How to Deal with Phone Blocking in Northern Cyprus

After three months of staying in Northern Cyprus, many face the problem that a phone brought from abroad stops working with a local SIM card. This happens due to the IMEI being blocked under TRNC law if the device has not been registered.

We explain how to get your phone working again and what you need to know to avoid similar problems in the future.

• Usage period without registration
• Register the phone
• Change SIM card slot
• Buy a phone in the TRNC
• Re-entering the country
• Frequently asked questions

Usage period of a phone without registration

It is not the SIM card that is blocked, but the IMEI number of the device. Each IMEI number is allowed 90 days of use without registration per calendar year (from January 1 to December 31). Days are counted only when the phone is in the TRNC with a local SIM inserted.

Important: Every January 1, the 90-day limit resets, giving the device a new period of free usage. If you stay longer, IMEI registration is required.

Register the phone

The most reliable way to restore phone functionality is official registration. This requires visiting the Bilgi Teknolojileri ve Haberleşme Kurumu (BTHK) center in Nicosia. After this, the customs assessment of the device must be completed — available in Nicosia, Kyrenia, or Famagusta.

Detailed instructions for registration and addresses of the institutions can be found in the article on registering a phone in Northern Cyprus.

Tip: Do not wait until the phone is blocked — the 90-day count starts from the date the local SIM is first installed or January 1 of the new calendar year, whichever comes later.

Change SIM card slot

If the phone supports two SIM cards, you can temporarily bypass the block by moving the local SIM to another slot. The system will see it as a new device, allowing another 90 days of use.

Buy a phone in the TRNC

If you don’t want to pay customs fees, you can purchase a cheap local phone. It will work with a local SIM without restrictions, while your main smartphone can be used via Wi-Fi or messaging apps. You can also share the internet from the new device.

Tip: When buying, check if the phone is already entered in the local IMEI database — most stores sell pre-registered devices.

Re-entering the country

Many believe that leaving the TRNC and returning will give the phone a new 90-day period. This is not true. The free usage period depends on the calendar year, not border crossings.

For example, if you used all 90 days in September 2025, the new period only starts on January 1, 2026, regardless of trips outside the island.

Frequently asked questions

How much does phone registration cost?

The cost depends on the model and the customs assessment of the device. More details are in our article. You can also ask in the Northern Cyprus Telegram forum.

What is an IMEI number?

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique identifier for your phone. It is assigned at the factory and allows the operator to determine whether the device is registered. You can check your IMEI by dialing *#06# on the phone keypad.

Are foreign SIM cards blocked?

No. The block applies only to SIM cards of Northern Cyprus operators (Turkcell, Telsim, etc.). Foreign SIMs, including Turkish and European ones, work without restrictions in roaming. More about tariffs can be found in the article on mobile internet in Northern Cyprus.

How to contact BTHK?

For up-to-date information, you can call:

• +90 392 600 9000 — general BTHK number;
• Official website.

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