What is the IMEI number? What is it used for & How to find it?

IMEI Number stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity, is a unique identifier and is used to identify and track devices for a number of purposes. Firstly, when you buy a phone from a third party, you have to first check for the IMEI of your phone to know its identity as if it has not been stolen from a thief store. And this is what an IMEI number tells us. Thus, it plays an important role in keeping you and your device secure and preventing a stolen phone from accessing a network. Let's explore more about this IMEI number.    

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What is an IMEI number?

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit number that is different from a serial number and is used to identify and track devices when needed. All GSM phones have this number, while CDMA devices have a MEID number.

An electronic record of these IMEI numbers is called an EIR (Equipment Identity Register), which keeps track of all mobile phones with valid IMEI numbers. A mobile phone's IMEI number serves as the EIR's way of identifying whether it is authorized by a mobile network to send a phone call or SMS.

What does an IMEI use for?

With IMEI, you can check the carrier information of your device. Knowing the carrier is important when you face any problem related to your device, as they provide technical support. It helps check the network and country of your device, as from where the device has come from. The IMEI is used to identify the warranty or device specifications. This information could be the model, originality and the time when it is released. If your phone gets stolen, it helps locate your phone or block it so as not to let the thief use your phone.

How to find an IMEI?

Here are the methods, depending on the brand, device type and model of your phone, to help you find out your phone’s IMEI number:

By dialing a code 

By dialing *#06# from your device’s keypad. You’ll see the IMEI number on the screen of your phone. 

Via phone’s Settings

You can check your IMEI on your phone’s settings app by the following steps:

IMEI Number On iPhone

• Open the Settings app on your iPhone 
• Tap General section
• Select About  
• Then, you’ll see the IMEI number listed with the model name, number and serial number of your device. 

IMEI Number On Android 

• Go to the Settings app on your Android phone
• Tap About 
• There’s an IMEI number. Note it there.

By Google Find My Device feature

Here are the steps to follow to know your IMEI number in Google Find My Device Feature:

• Go to the settings app on your phone.
• Tap Security 
• Click on Find My Device
• Tap the phone icon at the top left
• Now select information 
• The phone’s IMEI will appear to the right of the phone icon.

Other methods to find IMEI

Here are some other methods to locate your IMEI number:

1. Check device box: If you keep your device’s packaging, You’ll see the IMEI printed with the other details and information like serial number and model on the label of your device’s box. 
2. From SIM card tray: If you have an iPhone generation 4S – iPhone 13, then you can eject the SIM card. This SIM card tray has an IMEI number on it.
3. At the back of the phone: For most of the first generation devices like iPhones, iPads and iPod touch, the IMEI is printed on the back of your iPhone device, and the same goes for Android. 
4. Call your service provider: The methods given above to find your IMEI will not work in the case if your device gets stolen. You should call your service provider and give them minor details. They will give you the IMEI of your device. 

How is IMEI different from other identifiers?

At this time, IMEI, ICCID and EID numbers are the advanced numbers that serve different purposes. Here’s how IMEI is different from ICCID and EID:

1. ICCID(Integrated Circuit Card Identifier) is a 19-20 digit number used to connect devices to the mobile network.
2. EID(Embedded Identity Document) is a 32-digit number used to identify the devices with an installed embedded SIM. It helps manage eSIM profiles and enables users to switch carriers without the hassle of physically swapping SIM cards.

How does an IMEI work for the security of your phone?

It helps locate your phone when it gets stolen or you lose it. You will report your mobile reporter and give them your IMEI number. They will block your phone. It means the thief could not use your device either by inserting a new SIM Card because the phone has already been blacklisted. The thief wouldn’t also be able to sell it to any company because they’ll first check the IMEI of the device, and it's been blocked. 

What types of phones have IMEI numbers? 

IMEI is the most important feature of your phone or any other valid devices you use, like tablets, smartwatches or laptops. All types of these devices and phones have IMEI numbers. You can easily check your IMEI through your device’s settings or your mobile’s settings.

How does IMEI help to check if your device is carrier unlocked or not?

You need to provide your IMEI. A device's IMEI number helps determine whether your device is carrier-locked or unlocked by uniquely identifying the device and allowing carriers and online tools to verify that it is unlocked.