What Is an IMEI Number & Why You Should Know it?

Every mobile device is identifiable by IMEI number, a 15-digit code. In simple words, IMEI is the International Mobile Equipment Identity; it works like a fingerprint to identify your handset. In this guide, we will answer one of the most asked queries: what is the IMEI number? We will also give you multiple reasons why you should know it to keep your device safe, so stay tuned!

What Is an IMEI Number?

IMEI number stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity, which identifies your phone. It is a 15-digit number which is given by a manufacturer to each cellular device. It is very important as it differentiates your phone frm every other phone in this world.

What Does an IMEI Number Look Like?

An IMEI is always 15 digits long number, further divided into three different parts:

• TAC (Type Allocation Code): The first eight digits in an IMEI number are known as the TAC that encodes the device type and model.
• Serial number: The following 6 digits are a unique serial number assigned to each device.
• Check digit: The last digit of the IMEI is the check digit and is used to validate the 14-digit IMEI number. Every part contributes to the number being unique and error-free.

Why Is IMEI Number Important?

Knowing your IMEI number is very important because it comes in handy in different situations, like:

• Unique Device ID: Every phone has its own IMEI, so no two legitimate devices share the same code. This makes it simple for carriers and manufacturers to identify and differentiate each handset. So, networks around the globe use the IMEI to track which exact phone is connecting to the system.
• Anti-Theft Measures: The IMEI is a key part of phone security. If your device is lost or stolen, reporting its IMEI to your carrier (and the police) lets them block it from accessing the network. Carriers maintain blacklists of stolen IMEIs. Once a phone’s IMEI is blacklisted, it can no longer make calls, send texts, or use mobile data on those networks.
• Network Integrity: By checking IMEIs, networks prevent unauthorised devices from using their service. For example, if a phone is reported stolen, the IMEI lets providers detect it and cut off its service immediately. This way, carriers protect their customers and the network from fraudulent or risky devices.
• Legal Tracking: Police and government authorities can use it to locate the device in some cases. However, they can't get the exact coordinates of it.

How to Find Your IMEI Number?

Finding your IMEI number is not difficult, but it varies depending on the device you are using:

Check IMEI Using *#06#

The fastest way on virtually any phone is to dial *#06#. Instantly, the device will display its IMEI on-screen. This works on most smartphones (Android, iPhone, even feature phones) and is the quickest method when you have the device in hand.

Find IMEI in Phone Settings

If you have any Android phone, for example, if you want to do a Samsung IMEI check Go to Settings → About Phone → Status (or About Device). The IMEI will be listed there, often under “IMEI information” or similar. However, if you want to IMEI check iPhone, the process is a little different. Open Settings → General → About. Scroll down, and you’ll see the IMEI along with other details. These methods work even if you can’t dial.

IMEI on Phone Box and Bill

If you still have the original packaging, look for a barcode label on the box. The IMEI is usually printed next to a barcode and labelled “IMEI.” Some retailers include the IMEI on the sales receipt or invoice, so you can also check there. On older phones with removable batteries, the IMEI is often on a sticker under the battery. Modern phones (like iPhones) may even have the IMEI printed on the SIM tray. It’s wise to note it down from any of these places in case you ever need it.

IMEI Check: How to Verify Your Device?

A proper IMEI check tells you about the device and its history:

• Device Information: Through your IMEI number, you can find the device model, manufacturer, specs and much more.
• Warranty: Some tools show warranty status. This is handy if you’re buying used, you can verify that the IMEI’s claimed details match the actual device.
• Blacklist Status: Critically, an IMEI check can reveal if a phone has been reported lost or stolen. If the IMEI is on a network blacklist (like the GSMA’s CEIR), you’ll see a flag. Many network providers and law enforcement agencies use blacklists to keep stolen phones off the network. A good IMEI check will tell you “clean” or “blacklisted,” helping you avoid a fraudulent purchase.

Can You Find My Phone by IMEI Number?

If you are also thinking: can you find my phone by IMEI number? Don’t dwell. A common myth is that anyone can track a phone by IMEI. Just getting the IMEI does not make you able to track your phone. Though the mobile carriers or official authorities can track your mobile with IMEI, they can’t get the coordinates.

Why is IMEI Important for Getting Mobile Data?

If you don’t know: what is mobile data? It is the network connection through which you can use the internet. Though IMEI doesn’t directly affect the mobile data, it tells your provider which device you are using for the internet. It is further used for network authentication and much more. That’s why IMEI plays a big role in operating a smooth network connection on your device.

What You Should Know about IMEI & Data Roaming?

If you are wondering: What is data roaming? It is the charge put on you for walking out of your carrier network. When you roam internationally, your phone’s IMEI number travels with it. Foreign networks will see the same IMEI as your home network. This means a couple of things: first, any blocks on your IMEI at home can carry over abroad via shared registries.

