What is IMEI? How to find and check IMEI on iPhone, Samsung, and Android.

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Some of us might have heard the term IMEI at least once but not know what it really means. To explore in detail what IMEI is, refer to this Mytour article below.

In essence, IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. Continue reading this Mytour article to learn more about what IMEI is.

What is IMEI? How to search for IMEI on your device.

Article Contents:
1. What is the IMEI number?
2. How to find IMEI on your device.
3. Why is IMEI essential?

1. What is the IMEI number?

IMEI is short for International Mobile Equipment Identity, a unique numerical sequence on every mobile device. This code is used to distinguish this phone model from others in the market.

In essence, IMEI is a 14-digit number with an additional 15th digit for verification, and even a 16th digit on the device carrying information about the software version, also known as IMEISV.

The IMEI is written in the format: AA-BBBBBB-CCCCCC-D. The part signified by the letters A and B is known as the Type Allocation Code (TAC), used to identify the manufacturer and device model.

For instance, the TAC for Google Pixel is 35-161508, while for iPhone 6s Plus, it's 35-332907. However, some devices may have various TACs depending on the version, assembly location, and other factors, as seen with the iPhone 5C having a total of 5 TACs.

The section represented by the 6 Cs in the IMEI is understood as the serial number assigned by the manufacturer. The final character, D, in the IMEI is used to check if the IMEI code complies with allocation and approval principles. Although recorded on the device's packaging to prevent IMEI errors, D is not strictly necessary in the IMEI code.

2. How to find IMEI on your device

To identify your device's IMEI, you can follow two methods. The most common one is to dial directly on the device. Press *#06#, and the IMEI number will be displayed on the screen.

If you use an Android or iOS device, you can find the IMEI in the Settings menu. On iOS devices, go to Settings =>General =>About, where the IMEI will be displayed. To copy the IMEI, simply tap the number and select Copy shown on the screen. For Android devices, go to Settings =>About Phone =>Status to check the IMEI.

If you can't access your device, there are other ways to check the IMEI. The device's packaging will have a label with the IMEI number. If the device has a removable battery, the IMEI is often located just below the battery. Many devices have the IMEI printed on the back. For other devices, including iPhone 6s and newer models, the IMEI is printed on the SIM tray.

3. Why is IMEI essential?

IMEI is a unique numerical sequence assigned to a device for identification, much like a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for cars. Despite occasional confusion, the IMEI is a fixed and completely different set of numbers from the SIM card. When connecting to a mobile network, both codes are required to activate services. While the SIM number identifies your subscription, the IMEI solely identifies the device.

If your device is lost or stolen, you can contact your device provider to block the IMEI, preventing anyone from using this code to connect to the network. Providers can also reach out to other networks, requesting them to block the device. Legal measures also assist users in finding lost phones or restoring them based on the device's IMEI. Changing the IMEI is prohibited, and in many places, such actions constitute a legal violation.

Additionally, when buying a used phone, checking the IMEI will inform you whether the device is genuine, under warranty, and more. Explore some methods to check the IMEI for different phone models below:

- Check iPhone IMEI
- Check iPad iMei
- Check Samsung iMei
- Check Sony iMei
- Check HTC iMei
- Check Oppo iMei
- Check Nokia iMei

This Mytour article just introduced you to what IMEI is and how to find IMEI on Android and iPhone devices. If you have any questions or need clarification, feel free to leave your comments below the article.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the IMEI number and why is it important?

IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity, a unique 14-digit code used to identify mobile devices. It is essential for distinguishing devices and blocking stolen phones from networks. The IMEI also helps verify the authenticity of phones, especially when buying used devices.

How can I find the IMEI number on my Android or iPhone?

To find the IMEI on an Android device, go to Settings > About Phone > Status. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About, and the IMEI will be displayed. Alternatively, dialing *#06# on your phone will also show the IMEI.

Can I find the IMEI number if my device is not accessible?

Yes, you can still find the IMEI if your device is not accessible. The IMEI is often printed on the device’s packaging, the back of the phone, under the removable battery, or on the SIM tray of newer iPhone models.

Is the IMEI number the same as the SIM card number?

No, the IMEI number is different from the SIM card number. While the SIM card identifies your subscription, the IMEI uniquely identifies the device itself. Both are required for network activation.

How does the IMEI help in case of a stolen phone?

If your phone is stolen, you can contact your service provider to block the IMEI, preventing it from connecting to any network. This action helps protect your device from unauthorized use and can assist in recovering the stolen phone.