Kazakhstanis with “grey” phones receive warning messages

Tengrinews.kz – Owners of so-called “grey” smartphones in Kazakhstan have begun receiving SMS warnings about possible blocking of their devices. They are given 30 days to complete verification.

The messages inform users that their phone is on the “grey list” and provide a link for verification. If ignored, the countdown begins, with reminders sent every few days until the deadline expires.

An Astana resident, Ilya, said the problem started after installing an eSIM at the airport before traveling abroad in July. Although his iPhone had been officially registered when purchased over a year ago, the new SIM triggered a notification that the device was now on the grey list. Despite removing the eSIM, he continues to receive warnings.

Another resident, Darkhan, faced a similar situation after switching from Beeline’s eSIM to a physical SIM card from Kcell. She discovered that her smartphone has two IMEIs — one for the eSIM and one for the SIM slot. While the first was in the white list, the second had never been registered and was flagged as “grey”.

According to the company responsible for registration, such cases occur when a device is imported without proper documentation. Users then have 30 days to verify the phone or risk being disconnected from the network.

The Ministry of Digital Development previously introduced three categories for device registration: white (verified), grey (temporarily allowed pending verification), and black (banned, with altered or invalid IMEIs).

Initially, the rules were set to take effect on March 24, but the government extended the free verification period until June 25. Devices that remain unverified after purchase can be returned to the seller, even if more than two weeks have passed since the sale.