What is the IMEI and why is it important in Cuba?
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit code that identifies each mobile phone.
In practice, it works like a device’s ID card:
It must be unique and not repeated on another phone.
If it is altered, duplicated, or registered as invalid, the phone can be blocked in Cuba.
ETECSA maintains a registry commonly known as the Blacklist, where invalid IMEIs are recorded. If a phone’s IMEI is on this list, the device may lose service and any SIM inserted into it can be blocked.
How to check the IMEI on your phone
The fastest way to see your phone’s IMEI is to dial:
*#06#
The 15-digit code will appear on your screen instantly.
How to verify if an IMEI is valid in Cuba
IMEI verification with ETECSA
Currently, the only available way to verify whether an IMEI is valid in Cuba is in person:
Visit the nearest ETECSA Commercial Office.
Request an IMEI status check for your device.
ETECSA staff will confirm whether the IMEI is valid or appears in their system as duplicated or invalid.
What happens if my IMEI is invalid or duplicated?
According to Resolution 12/2016 of Cuba’s Ministry of Communications:
The SIM card being used in the device will be blocked.
The line holder has 5 business days to visit an ETECSA office and clarify the situation.
If the user does not appear within that time, they may lose both the phone and the mobile line.
What if the phone was sold by an authorized entity?
If ETECSA determines that the duplicated or invalid IMEI was caused before the sale (for example, by an authorized seller):
The selling entity must replace the device, or
Refund the value of the phone to the user.
Tips to avoid IMEI problems in Cuba
To stay off the Blacklist, follow these recommendations:
1. Check your IMEI regularly
This is especially important if you use a second-hand phone or bought it from an informal seller in Cuba.
2. If you buy a phone in Cuba
Ask the seller for:
Proof of purchase
Warranty
Time to verify the IMEI
3. If you buy a phone abroad
Check the IMEI before bringing it to Cuba. You can usually find it:
On the device box
On the SIM tray
In the phone’s settings menu
4. Avoid non-original devices
Counterfeit or modified phones often use duplicated or altered IMEIs, which greatly increases the risk of being blocked.
Verifying your phone’s IMEI is essential to avoid service blocks in Cuba and protect your mobile line. Whether you buy a phone in Cuba or abroad, checking the IMEI before using it is the best way to stay clear of ETECSA’s Blacklist.
Frequently asked questions
Can an IMEI be removed from the Blacklist?
It depends on the case. You must visit an ETECSA Commercial Office with the device and any supporting documentation.
Can I reuse my SIM in another phone if the previous one was blacklisted?
Yes, as long as you insert the SIM into a phone with a valid IMEI.
Can phones bought abroad be blocked in Cuba?
Yes. If the IMEI is duplicated or altered, it can be blocked regardless of where the phone was purchased.
Does the IMEI block affect Nauta accounts?
No. The block affects the mobile line used in the device, not Nauta internet accounts.