Description
Description :
Important note: Starting December 10, 2024, in order to certify a device, it will be mandatory to present both the serial number and the IMEI. This new requirement is a measure established by regulatory authorities and will apply to all certification companies.
Approving a phone in Chile is an important and mandatory process to ensure that the device meets the quality and safety standards established by the regulatory authority. Approval's primary objective is to protect consumers and prevent the sale of products that could endanger their health or safety.
Approval of a mobile phone or any other device must be performed on devices purchased abroad. People entering the country and wishing to stay for more than 30 days must register a foreign cell phone in Chile.
The approval of a phone involves subjecting it to tests and certifications that verify its compatibility with the country's telecommunications network, as well as its compliance with current technical and health regulations. These tests include verification of the quality of the radio frequency signals emitted by the device, evaluation of the equipment's resistance and durability, and verification that it complies with established electromagnetic radiation limits.
An approved cell phone allows for proper use of telephone networks on the device. Approval is the verification of a device's compliance with certain specifications or features.
Otherwise, you won't be able to use the phone properly, so the process of homologating a cell phone is very important to enjoy all the features and benefits of mobile devices.
How do I homologate a cell phone in Chile? You must register the IMEI. This is a unique code that identifies any mobile device worldwide and helps locate them whenever they connect to the network, facilitating device identification.
The IMEI of the mobile phone must be registered in Chile because the multi-band certification standard cl (Exemption Resolution 1463) requires that as of September 23, 2017, all devices or mobile phones that meet the following characteristics must be registered in the single and central SUBTEL system;
- All devices sold in Chile with IMEI (smartphones, tablets, routers, GPS, smart devices, etc.).
- Any device that works on all frequency bands and is available on at least one mobile technology (2G, 3G, 4G) currently operating in Chile.
- Any device or mobile phone that can receive SAE (emergency alert system) notifications and alarm messages from ONEMI during emergencies or natural disasters.
Cellular homologation allows you to unlock your device so it can be used with any mobile operator in the country and can achieve phone portability.
Once a phone has been approved, it is assigned a unique identification number, known as the Approval Registry. This number allows authorities and consumers to verify the device's legality and authenticity. Furthermore, approved phones can be sold and used without restrictions in Chilean territory.
Once the purchase is made, it will be ready within 2 to 24 business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is homologation?
A: Homologation is the process by which equipment of a class, brand and model is subjected to verification of compliance with technical standards to determine if it is suitable to operate in a specific telecommunications network.
Why is it important to certify my equipment?
A: The importance of having a phone certified in Chile lies in several aspects. First, it guarantees that the devices meet established quality and safety standards, reducing the risk of technical failures, health problems, or accidents related to phone use. This provides peace of mind to consumers, who can trust that certified phones have been evaluated and approved by the competent authorities.
Furthermore, certification has a positive impact on the country's market and economy. By requiring the certification of telephones, fair competition among manufacturers is encouraged and the sale of low-quality or non-compliant devices is prevented. This contributes to strengthening consumer confidence in technological products and boosting the development of the telecommunications industry in Chile.
What is the purpose of homologating my equipment?
A: 1. Receive messages from the Emergency Alert System (SAE) that ONEMI sends to the population when, due to a phenomenon, natural or not, their lives may be at risk (tsunamis, avalanches, eruptions, etc.).
2. Operate on all available frequency bands in at least one of the mobile technologies (2G, 3G and/or 4G).
3. It allows for number porting, as it will be unlocked for use with any mobile carrier in the country. This means it can work with any carrier, not just the one it originally used.
What happens if my phone doesn't match?
A: It will be blocked within 30 consecutive days from its first use in the country.
What happens if my phone isn't sold in Chile?
A: For phones not sold in Chile, approval is carried out in the same way, and the phone is registered in the Multiband/SAE system. However, since it is not in the database, it will not display the message that it can operate with all bands, even though it can.
How long does it take to be registered?
A: 2 to 24 business hours.
Can this service help me unlock my device due to late payment or theft?
A: No, this service is exclusive for equipment brought from abroad that must be approved for use on mobile networks in the country.
Check your IMEI
To check the IMEI on a phone and view it in the respective box, you can follow these simple steps. First, open the Phone app and dial the universal code "*#06#." This will display the IMEI number on the screen. You can also find the IMEI in the device settings. On an Android phone, you can go to the Settings app, then select "About phone," and finally you will find the IMEI number in the corresponding section. Once you have the IMEI number, you can check it in the respective box by entering it manually. Remember that the IMEI is a unique number that identifies your phone, so it's important to have it handy for inquiries or to report a theft.
How do I locate my serial number?
| Brand | Serial Number Format | Location on the Device | Location in the Box |
| Samsung | 11 alphanumeric characters (e.g. R58K42P7B5N) | Settings → About phone → Status → Serial | Side or back label |
| Xiaomi | 15-20 alphanumeric characters (ex. 21012121XYZ12345) | Settings → About phone → Hardware information | Side or back label |
| Realme | 17 alphanumeric characters (e.g. RMX2170XYZ123456) | Settings → About device → Status | Side or back label |
| Alive | 11-17 alphanumeric characters (e.g. AE7XKLXY1012345) | Settings → About phone → Status | Label next to the IMEI |
| Honor | 10-17 alphanumeric characters (e.g. 9WQ7XY301234567) | Settings → About phone → Status | Side or back label |
| Asus ROG Phone | Long alphanumeric (e.g. F5N0RX301234567) | Settings → System → About phone → Status | Back or side of the box |
| ZTE | Alphanumeric (e.g. Y123450987654321) | Settings → About phone → Status | Side label next to the IMEI |
| Nubia | 15-17 alphanumeric characters (e.g. NX651J301234567) | Settings → About phone → Status | Label next to the IMEI |
| OnePlus | 12-16 alphanumeric characters (e.g. 1LP9XY6012345) | Settings → About phone → Status | Back or side of the box |
| Google Pixel | 15-20 alphanumeric characters (e.g. FA79XY601234567) | Settings → About phone → Status | Label next to the IMEI code |
| Apple | 12 alphanumeric characters (e.g. C02ZN0X3FVH7) | Settings → General → About Device → Serial | Side or back label |
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