Organisations like the GSMA maintain a central equipment identity register (CEIR) for blacklisted IMEIs. If your phone was blocked in one country, it can be blocked in others that use the global list. Second, aside from blocks, the IMEI itself doesn’t affect roaming rates. The data and call charges you incur while abroad are determined by your SIM’s roaming plan, not the IMEI. Your SIM logs on to local networks for data, but the IMEI just identifies your handset.

What is the Connection Between IMEI & eSIM Cards?

eSIM cards are explained in very simple terms. It is a digital SIM built into the phone, but it does not change the IMEI. The IMEI is a hardware identifier, so even if you switch from a physical SIM to an eSIM, the phone’s IMEI stays the same. In fact, most dual-SIM phones (whether they use two physical SIMs or a physical SIM + eSIM) have two IMEIs, one for each active line. Samsung and Apple devices often list IMEI1 and IMEI2 when two SIMs are in use.

The eSIM itself has a different identifier called an EID (Embedded Identity Document), which is used internally for the digital SIM. But from the network’s perspective, each active SIM slot (even an eSIM slot) is associated with an IMEI. It is better to use an eSIM when it comes to security and protection. You can buy an eSIM from a trusted website like eSIM Cards. In case your mobile gets stolen, you can simple block the eSIM through eSIM Cards without any hassle.

What Happens If IMEI Number Is Blocked?

The most common reason an IMEI is blocked is that the phone was reported lost or stolen. Carriers add that IMEI to a blacklist so it can’t get service. Other reasons include defaulted payments or fraud on a device, or if a phone is locked to a network and doesn’t belong there. A blocked IMEI means the phone becomes unusable on networks that honour the blacklist.

You won’t be able to make calls, send texts, or use mobile data. Even international roaming will fail on carriers connected to the shared registry. Unfortunately, blocked IMEIs are very hard to reverse. Carriers share blacklists (often via global systems like the GSMA’s), so a block in one country usually holds worldwide. The only real fix is official: you’d need to work with the original carrier or authorities.

Is It Safe to Share Your IMEI Number?

It’s generally fine to provide your IMEI to trusted parties like your network provider, the phone’s manufacturer, or a repair centre. These entities often need the IMEI to check warranty status or activate the device. It’s also common to share your IMEI with a buyer if you’re selling a phone (so they can do an IMEI check). The IMEI itself isn’t personal data; it doesn’t reveal your name or contacts.

You should never post your IMEI publicly or give it to sketchy websites. Scammers can misuse IMEI numbers: for example, experts warn that hackers can clone your IMEI onto another device. If someone clones your IMEI, the genuine device might be blacklisted or become associated with fraudulent calls.

In worst cases, criminals could commit illegal acts on a cloned device, and it would be traced back to your IMEI, causing you trouble. To protect your IMEI, keep your phone’s software updated and use strong security (PINs, biometrics) to prevent others from reading your IMEI off the device. Only enter your IMEI on official IMEI checking sites or carrier apps.

Why You Should Know Your IMEI Number?

Through this post, we have answered the most asked query: What is the IMEI number? Knowing it can save you a lot of hassle if things go wrong, for example, reporting a stolen phone or checking an online purchase. It also ties into many important aspects of mobile security and roaming. We encourage you to save your IMEI in case you need it. For travellers or frequent data-users, consider using digital SIM solutions: providers like eSIM Cards offer convenient eSIM plans that let you switch networks without a physical SIM swap. In any case, understanding your IMEI helps you take control of your device’s identity and stay connected securely.

FAQs

1. What is the IMEI number used for?

The IMEI uniquely identifies your phone to networks and manufacturers. It helps keep your device safe and ensures it works properly on the network.

2. Can two phones have the same IMEI number?

Each legitimate phone is assigned a unique IMEI. Only illegal cloning or rare factory errors could result in duplicates.

3. How to check IMEI number online?

You can use online IMEI checkers and carrier services. For example, GSMA’s Device Check or websites like IMEI.info let you enter an IMEI and view the phone’s model, warranty status, and blacklist information.

4. Does IMEI work without internet?

The IMEI is part of the phone’s cellular identity, so it works as long as the device can connect to the mobile network (2G/3G/4G/5G).

5. Can IMEI be changed legally?

IMEIs are meant to be permanent and hard to alter. Changing an IMEI is illegal in many countries, as noted in regulations. The only time an IMEI might change legally is if the phone’s main logic board is replaced under warranty (the new board has a new IMEI).

6. Is IMEI linked to personal data?

The IMEI identifies the device itself; it does not include your name, address, or personal info. Personal data is tied to your SIM (IMSI) or account.

7. How many IMEI numbers does a dual SIM phone have?

Modern dual-SIM phones have one IMEI for each SIM slot. If you have a physical SIM and an eSIM, you’ll often see IMEI1 and IMEI2 listed in the device settings. Each active SIM line registers a separate IMEI.