How to find out the IMEI of a phone and what is it? What does phone imei mean? How to find out the IMEI of a phone and what is this serial number for? What is imei in detail

IMEI is a unique number that is issued to all mobile equipment at the factory. Typically this number is represented as a 15-digit decimal number. Every phone, tablet with mobile connection and 3g/4g modem has this number. In this article we will talk about how to view IMEI on an Android phone.

Method No. 1. Code *#06#.

Probably the easiest and fastest way to view IMEI is the code *#06#. In order to use it, open the “Calls” application and dial this code, as it is shown in the screenshot below.

Once you type *#06# on your keyboard, a small pop-up window will appear containing your IMEI.

Method number 2. Android settings.

You can also view the IMEI of your Android phone in the settings. To do this, open Settings and go to the “About phone” section (in some cases, the section may be called “About the device”). View the device information that is available in this settings section. The IMEI number should also be indicated here. In some cases, in order to view the IMEI, you also need to open the “Status” section.

Many smartphone users have come across the abbreviation IMEI and a long set of numbers. They collided and, most likely, passed by. Indeed, you never know how many sets of numbers are associated with a mobile device. Is it worth paying attention to them?

In the case of IMEI, perhaps it’s worth it. The fact is that this number is a unique identifier that is assigned to each smartphone. And it serves several extremely useful purposes. In our article we will tell you how to find out the IMEI of your phone and what it is needed for.

What is IMEI

IMEI (from English International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit international identifier for mobile gadgets. Essentially, this is a serial number that is determined by the operator when the phone is connected. The IMEI number stands for this:

Please note that a dual-SIM phone will be marked with two IMEI numbers, for each SIM card slot.

What is your phone's IMEI used for:

1. WITH using IMEI You can get complete information about the device at the purchase stage by correlating the identifier contained in the gadget’s system with the one printed on the mobile phone’s body.
2. Through IMEI you can recognize a stolen or lost phone and return it to the owner.
3. When making a call from a phone, the telecom operator determines the IMEI and, accordingly, calculates the location of the gadget. Therefore, through IMEI you can monitor a mobile phone or find a lost phone.
4. Having found out the IMEI, the operator can block the phone if it falls into the hands of criminals.
5. IMEI code is a manufacturer’s guarantee in terms of build quality and safety for the user.

How to find out the IMEI code of a phone

In order to determine a mobile device identifier, there are 4 simple methods available to any user:

Method 1. Through a number combination on the keyboard

Open the numeric keypad on your phone and dial *#06#. After this, the IMEI will appear on the screen.

Method 2. Look inside the phone case

If your phone has a removable battery, you can find out the IMEI number by removing back cover mobile phone and removing the battery. Below it will be placed all the information about the phone, including the IMEI number or numbers.

Method 3. Look at the packaging.

A sticker with the IMEI number is placed on the box with the phone. In addition, the identifier is indicated in the device’s warranty card upon purchase. It is very important that the IMEI numbers on the packaging and on the coupon exactly match each other.

Method 4. View in phone settings

The IMEI number must be entered in the information list, which can be accessed through the gadget menu:

• Open settings;
• Find the “About phone” section;
• Click on “General Information”;
• Go to the “IMEI code data” item.

Why Fly

As can be seen from the illustrations, when preparing material on how to find IMEI, we were helped by the products of the British company Fly. We chose smartphones from this brand for affordability, performance and reliability, which is confirmed by grateful user reviews

Some people have a question: how to find out phone imei?», « how to view imei? or " how to check phone imei?. In this short post I will tell you how to find out imei and how it is useful when your phone is stolen.

How to determine imei of a cell phone?

So, in order to find out the IMEI of your mobile phone, dial “*#06#” on your phone without quotes - asterisk, hash, zero, six, hash. After this, a 15-digit IMEI number will automatically appear on the phone screen.

Why do you need a serial number if your phone is stolen?

If your phone is stolen, you can contact your service provider and ask them to block your phone. This is where IMEI is needed, i.e. They will block using the imei number you specified. After blocking, even if the attacker changes the SIM card, the phone will not be able to be used. So write it down somewhere just in case. serial number your phone.

