Easy Guide: Find & Understand Your IMEI Number

AirVoice Wireless | Jul 25, 2024 | 20-minute read

Introduction to IMEI Numbers

Decoding the Importance of IMEI

What is an IMEI number used for? The IMEI number is your mobile device’s fingerprint; it’s what makes your phone uniquely yours. Beyond identity, IMEI plays a role in keeping devices secure. Should your phone get lost or stolen, the IMEI number is critical in ensuring that no one else can use your device. Mobile operators can block the device, effectively rendering it useless to thieves, even with a new SIM card. This also aids in thwarting the illicit resale of mobile devices. These unique codes play a critical role in various aspects of mobile telecommunications, from ensuring device security to facilitating regulatory compliance and supporting customer service. Here’s why IMEI numbers are integral to the functioning and management of mobile devices.

Unique Device Identification: IMEI numbers are unique identifiers assigned to mobile devices, distinguishing each device globally.
Tracking and Security: They facilitate tracking of lost or stolen devices and can be used to blacklist them across networks, deterring theft.
Authentication: IMEI numbers are used for device authentication on mobile networks, ensuring only valid devices can connect.
Warranty and Support: Manufacturers use IMEI numbers to manage warranty claims and provide customer support for devices.
Regulatory Compliance: IMEI numbers help ensure devices meet local standards and regulations, preventing illegal imports and clones.
Fraud Prevention: They play a crucial role in preventing device cloning and unauthorized use on networks.
Device History: IMEI numbers track a device’s manufacturing details, activation, and in some cases, usage history.

A Brief History of IMEI Evolution

The IMEI, or International Mobile Equipment Identity, is a standard that’s been setting the bar for mobile security since 2002. Initially, its purpose was simple — to give each device a unique identifier. Over time, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) networks expanded its usage to combat mobile phone theft by blacklisting IMEIs of stolen phones, preventing them from accessing the network. Each IMEI number is globally unique, evolving with mobile technology to become essential for device management, security, regulatory compliance, and customer support in the telecommunications industry.

Searching For Your IMEI

Quick Dial Codes to Reveal Your IMEI

To quickly uncover your phone’s IMEI number, there’s a handy dial code you can use. On both Android and iOS devices, the drill is the same:

Open the Phone App: Launch the phone app on your device. This is where you usually dial phone numbers.
Enter the Dial Code: Dial the following code: *#06#
Initiate the Call: After entering the code, simply tap the call button (or equivalent) as if you were making a phone call.
View IMEI: Your device should immediately display the IMEI number on the screen. Note that some devices might automatically show the IMEI without needing to make the call.
Note Down IMEI: Note down the IMEI number displayed. Most devices will show both the IMEI (15 digits) and sometimes the IMEISV (IMEI Software Version) which indicates the software version of the device.

It’s important to keep your IMEI number safe and private as it is a crucial identifier for your device. If you’re unable to use this method, consult your device’s manual or manufacturer’s support for alternative ways to retrieve your IMEI number.

Through the Settings Menu: Android and iPhone Devices

What is an IMEI number iPhone and android? Navigating the maze that is your phone’s settings menu might seem daunting, but doing an IMEI check is quite straightforward. Here are the steps to find the IMEI number through settings on both iPhone and Android devices:

On iPhone:

Open Settings: Go to the home screen and tap on “Settings”.
Tap on General: Scroll down and tap on “General”.
Find About: Tap on “About”. You will see various details about your iPhone.
View IMEI: Scroll down to find the IMEI entry. On iPhones, the IMEI number is listed along with other details like serial number and model number.
Note Down IMEI: Write down or take a screenshot of the IMEI number for future reference.

On Android:

The exact steps can vary slightly depending on the specifications of the Android version and device manufacturer, but generally:

Open Settings: Go to the home screen and tap on “Settings”.
Find About Phone or About Device: Scroll down and look for an option labeled “About phone”, “About device”, or similar. Tap on it.
View Status or Phone Identity: In the “About phone” or similar section, look for “Status” or “Phone identity”. Tap on it.
View IMEI Information: You should see multiple entries like IMEI1, IMEI2 (if your device supports dual SIM), MEID, or ESN. Tap on IMEI1 or the relevant IMEI entry to view the IMEI number.
Note Down IMEI: Write down or take a screenshot of the IMEI number displayed on the screen.
Exit Settings: Once you have noted down the IMEI number, you can exit the settings menu.

Extracting IMEI from Your Smartphone Box

If your phone has gone missing or you’re just not up for a digital scavenger hunt through the Settings menu, the box your phone originally came in is a treasure trove. Check the sides or back for a sticker bearing a barcode and small print. Amidst the jumble of numbers and labels, your IMEI will be prominently displayed, typically preceded by “IMEI” or “S/N” for serial number.

It’s a good practice to keep that box somewhere safe, because you never know – that cardboard rectangle, seemingly trivial, might just become the matter that saves the day!

Google’s ‘Find My Device’ and IMEI Retrieval

If you’re an Android user, Google’s ‘Find My Device’ can be a game-changer, especially when you can’t seem to find your IMEI. As long as you’ve activated ‘Find My Device’ beforehand, retrieving your IMEI is fairly simple:

Visit the Find My Device website using a web browser like Chrome.
Log in with your Google account linked to the lost Android device.
Select the lost device from the left column to view detailed information.
Click on the ‘info’ icon to reveal and access your device’s IMEI number.

It’s important to note that this method applies specifically to Android devices; iPhones, managed through iCloud’s ‘Find My’ feature, do not offer online access to the IMEI.

