IMEI
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit international identifier of mobile equipment that is assigned to every device supporting SIM cards (smartphones, tablets, modems) at the factory. It can be compared with the device's digital passport.
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What is IMEI in simple words
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit identification number of a device (smartphone, tablet, modem). It is the gadget's digital “passport”, assigned at the factory and used for its unmistakable identification in cellular networks.
Every phone in the world has its own unique IMEI. Even if two completely identical smartphones are from the same model, their IMEIs will differ. Devices with two SIM cards have two IMEIs (one for each slot).
IMEI is not tied to a phone number or the owner's account. It refers exclusively to the “hardware” of the device. If you change a SIM card, the IMEI remains the same. This allows mobile operators and law enforcement bodies to identify a specific device even if its SIM card has been changed.
Knowing your IMEI is important for protection against theft, checking the authenticity of a device and warranty service. Read about how devices are identified in networks in the article Wireless networks.
How to find out the IMEI of a phone
This code can be obtained in several simple ways:
- USSD request: The fastest option. Just type the command *#06# on your phone and press the call button — the 15-digit code (or several codes if the device supports two SIM cards) instantly appears on the screen.
- In the gadget settings: On iPhone: “Settings” → “General” → “About”. On Android: “Settings” → “About phone” (or “Device information”).
- On the packaging: Look at the barcodes on the factory box of your device — the IMEI is always indicated there.
- On the case or tray: On some devices (for example, on the SIM tray, back panel or under the battery), the code is engraved in small print.
- In documents: The IMEI must be written in the warranty card or purchase and sale agreement.
Why IMEI is needed
1. Protection against theft or loss
If a phone is stolen, the police and the mobile operator can block the device by IMEI in the network, making it unusable. An attacker will not be able to use the phone even if he changes the SIM card.
2. Authenticity check
Before buying secondhand, compare the IMEI on the case, box and in the settings (*#06#). If they do not match, it is a fake or a refurbished device. You can also check the IMEI on specialized websites (for example, IMEI.info) to find out if the device is on blacklists.
3. Warranty service
Service centers use this number to check the right to warranty repair. The IMEI allows determining the release date of the device, the country of production and other technical characteristics.
4. Registration in networks
In some countries, the IMEI is used to bind to a SIM card in order to exclude the use of “gray” or smuggled phones. Read about how mobile networks work in the article Wireless networks.
Why you should not show the IMEI to strangers
You should not expose your IMEI to strangers because of the risk of becoming a victim of fraudsters. Here are the main reasons why this unique code should be hidden:
- Device cloning: Attackers can reflash your IMEI onto a stolen or fake phone. If the clone commits illegal acts, they will be looking for you in the network.
- Communication blocking: If a mobile operator detects two devices with absolutely identical codes in the network, it may block both numbers.
- Fake databases of stolen devices: Fraudsters can enter your code into unofficial databases of stolen phones and then blackmail you, demanding money for deleting the record.
Read about how to protect your data in the article Digital footprint.
Frequently asked questions
What is IMEI in simple words?
IMEI is a unique number assigned to every phone at the factory. It is like a passport or fingerprint of your device. Even if two phones are of the same model, their IMEIs will differ. Phones with two SIM cards have two IMEIs. Read about how mobile networks work in the article Wireless networks.
How to find out the IMEI of a phone?
The fastest way is to type the command *#06# on the phone keypad. The number appears on the screen instantly. You can also see the IMEI in the settings (iPhone: “Settings” → “General” → “About”; Android: “Settings” → “About phone”), on the phone box or on the case (often engraved on the SIM tray). Read about setting up devices in the article Infrastructure.
Why is IMEI needed on a phone?
IMEI is needed for identifying a device in cellular networks. It helps operators recognize a phone, and the police block stolen devices. IMEI is also used to check the authenticity of a device at purchase and for warranty service in service centers. Read about data protection in the article Digital footprint.
Can I find a phone by IMEI?
Technically, yes, but only law enforcement bodies can do this through mobile operators. Ordinary users, websites or applications cannot do it. If a phone is stolen, you should report the IMEI to the police — they can track the device when it appears in the network. Do not trust websites that promise to find a phone by IMEI for money — this is fraud. Read about security in the article Digital footprint.
Can a phone be blocked by IMEI?
Yes, a mobile operator can block a phone by IMEI if you report the theft. After blocking, the device will not be able to connect to the operator's network, even if an attacker changes the SIM card. To block, contact the police and your operator with an application. Read about device protection in the article Information security.
Why should I not show the IMEI to strangers?
Fraudsters can use your IMEI to clone a device, add it to blacklists or blackmail you. If an attacker gets your IMEI, he can reflash it onto another phone, and if a crime is committed with it, the police may come after you. Therefore, do not publish the IMEI on forums, in ads and do not tell it to strangers. Read about protection from fraudsters in the article Fraud.
Does the IMEI differ on phones with two SIM cards?
Yes, phones with two SIM cards have two IMEIs — one for each slot. Usually they are displayed simultaneously when entering the command *#06#. The first IMEI refers to the first slot, the second — to the second one. Both numbers are unique for this particular device. Read about configuring two SIM cards in the article Home networks.
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