To tell the truth, I don’t think it will be impossible to use the phone. I believe that there are craftsmen who reflash mobile phones, after which they “come to life”.

And yet, in the list of popular queries I saw the request “find a phone by imei for free.” I’ll tell you right away that this is impossible! Only the police can track the location of the phone. I tried entering the query into the search. I opened the first website I came across, and on it, under various pretexts (to download one of the programs), they put in an archive with a virus. So, the phone was stolen - go to the police.

What is an IMEI code, why is it needed and, most importantly, who needs it? Many have never even heard of him. Someone heard it, but doesn't know. Someone has vague ideas... According to the definition posted on the Wikipedia resource, IMEI(English cell phones of the GSM, WCDMA and IBEN networks, as well as in some satellite phones firmware *#06# on keyboard)...

What is an IMEI code, why is it needed and, most importantly, who needs it?

Many have never even heard of him. Someone heard it, but doesn't know. Someone has vague ideas...

According to the definition posted on the Wikipedia resource, IMEI(English: International Mobile Equipment Identity) - a number (usually 15-bit decimal) unique for each device using it. Applicable in cell phones networks GSM, WCDMA and IBEN, as well as in some satellite phones. The IMEI is assigned to the phone during manufacturing at the factory. It serves to identify the device on the network and is stored in the device’s firmware. As a rule, IMEI is indicated in four places: in the device itself (in most cases it can be displayed on the screen by typing *#06# on the keyboard), under battery, on the packaging and in the warranty card. IMEI plays the role of the serial number of the device and is broadcast during authorization on the network. IMEI is also used to track devices, activate hidden functions and block stolen phones at the operator level cellular communications, which does not allow the further use of such a device in the network of this operator, but does not prevent its use in other networks. The model and origin of the phone are described by the first 8 digits of the IMEI (the so-called TAC). The remaining part is the serial number with a check number at the end. Phones that support simultaneous operation of two SIM cards are assigned two IMEI numbers. Manufacturers are constantly improving methods for protecting software from IMEI changes. In modern devices, IMEI is stored in once programmable memory zone and cannot be changed software(except phones with MTK chipset). In some countries, changing IMEI is a criminal offense.

In conclusion, some useful advice:

Copy the device serial number and IMEI code onto paper. Place this cheat sheet with documents that you do not need every day (birth certificates, marriage certificates, education certificates) so as not to lose everything at once. You can find out the IMEI code by typing the combination *#06# . If you lose your gadget, this cheat sheet will serve you well in your search, including through checkimei. ru.

IMEI(International Mobile Equipment Identity) stands for “international mobile equipment identifier” - it is a unique number that is assigned to each mobile phone, as well as some satellite phones. It is usually printed on the battery compartment of the device. It can also be displayed on the screen by entering the sequence from the keyboard *#06# . It is impossible to change the IMEI of a modern phone without reprogramming the microcircuits or replacing them, since this identifier is usually hardwired into the ROM chip.

The IMEI identifier is used in GSM networks to identify devices operating on the network, and therefore it can be used to track a stolen cell phone and block its access to the network. For example, if the owner of a stolen phone reports the theft to his mobile operator and asks to add the device to the “black list” using the IMEI number, then for this and some other networks the phone will become absolutely useless, and it does not matter whether the SIM card installed has been changed in phone.

IMEI is used only to identify the device from which the network is accessed; it does not in any way relate to the owner of the device. The owner is determined using another number - IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity - international subscriber identifier), which is stored in the SIM card. Theoretically, the IMSI identifier can be forged and used with any phone, but many cellular networks have protection, for example, this identifier is sent very rarely during a communication session to avoid its interception.

The IMEI usually contains 15 digits. The first eight digits are the TAC ID, with the first two digits in this TAC code indicating the country. The next six digits indicate the serial number of the device, and the last, 15th digit is a control digit, with its help the correctness of all digits is checked using the Luhn algorithm.

The Luhn algorithm is used to check the checksum of the IMEI identifier; it allows you to identify all single errors and almost all permutations of neighboring numbers. The only exceptions are the numbers 9 and 0, located in adjacent positions; their rearrangement is not detected by the algorithm (for example, if you rearrange adjacent numbers 90 and 09, this will not be detected).