The Structure and Uses of IMEI

Understanding the Anatomy of an IMEI Number

An IMEI number may look like a random string of digits, but there’s method to the madness. It’s structured in a way that reveals fascinating details about your device. An IMEI number consists of 15 digits and can be divided into several parts, each serving a specific purpose:

Type Allocation Code (TAC): The first 8 digits of the IMEI make up the TAC. This part identifies the device manufacturer and model. It’s assigned by the GSMA (Global System for Mobile Communications Association).
Serial Number (SNR): Following the TAC, the next 6 digits represent the serial number of the device. This part uniquely identifies each individual device within a specific model.
Check Digit: The last digit of the IMEI is a check digit. It’s calculated based on the Luhn algorithm and is used to verify the integrity of the IMEI number.

The IMEI number is crucial for identifying and authenticating mobile devices globally. It helps in tracking lost or stolen devices, managing warranties, ensuring regulatory compliance, and preventing fraud within the mobile telecommunications industry.

Practical Scenarios Where You’ll Need Your IMEI

Your phone’s IMEI number is like its fingerprint—it’s unique to your device and comes in handy in quite a few situations. Whether you’re reporting a lost phone, sorting out warranty issues, or activating a new SIM card, knowing your IMEI can save you time and hassle. It’s one of those things you might not think about often, but when you need it, you’ll be glad you have it handy! Here are a few everyday scenarios:

Reporting Stolen or Lost Device: IMEI helps track and block stolen devices.
Warranty and Support: Needed for verifying device history and eligibility.
Network Activation: Required by mobile carriers for activating new SIM cards or registering devices.
Device Purchase Verification: Ensures used devices aren’t stolen or compromised.
Device Insurance Claims: Essential for verifying device ownership in insurance claims.
IMEI Blacklisting: Addressing issues related to device blacklisting.
Travel and Roaming: Sometimes required for registering on foreign networks.

Protecting Your Phone with IMEI Knowledge

Lost or Stolen? How IMEI Helps in Phone Recovery

If your mobile device decides to take an unauthorized field trip, your IMEI number becomes a superhero. These unique identifiers enable law enforcement and network providers to track the location of a stolen device if it’s connected to a network. Once reported stolen, the IMEI can be blacklisted across networks, effectively disabling the phone and thwarting its use by unauthorized individuals. Moreover, the IMEI serves as proof of ownership, facilitating the return of recovered phones to their rightful owners. For insurance purposes, IMEI numbers are crucial in verifying claims for lost or stolen devices. Additionally, potential buyers can check IMEI databases to ensure a phone hasn’t been reported stolen before making a purchase, contributing to theft prevention measures. Overall, IMEI numbers play a pivotal role in enhancing phone recovery efforts, increasing recovery rates, and discouraging theft in the mobile device ecosystem.

Selling or Buying a Used Phone? Verify with IMEI

Buying or selling pre-loved phones comes with its perks, but caution is the watchword here. You have to ensure what’s passing hands hasn’t been filched. Enter the mighty IMEI number. Scrutinize the IMEI at dedicated online check points to confirm the phone isn’t reported stolen or blacklisted. A clean IMEI equates to a green light for transaction.

Sellers, be upfront with your IMEI to showcase transparency. Buyers, do your due diligence and run that number. It’s like a VIN check for vehicles but for the telecommunications world.

What Happens When an IMEI is Blocked or Blacklisted?

When an IMEI is blocked or blacklisted, it’s like the phone has hit a virtual wall. The device cannot connect to any carrier’s network, making calls, texts, and data connection impossible using any local SIM card. This essentially renders the phone useless for any standard functions that require network access. Remember, though, this status isn’t quite set in stone. Only the carrier that originally did the IMEI blocking can reverse the process, and that typically involves proving ownership and that the device was not stolen or lost.

What’s remarkable is how this system, facilitated by wireless carriers, functions globally. Shared registers among wireless carriers around the world mean a phone blacklisted in one country could very well be a brick in another. Stolen phones have no place to hide!

FAQ: Demystifying IMEI Queries

What is the easiest way to find my IMEI number?

The easiest method to do a IMEI number check is to use the universal code. Just open the phone dialer, input *#06#, and the number will pop up on the screen. No need to navigate through settings or look for the original box—just one simple step and you’re done.

Can I change my IMEI number on my own?

No, changing the IMEI number of your device on your own isn’t allowed. The IMEI is a permanent part of your phone’s identity and tinkering with it is illegal in many regions. Any attempts to modify or tamper with your phone’s IMEI could lead to legal consequences. Always keep your IMEI intact and secure.

What should I do if my phone doesn’t have an IMEI sticker?

If your phone lacks an IMEI sticker, don’t fret. You can still retrieve your IMEI number by dialing *#06# on your phone’s keypad. The number should automatically display on the screen. Alternatively, for smartphones, dive into the ‘Settings’ menu and find the ‘About Phone’ section. Your IMEI number should be listed there. If all else fails, check the original packaging or reach out to your carrier as they’ll have a record of your IMEI.

What is an IMEI number different from an ESN?

An IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number serves to uniquely identify mobile devices internationally, primarily used for GSM and UMTS networks. It consists of 15 digits and includes information about the device’s manufacturer, model, and unique serial number. In contrast, an ESN (Electronic Serial Number) historically identified CDMA devices in North America with an 8-digit hexadecimal or 11-digit decimal code. ESNs are less commonly used today as mobile networks transition to newer technologies like LTE, where IMEI numbers are now standard for device identification and network registration globally.

Opinions expressed in this article are those of the guest author and not necessarily AirVoice Wireless. Staff authors are listed here