What is a phone IMEI and what is it for? How to find out the IMEI of a phone: all the ways to find out the IMEI What does having a phone give

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General information

IMEI is assigned by authorized organizations, in particular BABT British Approvals Board for Telecommunications. 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 during authorization on the network, and is broadcast during authorization on the network. IMEI is also used to track devices 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 GSM core network stores the IMEI in the EIR.

Unlike ESN and MEID used in CDMA and other networks, IMEI is used only to identify the device and is not permanently associated with the subscriber. Instead, the IMSI number is used, stored on a SIM card, which can be inserted into almost any other device. However, there are special systems that allow one phone to use only one specific SIM card.

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 multiple SIM cards are assigned multiple IMEI numbers.

Change IMEI

Manufacturers are constantly improving methods for protecting software from IMEI changes. In modern devices, IMEI is stored in a one-time programmable memory zone and cannot be changed by software (except for phones with an MTK or Samsung chipset). [ ]

In some countries, for example Latvia, Great Britain [ ], In the Republic of Belarus, changing IMEI is a criminal offense. There is also a case of attempted criminal prosecution for changing IMEI in Russia [ ] and in Kazakhstan

IMEI and IMEISV structure

IMEI (14 decimal digits plus check digit) contains information about the origin, model and serial number of the device. The first 8 digits make up the model and place of origin of the device, and are known as the TAC (Type Approval Code). The rest is the serial number of the device determined by the manufacturer, with a check digit calculated using the Luna algorithm at the end. Until 2003, this figure had to be 0. Later, this rule was canceled.

IMEISV (International Mobile Terminal Identity and Software Version number) consists of 16 digits and ensures that each mobile phone is uniquely identified and matches the version of the software installed on the mobile phone as authorized by the operator. The software version determines the services available to the mobile device, as well as the ability to perform speech coding, and therefore this parameter is very important.

As of 2004, the IMEI format is AA-BBBBBB-CCCCCC-D, although it may not always appear this way. IMEISV uses two software version digits instead of one check number, so IMEISV looks like AA-BBBBBB-CCCCCC-EE.

Before the TAC consisted of only 6 digits, the remaining 2 digits made up the final assembly code (FAC). From January 1 to April 1, there was a transition period during which all FAC codes were equal to the digits 00. The FAC ceased to exist, and the TAC was expanded to 8 digits.

The first two digits of TAC are the officially registered RBI code. The RBI is always decimal, meaning it is less than 0xA0, making it easy to distinguish an IMEI from a MEID whose start is equal to or greater than 0xA0.

For example, consider IMEI 35-209900-176148-1 or IMEISV 35-209900-176148-23:

TAC: 35-2099 - British Board of Harmonization Telecommunications (BABT) code and model number 2099 (Alcatel One Touch 332) FAC: 00 - this code means that the phone was made during the transition period when FAC was abolished. During the existence of FAC, the following codes were used, among other things: 67 - USA, 19 or 40 - Great Britain, 78 or 20 - Germany, 10 or 70 - Finland, 30 - Korea, 80 - China, 04 - Vietnam SNR: 176148 - serial number of the device CD: 1 - check number SVN: 23 - version number of the software installed on the phone. The number 99 is reserved.

The new style IMEI looks a little different: 49-015420-323751 (German Nokia 3110 classic) and has an 8-digit TAC (49-015420).

The new mobile equipment identifier MEID, operating in CDMA networks, uses the same basic format as the IMEI.

Check Number Calculation

1. Add all numbers in odd positions;
2. Double the digits in even places and calculate the sum of the digits of the resulting numbers.
   (Which is equivalent to replacing:
   • 9=9
     followed by summation)
3. To the resulting number add the result obtained in step 1;
4. If the resulting number is a multiple of 10, then the IMEI check number is 0. Otherwise, the checksum is the number that needs to be added to the result to get the next larger “round” number.

Example

IMEI=35-419002-389644-3.

Add all numbers in odd positions:

3+4+9+0+3+9+4 = 32

Replace numbers in even places:

5,1,0,2,8,6,4 => 1,2,0,4,7,3,8 and add them: 1+2+0+4+7+3+8 = 25

Add the result of step 1 to the resulting number.