Let's look at an example of checking the correctness of the IMEI identifier 359223015426526, containing 15 digits:

1. We discard the rightmost check digit - 14 digits remain: 35922301542652
2. Counting from right to left, we sum up all the numbers located in even positions - second, fourth, sixth, etc. –3 5 9 2 2 3 0 1 5 4 2 6 5 2
3+9+2+0+5+2+5 = 26
3. All numbers less than five, located in odd positions, should be multiplied by two and added together, and if the number is greater than four, then when multiplied by two, the number nine should be subtracted from the result:
5*2-9+2*2+3*2+1*2+4*2+6*2-9+2*2 = 28
4. Let’s sum up the results: 26+28 = 54
5. Divide the resulting number modulo by ten: 54 mod 10 = 4
6. If the result is zero, then the result is equal to zero, but if the resulting number is greater than zero, then subtract this number from ten: 10 – 4 = 6.

In this example, we received the number 6, which is equal to the check number, therefore the IMEI identifier numbers are correct.

Encyclopedic YouTube

1 / 3

✪ How to Track Stolen Phone | IMEI Tracking | How to Find My Lost Mobile | Mr.Growth

✪ Como mudar o IMEI de qualquer celular Original ou Pirata =2=

✪ Register IMEI Number with PTA Device Verification System (2018-2019) in Urdu

Subtitles

General information

IMEI is assigned by authorized organizations, in particular BABT British Approvals Board for Telecommunications. It serves to identify the device on the network and is stored in the device’s firmware. As a rule, IMEI is indicated in four places: in the device itself (in most cases it can be displayed on the screen by typing *#06# on the keyboard), under the battery, on the packaging and in the warranty card. IMEI plays the role of the serial number of the device during authorization on the network; it is broadcast during authorization on the network. IMEI is also used to track devices and block stolen phones at the level of a cellular operator, which does not allow the further use of such a device in the network of this operator, but does not prevent its use in other networks. The GSM core network stores the IMEI in the EIR.

Unlike ESN and MEID used in CDMA and other networks, IMEI is used only to identify the device and is not permanently associated with the subscriber. Instead, the IMSI number is used, stored on a SIM card, which can be inserted into almost any other device. However, there are special systems that allow one phone to use only one specific SIM card.

The model and origin of the phone are described by the first 8 digits of the IMEI (the so-called TAC). The remaining part is the serial number with a check number at the end. Phones that support simultaneous operation of multiple SIM cards are assigned multiple IMEI numbers.

Change IMEI

Manufacturers are constantly improving protection methods software from changing IMEI. In modern devices, IMEI is stored in a one-time programmable memory zone and cannot be changed by software (except for phones with an MTK or Samsung chipset). [ ]

In some countries, for example Latvia, Great Britain [ ], In the Republic of Belarus, changing IMEI is a criminal offense. There is also a case of attempted criminal prosecution for changing IMEI in Russia [ ] and in Kazakhstan

IMEI and IMEISV structure

IMEI (14 decimal digits plus check digit) contains information about the origin, model and serial number of the device. The first 8 digits make up the model and place of origin of the device, and are known as the TAC (Type Approval Code). The rest is the serial number of the device determined by the manufacturer, with a check digit calculated using the Luna algorithm at the end. Until 2003, this figure had to be equal to 0. Later, this rule was canceled.

IMEISV (International Mobile Terminal Identity and Software Version number) consists of 16 digits and provides a unique identification of each mobile phone and corresponds to the version of the software installed in mobile phone permitted by the operator. The software version determines the services available to the mobile device, as well as the ability to perform speech coding, and therefore this parameter is very important.

As of 2004, the IMEI format is AA-BBBBBB-CCCCCC-D, although it may not always appear this way. IMEISV uses two software version digits instead of one check number, so IMEISV looks like AA-BBBBBB-CCCCCC-EE.

Before the TAC consisted of only 6 digits, the remaining 2 digits made up the final assembly code (FAC). From January 1 to April 1, there was a transition period during which all FAC codes were equal to the digits 00. The FAC ceased to exist, and the TAC was expanded to 8 digits.

The first two digits of TAC are the officially registered RBI code. The RBI is always decimal, meaning it is less than 0xA0, making it easy to distinguish an IMEI from a MEID whose start is equal to or greater than 0xA0.

