Published Last updated Written and reviewed by the Resale Intelligence team
On this page
Tap the scan button next to the IMEI field and aim at the barcode on the box or the *#06# screen. If the browser can't scan, type or paste the number.
The scan button sits next to the IMEI field when buying, in the trade-in section, and next to the product search when selling. It uses the back camera of your phone or tablet to read barcodes in the browser, so there's no extra app to install.
What you can scan
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The IMEI barcode on the device's box
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The screen that appears after dialling
*#06#on the device you're buying (point the camera of the phone running the system at that screen) -
A serial number barcode on a box or label, to find an item when selling
Tap Scan barcode next to the IMEI field.
If the browser asks, allow it to use the camera.
Aim the camera at the IMEI barcode, keep it in the middle of the screen and hold still.
When it reads the code, the scanner closes, the number appears in the IMEI field and the phone vibrates briefly if it can.
Compare the number in the field with the IMEI on the real device once more.
What the system checks straight away
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Is the number valid: an IMEI has 15 digits and the last one must pass the check-digit formula. If it doesn't, the system says the IMEI is invalid when you save.
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Have we seen this device: the system checks at once whether this IMEI is in your stock or has passed through your shop. A device still in stock can't be bought twice. See Invalid IMEI or IMEI already in stock: what to do.
On the sale screen
On Sell item, the scan button sits next to the product search. If the scanned number matches exactly one ready-to-sell item in that branch, the item goes straight onto the bill.
If scanning doesn't work
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"This device can't scan with the camera": that browser can't read barcodes yet. Type or paste the number, or open the system in another browser on the phone.
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"Camera permission was not granted": allow camera access for this site in the browser settings, then try again.
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It won't read: clean the lens, add light, or move the camera back a little.
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You want to stop scanning: tap Close at the bottom of the scanner and type the number instead.
More fixes are in Camera scanning doesn't work.