What is a phone IMEI and what is it for? What do the numbers mean?

Twitter

Just like people, cell phones, smartphones, tablets and modems that use the cellular network to access the Internet have their own unique “identity document” that distinguishes them from each other. For a person, this can be an identity card, license or passport, but in the case of identifying mobile devices, this means the IMEI code.

IMEI (International Mobile Identity) is a unique digital code used to identify mobile phones, tablet smartphones and some types of satellite phones.

It can be found in the following places:

By entering the numbers on one of the many IMEI code websites. It is usually printed inside the battery compartment (next to the SIM card tray).
If the device has a non-removable battery, the numbers will be printed either on the removable SIM card or on the back cover of the device.
Alternatively, it can also be displayed on the device display when using special codes or clicking on the smartphone system menus.

The IMEI is used by the GSM network to identify the "correct" phones, so if the device is stolen, it can be blocked simply by using this number. In the case of stolen or lost mobile phones, just call your cellular operator and, providing the number, ask to block the device. Then the code will be placed to the “black list” of blocked devices that can no longer be used.

How to check phone IMEI

Checking is simple: enter the numbers into one of the portals containing the list and check it.

The IMEI is tied to your phone and does not have a permanent or semi-permanent relationship with the user. However, the identification of the latter in the cellular network is entrusted to the IMI (Internet Mobile Subscriber Identity) on the SIM card.

EMI structure

The identification number consists of a combination of 15 digits, divided into three parts, and contains information about the origin, model and serial number of the device. First eight digits, called the type allocation code, refers to the model and country of origin of the device. The next six refer to the device serial number and are determined by the mobile device manufacturer. The last digit is the control number.

How to recognize him

Finding the universal code for your device is far from a difficult task. In fact, there are several methods more or less applicable to all types of mobile phones or mobile devices.

Remove the back of the phone, lift up the battery and look in the label on the battery compartment for the 15 digit code.
If the phone's battery is not being replaced, a code will be printed on the removable carriage (such as iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and iPhone 4) or on the cover (such as iPhone 5, iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C, iPad, iPod touch and Nexus).
Enter the code *#06#, the code will be displayed immediately on the phone display.
In the sales package of the device, find the identification label (usually used as a packaging seal) and read the code under the “IMEI” label.
If you have Android, simply enter Phone Settings, open the Phone Info section (usually the last menu item) and go to State. Here, among the various information you will find, you will also find the code you are looking for.
If you're on iOS, tap Settings, go to General, and tap Info to view serial numbers, IMEI/MEID, and ICCIDs.

Is it possible to change IMEI

Just like the MAC address of your network devices, you can change the IMEI for a single smartphone. To do this, you need to have the appropriate tools to reprogram the devices via serial or USB cable. In some cases (for example, for smartphones), you can reprogram the code using special software or with firmware or OS versions that are created ad hoc to change the device code.

However, you need to be very careful. Changing this data is equivalent changing the device identification code and is comparable to the use of a false or counterfeit identification card or document. It is also used in case of theft or loss of the device to lock it and render it unusable: this cannot be done by modifying it. In most countries, it is prohibited to change the IMEI, while in England, the Mobile Phones Act gives owners of tools and devices the full right to change the data of any of their gadgets.

Video

In this video you will learn how to check iPhone by IMEI or serial number.

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:

The first 6 numbers are encoding according to the international Type Approval Code classifier for a specific mobile device model. Here the first two digits are the code of the country of origin;
The next 2 numbers are the country code where the final assembly of the gadget was made;
6 numbers – unique serial number of the phone;
The last digit is the reserve number.

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:

Using IMEI, you can obtain 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.
Through IMEI you can recognize a stolen or lost phone and return it to the owner.
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.
Having found out the IMEI, the operator can block the phone if it falls into the hands of criminals.
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 the 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 the phone has a removable battery, you can find out the IMEI number by removing the back cover of the 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

Every smartphone running on OS Android, have your own number International Mobile Equipment Indentity ( international mobile equipment identifier) or in common parlance IMEI. The number is unique and an ordinary user cannot change it. To tell you how to find out the IMEI of your phone and why you need it at all, we have prepared special material, which we want to bring to your attention.