For example, consider IMEI 35-209900-176148-1 or IMEISV 35-209900-176148-23:

TAC: 35-2099 - British Board of Harmonization Telecommunications (BABT) code and model number 2099 (Alcatel One Touch 332) FAC: 00 - this code means that the phone was made during the transition period when FAC was abolished. During the existence of FAC, the following codes were used, among other things: 67 - USA, 19 or 40 - Great Britain, 78 or 20 - Germany, 10 or 70 - Finland, 30 - Korea, 80 - China, 04 - Vietnam SNR: 176148 - serial number of the device CD: 1 - check number SVN: 23 - version number of the software installed on the phone. The number 99 is reserved.

The new style IMEI looks a little different: 49-015420-323751 (German Nokia 3110 classic) and has an 8-digit TAC (49-015420).

The new mobile equipment identifier MEID, operating on CDMA networks, uses the same basic format as the IMEI.

Check Number Calculation

1. Add all numbers in odd positions;
2. Double the digits in even places and calculate the sum of the digits of the resulting numbers.
   (Which is equivalent to replacing:
   • 9=9
     followed by summation)
3. To the resulting number add the result obtained in step 1;
4. If the resulting number is a multiple of 10, then the IMEI check number is 0. Otherwise check sum is equal to the number that must be added to the result to get the next larger “round” number.

Example

IMEI=35-419002-389644-3.

Add all numbers in odd positions:

3+4+9+0+3+9+4 = 32

Replace numbers in even places:

5,1,0,2,8,6,4 => 1,2,0,4,7,3,8 and add them: 1+2+0+4+7+3+8 = 25

Add the result of step 1 to the resulting number.

25 + 32 = 57

The checksum is the number that needs to be added to the result to get the next larger “round” number.

The abbreviation IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identifier, which means “international mobile equipment identifier”. In other words, IMEI is a unique serial number for each GSM phone, which is automatically transmitted by the device to the operator’s network when connected. That is, if in your stolen cellular telephone someone inserts their SIM card and makes at least one call, law enforcement agencies, through the telecom operator, can find out who the SIM card is registered to and seize the phone. However, before that, it can gather dust in the windows of some store for months.

The IMEI code consists of 15 digits

First 6 digits
TAC = Type Approval Code - approved code of the standard sample, phone model (the first 2 digits are the country code).
then 2 digits
FAC = Final Assembly Code:
6 numbers
SNR = Serial Number.
and one number
SP = Spare - spare, almost always = 0.

You can find out the IMEI of your phone by typing the key combination *#06# on the keyboard. In this case, a 15-digit number will be displayed on the screen, which must be remembered or written down. Also, IMEI is indicated on the box under the barcode and under the battery on the phone body. Therefore, when buying a hundred square meters, it is always recommended to compare these numbers so as not to get into trouble.

Surely you have already heard this abbreviation - IMEI. For most owners of mobile gadgets, IMEI is a kind of phone identifier, something like a serial number, most likely needed by engineers and developers, but not of any value to the average person. Let's figure out what IMEI actually means, how it can be useful to the average user, and how to find out the IMEI of a phone if necessary.

What is IMEI?

IMEI is a unique international identifier of any mobile device (phone, smartphone, tablet and even USB modem).

IMEI code is assigned to each mobile device and some satellite phones are still at the production stage and usually consist of 15 digits. When the device is connected, the IMEI is automatically transmitted to the operator’s network and serves to identify the device itself. IMEI has nothing to do with the owner of the device or the SIM card used in it.

It is believed that IMEI cannot be changed or faked, since this code is stored in the ROM chip of the mobile phone. However, some “traditional craftsmen” have long learned to do this. Moreover, on the Internet you can find detailed algorithms for changing the IMEI of a phone. But you should know that fake IMEI is illegal. Moreover, in some countries (not yet in Russia), replacing the IMEI code in a device is a criminal offense.

A simple key combination ✶ # 06 # will allow you to find out the IMEI code of your phone. It will immediately appear on the device screen.

