What is IMEI?

Have you ever heard about IMEI? If the answer is no, then you are in the right place. Many times, we think we know much about technology and how to use it. It might be true! However, it is a world where there is always something new to learn.

This time we will discuss what the IMEI number is. Also, we will mention why you must write down this number in a safe place.

Let’s start reading and learning about this topic:

What you need to know about IMEI numbers

Let’s start by mentioning what the acronym IMEI means. It stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. As you can imagine, it is a number that is unique for every cell phone, and it is used mainly to identify the device. Think about it as your phone’s DNA, because other devices will not have the same number.

The number consists of 15 digits, which should not be confused with the serial number. The company that manufactures the phone uses the latter; however, the IMEI numbers are standard. The 15 digits in the IMEI are not random numbers. It is a structure that cannot be faked. The structure includes information about the origin, model, and the serial number of the device.

Maybe you have had many cell phones before and never needed to know the IMEI number. Well, we believe it is necessary to understand the reasons why this number exists in the first place.

Why is the IMEI important?

As we mentioned before, the IMEI number is like your phone’s social security number. It is unique and irreplaceable. This has a few advantages.

If your phone is stolen or lost, you can use your IMEI number to block it. How does it work? Well, if this happens you would need to go to a phone store, tell them what happened and give them your IMEI number. Your local operator should maintain an Equipment Identity Register (EIR) and shared registers like the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR).

The staff will be able to blacklist the device, so it will not be able to connect again to a cell phone network. That means the device will not work with any SIM card, and will not receive/make calls or send messages. It is useful because you will be sure that no one will use your stolen phone ever again. The only way thieves could use the phone would be by selling the parts, which is much less profitable than selling the phone.

On the other hand, the IMEI number is also useful if you are going to buy a used phone. Of course, you would not like to know that the new phone you are using was stolen once. Before buying that used cell phone, ask the owner for the IMEI number. Again, you would need to visit a cell phone store and give them the corresponding number. Then they will proceed to check in a database if the phone has been reported lost or stolen. There are also online websites where you can check this information for a low price.

Finally, last but not least. With your IMEI number, you can get loads of information about your phone. There are online websites where you can enter the number and it will provide you with information such as the model, brand, SIM card size, and other specifications about the cell phone. Most of these websites are free, so you can go there and check before buying the phone.

Knowing the importance of the IMEI number, you should be thinking; how or where can you get this number?

Let’s detail all the ways you have to obtain your IMEI.

How to check IMEI on your Android phone

The easiest way is to dial the following code: *#06#. You do not need to make the call. When dialing the code, the IMEI number will automatically appear on the screen.

Another way to find it is by following these steps:

• Go to “Settings” on your phone.
• Find an option called “About phone” at the end of the menu.
• Tap on the option “Status”.
• Tap on IMEI information.

The code sometimes will also come in the back of the cell phone where the battery is, or in the SIM card tray in some phones.

How to check IMEI on your iPhone phone

In your iPhone, you can also get the IMEI number by just dialing *#06#. However, just in case, we will also detail other ways to get the number:

• In your cell phone, go to “Settings“.
• Find the “General” option.
• After that, tap on “About”
  

Here you will see details about your phone, including version, model, serial number, and IMEI number.

You can also find the IMEI number on the back cover of the phone, and in some models, in the SIM card tray.

Your last resource would be to find the number in the phone’s packaging. One thing that is also good to know is that if your phone is dual SIM, you will have two IMEI numbers. It will appear like IMEI1 and IMEI2.

The important thing here is that, now that you know where to find the IMEI number of your phone, it would be wise to write it down in a safe place (not on your phone!). It will be helpful to block your phone if you lose it, although we hope you never need it. Just be sure to never share it with anyone, or put it on an online website. People with no good intentions could use the number and pretend to sell a stolen cell phone with that IMEI code.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does IMEI stand for?

It stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity.

What exactly is the IMEI number?

It is a unique number of 15 digits that identifies your cell phone.

What is the easiest way of knowing my IMEI number?

You only need to dial the following code: #*06#. The IMEI number will appear on the screen.

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