Finding a IMEI number from a previously used phone

You already have the IMEI if you have the phone. It's in the phone. What you don't have is a proof of purchase at the original purchaser.

If you blacklisted the device through AT&T, you can call AT&T and ask them to remove it from the blacklist. You provided the IMEI at the time you blacklisted it and you can provide them the IMEI now because you physically have the phone back.

If you received an insurance replacement, it does not matter if you have the IMEI because it is blacklisted by the insurance company who technically now owns the phone.

I never had the phone blacklisted cuz I wasn't aware it was stolen until about a month after I bought another new phone. I know who has the phone because he backed it up to my wife's account but when I talked to the police they told me I have to have the IMEI number to prove its mine. I have the purchase receipt and the number isn't on it nor does the company that sold it to me keep a record of it.

So I have to get the IMEI number and go to the police before they will retrieve it.

Thanks for your reply. 

Well that's kind of a different story 🤦🏼‍♀️

You didn't find it.  You just suspect it's in use. 

The IMEI would have been registered on your account back in 2021. You should have blacklisted the phone immediately, while still registered.  Too late.

If you don't have access to a proof of purchase, there's nothing anyone can do.

I have my proof of purchase but not the IMEI number. I didn't realize it was stolen until about a month after I got another new phone. I know the person that has it but I need the number to prove its mine.

Pardon if I'm being dense... How is it proof of purchase with no IMEI?  

It's just proof you bought that model number.  

And att doesn't have it.

I'm just going by what the police told me. They said they can't do anything on the receipt alone and that I had to have that number to prove that was my phone. I don't know if AT&T has access to it or not, that's what I'm trying to find out.

Thank you.

Hi there, we understand you have a few questions, and we are here to point you in the right direction. 

Since you have mentioned you're a prepaid customer, you'll need to get in touch with the prepaid team, they will be able to help you check the IMEI number for the phone in question. You can reach them on the number below. 

Prepaid Team - 800.901.9878

Happy to help!

Thank you for visiting AT&T Community Forums.

Andrew, AT&T Community Specialist.

Thank you.