Alternative methods:

• View IMEI on Android devices you can directly through the menu: “Settings” → “About phone” → “Device identifiers”. In addition to IMEI, this tab will also indicate the name of the phone model, its serial number and other useful information.
• Find out IMEI on iPhone and other Apple devices You can also do it through the main menu: “Settings” → “General” → “About device”. Just like the above, this page contains comprehensive information about the phone, including its IMEI, serial number, and more.

In addition, manufacturers also indicate the IMEI of the phone on the device itself (look under the battery) and on the box (next to the barcode).

For older iPhone models (before iPhone 5), the IMEI is indicated on the SIM card tray.

How to find out the IMEI of a stolen phone?

Few people think about looking at the IMEI of their phone in advance and keeping it in a safe place. On the contrary, the question “how to find out the IMEI number of a phone?” As a rule, it arises when the device is no longer in hand - it has been stolen or lost. It’s good if you still have the packaging from under the device - you can look at the IMEI on it. But what to do if it’s not there either? Is it really impossible to find out IMEI now?

Maybe! And here Google and Apple come to the aid of their users!

How can IMEI be useful?

So, we have already learned what the IMEI of a phone is and how to find it out. What benefit can you get from this information?

Through IMEI, you can identify, locate and block a specific device connected to the operator's network. Thus, in theory, if a phone is stolen, it is easy to return it to its rightful owner. But in practice neither mobile operators, nor the police are searching for mobile phones by IMEI, citing the lack of necessary equipment.

Therefore for regular user IMEI is more likely to be useful as a means of additionally checking the purchased phone for its authenticity and the presence of a “criminal record” (stolen or not). This is especially true if you purchase the phone second-hand.

There are special services on the Internet through which you can find out Interesting Facts about the phone by its IMEI number: device model, build date, check whether the phone is blacklisted as stolen. Users of Apple gadgets can get more detailed information: device color, memory capacity, production date, firmware version when selling the device, as well as unlocking and jailbreak methods).

It has its own unique international equipment identification number, better known as IMEI. This number is typically 15 or 16 digits long and is used by telecom operators to identify devices registered on networks. Being unique and difficult to change, it is possible to block the IMEI of a stolen phone for online registration. In some cases, you can even track the location of your phone using IMEI.

But how to find out the IMEI of a phone? I know several ways to find out IMEI - enter a special code, look in the settings, look in the information about account etc. These and other ways to find out the IMEI of a phone are described below.

NOTE. The serial numbers and IMEI numbers in the images below have been blurred on purpose.

How to find out the IMEI number of any phone, iPhone or Android:

Method number 1: Dial *#06#

It doesn't matter what kind of phone you have, it could be an iPhone, Samsung or Xiaomi. If you enter *#06# on the dialing screen, your phone's IMEI number will appear. On some phones, you may need to press the CALL button for it to work

The IMEI number can also be found in your phone's settings. On iPhone you will find it at this path: Settings > General > About. On phones Samsung Galaxy and Xiaomi - Settings > About phone.

Method number 3: IMEI can be written on the phone itself

Some phones have an IMEI number engraved on the back, as well as a serial number and various regulations. But, this method is only valid for older models, such as the Galaxy S7 or iPhone 6. You will not find them on new phone models, as manufacturers strive to make their smartphones look as clean as possible.

Method number 3: Look at the SIM card tray

Manufacturers still have to list the IMEI of their phones somewhere. That's why many of them started engraving it on the SIM card tray. If you don't have a tool to remove the SIM card, use a regular paper clip.

In addition to the above, the IMEI number of the phone can be found on the box it was in when purchased. Sometimes, this is the only option to find out the IMEI of a phone if it is lost or stolen.

Method #6: View your IMEI in iCloud (iPhone only)

This is only for iPhone owners. Go to appleid.apple.com and enter your Apple ID and password. Once you sign in, you will see a list of all your Apple devices. Click on the one whose IMEI you want to know.

Method #7: View IMEI from another iOS device (iPhone only).

You can view the IMEI of one iPhone from another iPhone that is signed in to the same Apple ID. To do this, go to Settings and click on your name at the very top and scroll down. Here you will see a list of all your devices. Click on the one whose IMEI you want to find out.

Conclusion

Friends, if you still have questions about how to find out the IMEI of a phone, ask them in the comments below.