How to find out IMEI Android

The easiest way to find out the IMEI number is using a special USSD request. This method is absolutely free and works on any Android smartphone, regardless of what firmware is installed on it and who its manufacturer is - Samsung, Xiaomi or another brand. For this you need:

Go to dial and enter the command *#06#
In response, you will receive a message containing the phone's IMEI.

One device may have two IMEI codes; this usually happens with devices that work with two SIM cards at the same time.

The second option is to check the IMEI in the settings. Depending on the smartphone model, the names of menu items may differ slightly, but the principle is the same everywhere.

You can find out IMEI on Android using third-party applications. The most popular programs for this are IMEI and My IMEI. They have a rudimentary interface,and therefore the lack of Russian language should not become a serious problem.

What to do if your phone is broken or locked? How is IMEI checked in this case? There are several ways:

Find the smartphone box and look at it carefully; often the manufacturer puts the IMEI number on one of the sides (most often on the bottom).
Developers of older phones often placed an IMEI sticker under the battery. Therefore, try to remove the battery from the device and check if the required combination is there.
Some modern gadgets come with the IMEI printed on the SIM card tray, so remove the component and inspect it carefully.
The last method, which we will discuss today, is suitable for owners whose smartphone is linked to an account Google . For it you need to be online, that is, have an Internet connection.

Why do you need an IMEI number?

In conclusion, we will briefly consider what can be found out by IMEI and why it is needed at all.
- There are databases into which users enter the IMEI of stolen devices. Check with them when purchasing a smartphone on the secondary market.
- From some manufacturers, you can find out the release date of a smartphone by IMEI, which allows you to identify the device from problem batches.
- Phones are registered on the network using the IMEI code. If your mobile phone is lost or stolen, you can contact law enforcement agencies, after which they will contact the operator cellular communication, and he will be able to remotely block the smartphone.
- Using IMEI, cellular operators can determine the location of the phone, which is often used when catching criminals.
- Using IMEI, you can make sure that the service center employees to whom you gave the device for repair will not give you another smartphone of the same model.
Remember that it is better not to share IMEI with other users on the network.They may turn out to be criminals who will subsequently use your number for illegal activities.

The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is a unique 15-character number that each mobile device has. In particular, these are smartphones, satellite phones and tablets.

International Mobile Equipment Identity can only be assigned to a device by an authorized organization. An example of this would be the British Approvals Board for Telecommunications (BABT).

Back in 2002, it was found out that using some types of software it is possible to replace the IMEI of a device with a different number. By the way, in some countries (Belarus, Great Britain, Latvia) such actions will be criminally punishable. In Russia and Kazakhstan, harsh penalties were also applied against “craftsmen” who reprogram IMEI.

In modern times, it is believed that without replacing or reprogramming microcircuits, it is not possible to change the identifier. It is sewn into the device at the factory into a ROM chip.

What is it for?

This code is stored in the firmware of your smartphone. The main purpose of IMEI is to identify the gadget on the cellular network. Acts as the serial number of the device when authorizing the device on the network. If your smartphone supports working with several SIM cards at once, then, accordingly, it will have several such identifiers.

Therefore, you can block the network access of a lost or stolen phone by simply telling your operator's IMEI support specialist. And even if attackers decide to use this device by replacing the SIM card, it will be useless to them. After all, the phone will be on the “black list” of all telecom operators (as you remember, the device is authorized on the network using this identifier), which will deny it access to their services.

Note that the IMEI on the network is determined by the gadget itself (that’s why the phone is searched by it), and not by its owner. Another number helps to find out the owner of the device and SIM card - International Subscriber Identity (IMSI, International Mobile Subscriber Identity).

Another important purpose of IMEI is to help track the location of the phone. This facilitates the work of law enforcement agencies: thanks to the identifier, police quickly find out where the stolen device is located.

