and clear step-by-step guide.

If you’re interested in learning how to check CNIC number with mobile number in Pakistan, we can provide you with a comprehensive solution. Since NADRA has recently launched online and SMS-based services, individuals can conveniently check the status of NADRA ID card.

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