25 + 32 = 57

The checksum is the number that needs to be added to the result to get the next larger “round” number.

When discussing phones, smartphones or other mobile devices, the term IMEI often comes up. In many materials, the authors recommend checking or changing IMEI, while explaining what it is. Now we will try to close this knowledge gap by telling you what IMEI is on a phone and what it is needed for.

IMEI is a unique number that is issued to any mobile equipment operating on mobile networks such as GSM, IDEN or. For example, this number is received by mobile phones, satellite phones, smartphones, tablets and laptops with mobile Internet support, 3G modems and other similar devices. The number of IMEIs received corresponds to the number of SIM cards that this device can work with. For example, if a phone supports two SIM cards, then it receives two IMEIs.

The abbreviation IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity, which can be translated into Russian as an international mobile equipment identifier. Manufacturers of phones and other mobile devices receive these identifiers from special international organizations that are authorized to issue them. For example, such identifiers are issued by BABT (British Approvals Board for Telecommunications). In the future, manufacturers distribute the received identifiers to specific phones that they produce, thus achieving the uniqueness of each IMEI.

As for the IMEI structure, it consists of 14 or 16 digits (in this case it is called IMEISV). The first 8 digits indicate the phone model and its origin, the remaining digits include the manufacturer-specified serial number and check number. In the case of IMEISV, which consists of 16 digits, the software version is also indicated.

What is the IMEI of a phone for?

As already mentioned, IMEI is a unique phone number, so it is convenient to use it to identify phones in the mobile operator’s network. Your mobile operator can use your IMEI to identify your phone model, as well as which communication technologies it supports. This also allows mobile operators to blacklist the phone and no longer service it.

Due to its uniqueness, IMEI can be used to track a phone even if its owner changes SIM cards. In addition, IMEI can be used by customs officers to determine the legality of the phone.

It should be noted that IMEI is the identifier of the phone, not its subscriber. To identify a subscriber in mobile networks, another unique international number is used, which is called IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) and is recorded on the user’s SIM card.

How to find out the IMEI of a phone

After assigning an IMEI to a phone, it is recorded in several ways that duplicate each other. Any of these methods can be used to find out the IMEI of a phone.

Firstly, IMEI is written into the phone’s firmware, that is, into its software. This information can be obtained at any time by request. *#06# , which must be typed on the device keyboard. Code *#06# Works equally well on both push-button phones and modern smartphones with a touch screen.

After entering this code, the IMEI that was assigned to this phone immediately appears on the screen. If several IMEIs have been assigned to the phone, then all of them will appear on the screen at once.

Secondly, the IMEI is indicated on the phone itself, usually on a special sticker located under the battery. And thirdly, IMEI is always indicated in warranty documents and on the phone box. Thus, the user always has several ways to view the IMEI of his phone.

Is it possible to change IMEI

In older phone models, IMEI was changed quite simply. In particular, this could be done using a terminal program and several commands. But now everything is much more complicated, because manufacturers are increasingly recording IMEI in a special memory area that cannot be rewritten programmatically.

However, it is still possible to change the IMEI on some phones. For example, this is done through the engineering menu of the device or by obtaining ROOT rights (if it is an Android smartphone). If you need to change the IMEI on your phone, then you need to look for information specific to your device. There are simply no universal instructions for changing IMEI that would work on any device.

It should be noted that in some countries changing IMEI is prohibited and is a criminal offense. Therefore, before doing something like this, you need to check whether it will violate the laws of your country.

How to find out your phone model by IMEI

If you know the IMEI of a phone, then you can find out its model, technical specifications, production date, and country of manufacture. To obtain this information, you just need to go to one of the sites that have a database and enter your IMEI there. For example, you can search for information on sites such as.

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 a device is stolen it can be blocked simply by using this number. In the case of stolen or lost mobile phones, just call your mobile 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.

1. Remove the back of the phone, lift the battery and look in the label on the battery compartment for the 15 digit code.
2. 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).
3. Enter the code *#06#, the code will be displayed immediately on the phone display.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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 Phone Act, owners of tools and devices have every 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.