What is a phone's IMEI? This is the same combination of numbers that will help you personally learn more about your gadget (its model and place of assembly).

Where can I find IMEI?

Having understood what a phone’s IMEI is, it’s a good idea to decide where to find it on your gadget. As a standard, it is indicated in four places at once:

In the device itself. Regardless of the model and manufacturer of the smartphone, you can find out the identifier by clicking on the symbols *#06# on the dialing screen.
The second location is the place under the phone battery.
You will also find the IMEI next to the barcode on the branded box of your gadget.
The last location of the ID is the warranty card. The seller must put the IMEI sticker there.

What is the IMEI structure?

We found out what the IMEI of a phone is. This is a combination of 15 characters. Let's consider its structure based on the classic example - 35-222200-333333-4:

The following versions of the identifier are also found:

35-222200-333333-44. The code is deciphered in the same way, with the exception of the last two digits (44). The latter are SVN. This indicates the number of the software that is installed on your gadget.
11-222222-333333. Identifier of the new type. It differs from those presented in that it contains an 8-character TAS (11-222222).

Checking ID by check digit

Finding a phone is not the only thing that IMEI can help the owner of a gadget with. Using the ID, you can also find out whether the device is original or counterfeit. To do this, you need to use the Luhn algorithm:

Let’s take “have” 35-209900-176148-2 as an example. So, according to the Luhn algorithm:

Add even symbols: 5 + 0 + 9 + 0 + 7 + 1 + 8 =30.
Convert odd numbers: 3 = 6, 2 = 4, 9 = 9, 0 = 0, 1 = 2, 6 = 3, 4 = 8.
Add up the resulting numbers: 6 + 4 + 9 + 0 + 2 + 3 + 8 = 32.
Addition: 30 + 32 = 62.
The nearest round number is 60.
We count: 62-60 = 2.
The control number is also 2. That’s right, the product is genuine!

How to track a phone by IMEI?

Many people are interested in whether it is possible to independently find a missing or stolen gadget using IMEI. Unfortunately, it's not that simple:

How to track a phone by IMEI? Unfortunately, this is impossible for a private person to do. But you can protect your device from intruders and help yourself in your search by activating the “Find iPhone” or “Remote Android control” option in advance.

Now you know what IMEI is. We also know how it can be useful to the user.

Phone IMEI: what is it, why is it needed, how to find it?.

Our life consists of everyday little things that in one way or another affect our well-being, mood and productivity. I didn’t get enough sleep - my head hurts; I drank coffee to improve the situation and cheer up - but I became irritable. I really want to foresee everything, but I just can’t. Moreover, everyone around, as usual, gives advice: gluten in bread - don’t go near it, it will kill you; A chocolate bar in your pocket is a direct path to tooth loss. We collect the most popular questions about health, nutrition, diseases and give answers to them that will allow you to better understand what is good for your health.

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.

What is IMEI

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:

Using IMEI, you can obtain 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.
Through IMEI you can recognize a stolen or lost phone and return it to the owner.
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.
Having found out the IMEI, the operator can block the phone if it falls into the hands of criminals.
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

Method 3. Look at the packaging.

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

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. Therefore, write down the serial number of your phone somewhere just in case.

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 the 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 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 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 by software (except for phones with the 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.

What is a phone IMEI and what is it for? What do the numbers mean?

How to check phone IMEI

EMI structure

How to recognize him

Is it possible to change IMEI

Video

What is IMEI

How to find out the IMEI code of a phone

Why Fly

How to find out IMEI Android

Why do you need an IMEI number?

What is it for?

Where can I find IMEI?

What is the IMEI structure?

Checking ID by check digit

How to track a phone by IMEI?

Phone IMEI: what is it, why is it needed, how to find it?.

Method No. 1. Code *#06#.

Method number 2. Android settings.

What is IMEI

How to find out the IMEI code of a phone

Why Fly

How to determine imei of a cell phone?

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

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”.

Popular articles

Latest articles

Sections

Pages

Special projects

Contacts