Published Last updated Written and reviewed by the Resale Intelligence team
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An invalid IMEI is usually a typo. An IMEI still in your stock can't be bought again; open the item with the stock code the system shows and check it first.
Once you've entered a full IMEI or a long enough serial number, the system checks it against your shop's items straight away. The message under the IMEI field can be one of several kinds, and each needs a different response.
Invalid IMEI
Cause: the number doesn't have 15 digits, the last digit fails the check formula, or it's one digit repeated. Usually it's a typo, or the scanner picked up another barcode on the box.
What to do:
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Dial
*#06#on the device and type the number again, digit by digit. -
When scanning, aim only at the barcode labelled IMEI.
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If the number the device shows also fails, check where the device came from before you decide to buy it.
This IMEI/serial is already in your stock (red)
Cause: your shop holds an item with this number that is still in stock, for example ready to sell, awaiting repair, reserved or in a branch transfer. The message gives its stock code and status. The system won't save a second purchase.
What to do:
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Open the item with that stock code and check whether it's the same device.
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If you just saved this device, there's nothing to do. It's already in stock.
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If the old item was sold but the sale was never recorded, record that sale first, then buy the device again.
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If the old item was received by mistake, void its purchase document. See Recorded something wrong or sold at the wrong price?.
Has passed through this shop before (blue)
Cause: your shop had this device before, for example you sold it and the customer is selling it back. The message shows the old stock code, its status and the date.
What to do: you can buy it as usual. If your shop uses valuation, the valuation panel counts it as a risk signal (the device has been through the shop before). Look at the old item's history before agreeing a price.
This IMEI is in another shop's stock on the network (yellow)
This message uses data across shops, which is not open yet. Once it opens, the system will only say how many shops hold the device, never which shop, the price or the customer. See Province prices and the cross-store IMEI signal.
The IMEI you entered doesn't match the device
In the checklist, "IMEI matches the device" is a critical check. If the numbers on the device, box and SIM tray don't match, set it to Faulty/failed. The system warns Don't accept this device and the device won't become ready to sell. See Inspect with the checklist and set a grade.