The abbreviation IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identifier, which means “international mobile equipment identifier”. In other words, IMEI is a unique serial number for each GSM phone, which is automatically transmitted by the device to the operator’s network when connected. That is, if someone inserts their SIM card into your stolen cell phone and makes at least one call, law enforcement agencies, through the telecom operator, can find out who the SIM card is registered to and seize the phone. However, before that, it can gather dust in the windows of some store for months.

The IMEI code consists of 15 digits

First 6 digits
TAC = Type Approval Code - approved code of the standard sample, phone model (the first 2 digits are the country code).
then 2 digits
FAC = Final Assembly Code:
6 numbers
SNR = Serial Number.
and one number
SP = Spare - spare, almost always = 0.

You can find out the IMEI of your phone by typing the key combination *#06# on the keyboard. In this case, a 15-digit number will be displayed on the screen, which must be remembered or written down. Also, IMEI is indicated on the box under the barcode and under the battery on the phone body. Therefore, when buying a hundred square meters, it is always recommended to compare these numbers so as not to get into trouble.

An IMEI code is assigned to all mobile devices. It is used to identify devices, but is most convenient for finding missing digital equipment. You can find out your phone's IMEI in several ways. The code has 15 digits, their sequence and division into groups also has a certain meaning.

What is phone IMEI

The IMEI code is assigned to the device at the factory during production. The combination of numbers is recorded both on the device itself and in its memory, and is listed in the manufacturer’s company. As soon as the phone is turned on for the first time with a SIM card installed, the IMEI is registered in the operator's network to identify the specific device. In this case, no data about the owner or SIM card is saved; recognition of the phone itself is important.

The code is assigned to a specific device forever. It is officially impossible to replace it, but some scammers change it programmatically. Therefore, IMEI is saved not only in the phone’s memory, but is also printed on the phone itself. In Russia and the CIS countries, falsifying or replacing the IMEI code is a criminal offense.

Why is it needed?

The IMEI code is used in various cases:

• Revealing complete information about the device when purchasing, especially if the phone is used;
• Recognition of a stolen or lost phone, search for the owner;
• Finding the location of the device;
• Forced blocking of the phone through a mobile operator if it falls into the hands of thieves;
• Confirmation of quality guarantee from the manufacturer.

A database of IMEI codes is kept by government law enforcement agencies in most countries.

How to find out IMEI

Depending on the situation, you can find out the current IMEI code for a specific phone in different ways.

Entering USSD command

Since the code is stored in the memory of any phone, you can enter the USSD request *#006# and press the call button. In the response message, the IMEI is displayed on the device screen.

In the phone settings

On modern smartphones, basic information is contained in the settings.

Android

You can enter the desired settings section for devices with the Android operating system as follows:

1. Enter the “Settings” section;
2. Go to the “About phone” menu;
3. “Device indicators” item.

General information about the smartphone is displayed here, including IMEI.

iPhone

The algorithm for Apple mobile products is as follows:

On the phone itself

On devices of different generations, the IMEI code is printed in different places:

Finding it is quite simple; the combination is marked with the name IMEI.

On the phone box

The code is located next to the barcode assigned to the device. When purchasing, you can check the combinations on the battery and the box for additional verification of the authenticity of the smartphone.

On the warranty card

According to established standards, in communication shops and licensed stores, IMEI is included in the warranty card.

On iTunes

The iTunes settings section, opened from the phone, contains information about IMEI. If you log in from a computer synchronized with a smartphone, the necessary information will be displayed in the program settings.

AT&T Account

This company supplies locked phones from the USA. You can also order a block removal service from them or find out the IMEI code.

IMEI number structure

Meaning of code digits:

• The first 6 digits are encoding according to international standards;
• The next 2 are the generally accepted code of the state where the device was manufactured;
• Another 6 digits – a unique serial number of the phone;
• The last digit is the device control number.

If the device requires the installation of 2 SIM cards, the device is assigned 2 codes.

How to check IMEI authenticity

The authenticity of the combination is verified using a check digit. Additionally, you can use one of the IMEI number databases.

Information in databases

Databases with IMEI numbers provide free search services for registered information about the device. Unfortunately, you cannot find a missing phone this way. Among the popular bases in Russia can be noted.