28.12.2025 19:25
A critical period concerning millions of people using phones brought from abroad to Turkey has come to an end. Due to the new regulations that will come into effect on January 1st, users who do not carry out the necessary checks may lose signal on their phones overnight.
Silent but severe changes regarding mobile phones brought to Turkey from abroad will take effect as of January 1st. The IMEI registration fee for 2026 has risen to 57,241 TL, while the real risk is not the fee increase, but the new signal cutting system that will be applied to old devices.
Many users who think "my phone won't shut down" may suddenly encounter a "no network" warning in January.
There are 3 critical points that users of phones brought from abroad need to check before the end of the year.
120-DAY USAGE PERIOD IS NOT RESET
Mobile phones purchased from abroad can be used in Turkey without registration for a certain period. As of 2025, this period is 120 days. This period starts from the moment the device receives its first signal within Turkey, and the counter does not reset in the new year. A foreign phone that has already used most of its usage period may automatically lose signal in the early days of January.
JUST PAYING THE FEE IS NOT ENOUGH
After the IMEI registration is completed, the device needs to be matched with the owner's line through e-Government.
If this process is not completed, the phone may not be able to connect to the network even if it appears registered in the system.
DEVICES NOT USED FOR A LONG TIME ARE AT RISK
Foreign phones that are registered with the BTK but have not connected to the network for more than a year can be blacklisted without prior warning.
For backup phones waiting in drawers, December 31 is seen as the deadline. It is reported that there are approximately 3 million phones in this situation.
COST OF NOT CHECKING: 57,000 TL
Experts emphasize that a few minutes of checking through e-Government can prevent serious grievances that may occur in the new year.
Otherwise, the only way to reuse a shut-down device may be to pay the IMEI registration fee exceeding 57,000 TL.