If you have a mobile phone, you also have an IMEI number, although you've probably never stopped to look at it. This 15-digit code is the “license plate” that uniquely identifies your device worldwide and it can get you out of more than one tight spot in case of theft, loss, repair or even when buying a second-hand mobile phone.
Although you don't need to memorize it, it is highly recommended. Learn how to check your mobile phone's IMEI and store it in a safe placeIn the following lines you will see, in detail, what it is exactly, what it is for and all the possible ways to find it on Android and iPhone, even if you no longer have the phone with you.
What is the IMEI and why is it so important?
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique identification number associated with the hardware of each mobile phone, mobile-connected tablet, and other similar devicesIt is usually made up of 15 digits and is assigned during the device manufacturing process.
Unlike your phone number or SIM card, which you can change whenever you want, The IMEI is "recorded" on the device itself and is not modified even if you change operators, tariffs, or lines.This is the data that mobile networks use to recognize which device is connecting at any given time.
On a technical level, those 15 digits are not chosen at random: The first digits indicate the type of device and the country or region of manufacture, others identify the manufacturer, and others correspond to the internal serial number.The last digit (or one of the last ones) acts as a check code to verify that the IMEI is valid.
In practice, you can think of the IMEI as your ID card or your mobile phone registration numberNo two are alike in the world, and it allows operators, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies to know exactly which device they are managing, recording statistics, quality control, and even product recalls if necessary.
This code is also known in some contexts as MEID, ESN, or simply the device serial numberAlthough technically they are not always the same. In most user guides and procedures with operators, the term IMEI is used as the main reference.
What is the IMEI of your mobile phone used for?
The main function of the IMEI is Identify the terminal when it connects to a mobile networkEvery time your phone registers on your operator's network, the network knows what device it is thanks to that number, regardless of the SIM card inserted.
This system allows operators to apply specific restrictions, block equipmentmanaging warranties or controlling how many and which models of devices connect to its antennas. It is a key element for security, traceability and technical management of mobile networks.
Another very important use of the IMEI is in the fight against mobile phone theft. If your device is stolen, You can ask your carrier to block the IMEI so that the phone cannot connect to the network with any SIM card. The device will still turn on, but will be unusable for calls, SMS, or mobile data.
In addition, there are shared databases between operators and entities in the sector where IMEI numbers reported as stolen or lost are recordedIn many countries, if a mobile phone is "blacklisted", no company should allow its use with a SIM card, which discourages the resale of stolen devices.
The IMEI is also useful in the second-hand market: Before buying a used mobile phone, you can check its IMEI on online services that report if the device is blocked, reported stolen, or has any issues.This way you avoid paying for a phone that you then won't be able to use on the network.
Finally, both manufacturers and operators can use the IMEI to manage guarantees, control production batches, compile usage statistics and, in some cases, allow early access to beta versions of software or special update testing programs.
What can be done (legally) with the IMEI
Having your IMEI handy allows you to perform several very practical tasks. The most well-known is the device lock in case of theft or lossWhen you call your carrier to have it disabled, they will ask for this number to identify without a doubt which device they need to block.
In many technical support and warranty procedures, the manufacturer may also request the IMEI, along with the brand's own serial number. Thanks to this information, They verify that the device is authentic, check the activation date and the warranty status., or they verify if the terminal is part of any replacement campaign.
If your phone is locked to a specific carrier and you want to use it with another, The unlocking process is usually based on the IMEI to generate an unlock code or authorize the changeIn many cases, it is enough to enter the IMEI on the original company's website or to provide it to customer service.
There are also services that allow Verify the exact model and features of the phone by entering its IMEI.This is useful when you have doubts about the authenticity of a device or when you want to confirm if it is a specific version (for example, a variant with more memory or a specific model from a smartphone family).
It is worth remembering that, although the IMEI is a very powerful tool, It can also be subject to fraudulent use if someone with technical knowledge attempts to clone or modify it.Therefore, it's best not to post it openly on social media or forums and only share it with reliable sources such as your mobile operator, the official technical support service, or reputable verification websites, and if you suspect anything It uses Android codes. to check the integrity of the device.
Where to find the IMEI without going into the settings
One of the quickest ways to find out the IMEI is look on the phone's own boxOn the outside there is usually a sticker with barcodes showing the model, serial number and IMEI(s) of the device. It's a very convenient method if you always keep the boxes.the mobile phone box itself).
In many cases you will also be able to see the IMEI on the purchase invoice or telephone delivery noteStores and operators usually include this information in the documentation because it helps them process warranties, insurance, and subsequent exchanges.
In some models, especially in previous generations, The IMEI is printed on the SIM card traySimply remove the tray with the tool or a paperclip and check if the number is engraved next to the slot.
If your phone is one of the older models with a removable battery, it's still possible to find the code. under the battery, on a sticker placed on the internal chassisIn that case, turn off the phone, remove the back cover, carefully take out the battery, and you will see the IMEI along with other data (model, certifications, etc.).
On certain devices, especially some iPhones and other specific models, The IMEI may be engraved on the back of the phone or on the body of the device itself.It's usually in small print, so you might need to look closely or use good lighting to read it.
How to view the IMEI by dialing a code on the phone
There is a universal method, valid for practically all mobile phones, which consists of Dial the code *#06# in the phone appYou don't need to be connected to the internet or have coverage; it's an internal system function.
Open the phone app as if you were going to make a call, enter * # # 06 And on most devices, pressing the last character will directly open a pop-up window with the device's IMEI or IMEIs. It's usually not necessary to press the call button.
If your mobile phone has dual SIM or allows the use of both a physical SIM and an eSIM, You will see two or more IMEI codes, one for each card slot or type.They are usually labeled as IMEI 1, IMEI 2 or with indications such as “SIM slot 1” and “SIM slot 2”.
On some very specific Android phones, the window may not close automatically. In that case, Try pressing the call button after dialing *#06# to force the information to appear.If it still doesn't appear, you can always try other methods within the system settings.
This trick works on both Android and iPhone and is very convenient when Do you want to quickly write down the IMEI on a piece of paper, a cloud note, or a document? that you have saved in services like Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive, so you can access it from any device.
How to find the IMEI on Android from Settings
In addition to the dialing code, on Android you can find the IMEI directly from the settings menu. The exact path may vary slightly depending on the brand and version, but essentially The information is always in the phone's information sections.If you need help navigating the settings, consult the guide. Android settings.
On many Android phones, the typical steps are these: enter SettingsScroll to the bottom and tap on Phone Information o About of the phoneInside, the option usually appears State or similar, and in that submenu you will see IMEI information.
In other models, especially the most recent ones or those with different customization layers, The IMEI can be displayed directly within "Phone Information" without needing to go into any other sections.There you will see both the serial number and the IMEI(s), the model and other hardware data.
If you can't find the exact menu because the manufacturer has changed the names, you can use the search bar that appears at the top of the Settings appType “IMEI” or “phone information” and the system will take you to the correct place without having to go menu by menu.
In the case of Google Pixel and other models compatible with physical SIM and eSIM, the information can distinguish between IMEI 1 (usually associated with the first configured card) and IMEI 2, which is usually linked to the eSIM or the second slotIf your carrier requires a specific one, double-check which slot you are using.
How to view the IMEI on iPhone and other iOS devices
On iPhones and other iOS devices with cellular connectivity (such as some iPads), the process for checking the IMEI is very similar: Everything is done from the Settings app, without the need to install anything extra.
The most common steps are: open Settings, enter the section General admission and then click on InformationOn that screen you will see a list with a lot of information about your device, including the IMEI (and, depending on the model, also MEID, EID for eSIM, etc.).
On some iPhones, depending on the generation, The IMEI is also printed on the SIM card tray or the back casingIt can be useful to confirm that the number matches the one displayed by the system or to check it when the phone does not turn on.
If your iPhone is registered to your Apple account, You can check the IMEI even without having the device physically with you.From a browser, go to appleid.apple.com, sign in with your Apple ID, and in the linked devices section you will see your iPhones and iPads, along with information such as the IMEI and serial number.
This remote access is especially practical in cases of theft or loss, since It allows you to retrieve the IMEI to file a complaint and request the operator to block it.even though the phone has disappeared.
Special case: Dual SIM, eSIM, IMEI 1, IMEI 2 and EID mobiles
Modern phones increasingly incorporate more connectivity options, and that includes the option to use two lines at the same time via physical Dual SIM, combination of SIM and eSIM or even dual eSIMIn these cases, it's normal for your mobile phone to have more than one IMEI.
In terminals with dual physical SIM slots, Each slot has its own IMEIYou'll see something like IMEI 1 (associated with SIM 1) and IMEI 2 (associated with SIM 2). This is essential so the network can distinguish which line is using each connection, call, or SMS.
In models that combine physical SIM and eSIM, such as many recent Pixel or iPhone models, There is usually one IMEI assigned to the physical SIM and another to the eSIM.Some manufacturers explicitly label which card type corresponds to which card type in the phone's information section.
In addition to the IMEI, mobile phones with eSIM have an identifier called EID (Embedded Identity Document)This is the number used to manage the eSIM profile with the carrier. This code is also usually found on the phone box and in Settings, within sections like "SIM status" or similar. If you need to convert a physical SIM to an eSIM, consult the eSIM conversion tutorial.
If your carrier needs to activate an eSIM on your device or configure the feature Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS)It may ask for the IMEI 2 and the EID. To find this information, you can usually go to Settings > About phone > SIM status and check the IMEI and EID fields.
How to find the IMEI if you don't have the phone with you
It's possible your phone has been stolen or lost, and you can no longer turn it on to check the IMEI. In those cases, there are still several options. recover the number and be able to file a complaint or request the blocking.
The first way is to review the original device box, where there is almost always a sticker with the IMEI.If you're one of those people who keeps boxes in a closet, now's a good time to rescue them and write down the important numbers.
Another option is to search the purchase invoice or the operator's receiptMany stores, both physical and online, include the IMEI on the document precisely for these situations. Check your email, customer area, or files if you usually save invoices digitally.
If your phone was Android and you had it linked to your Google account, you can use tools like "Find my device" (Find My Device) or to your Google account's security panel. From a web browser, sign in with your account, select the device from the list, and the IMEI will usually appear in the detailed information.
On Android, there are also specific pages within your Google account where All associated devices are listed along with their identification data.By tapping on the information icon for each device, you should see the IMEI and other useful information.
In the case of iPhone or iPad, if you don't have the phone, You can check the IMEI by going to iCloud.com or appleid.apple.com with your Apple ID. In the “Settings” section or in the “My Devices” list, your linked devices will appear, and by selecting the model in question, you will see its IMEI and other data.
How to use the IMEI to block a stolen mobile phone
When your mobile phone is stolen, in addition to trying to locate it with the "Find My Device" or "Find My iPhone" services, it is essential Block it as soon as possible at the network level using the IMEIThis will prevent whoever has it from using your line.
The general procedure involves contact your mobile phone operatorYou can do this by calling customer service, visiting a physical store, or, in some cases, through the online customer area. They will ask for personal information and the IMEI of the phone you want to block.
In many companies, It is common for them to ask you for a prior police report. to process the permanent blocking of the device by IMEI. The report serves as legal proof that a theft or loss has actually occurred and is not a misunderstanding.
Blocking a mobile phone by IMEI achieves the following: prevent the use of any SIM card in that device on networks that collaborate with the blacklistThis means that you will not be able to make or receive calls, send SMS messages, or browse mobile data with that device.
However, it is worth knowing that IMEI blocking does not prevent the phone from connecting to WiFi networks or from being disassembled to sell its parts.Even so, it is a very important step in reducing the value of the stolen device and making it more difficult for thieves.
If you get your phone back later, you can Ask your carrier to unlock it by providing the IMEI again.The reverse process may take some time to become effective, depending on the company and how they manage the lists of blocked devices.
Best practices: save and protect your IMEI
Given that the IMEI is so relevant to security issues, it's advisable to adopt certain practices to always have it located and, at the same time, not expose it unnecessarilyIt costs nothing and can save you a lot of headaches.
A simple idea is Write down the IMEI on a piece of paper and keep it with other important documents.such as contracts, policies, or invoices. You can also create a note in a secure app or save it in the cloud in a protected file that only you have access to.
If you have multiple devices at home, especially if you manage mobile phones for family members, this can be useful. compile a small list or table with IMEI, model, purchase date and carrierThat way, if someone's phone is stolen, you'll already have the information on hand to act quickly.
From a privacy standpoint, it's better Avoid posting screenshots or photos where the IMEI is clearly visible on social media, public forums, or advertisements. Share it only when strictly necessary and with trusted sources, such as your service provider or official technical support.
You won't use the IMEI constantly in your day-to-day life, but You usually need it in stressful situations, such as a robbery, a loss, or a serious problem with the device.Having it located and being able to consult it quickly makes all the difference when it comes to solving the problem.
The IMEI goes unnoticed while everything is running smoothly, but it's a key element of your mobile phone's security and management: knowing what it is, where to find it (on the box, the receipt, the device itself, Android, iOS, or even online), and understanding how to use it to block a stolen phone, unlock a device, check a second-hand phone, or process a warranty claim makes it essential. you'll be much better prepared in case of any unforeseen event with your smartphone.
