Apple or TMobile (my provider) have been contacted numerous to no avail and there's never a resolve. Been to each store respectively as well as hours on the phone. Still no resolution.
Here is the way my iPhone is set up in regard to the two IMEIs:
IMEI2: Under settings > general > about > ESIM - there lies the IMEI2 (which is not the same one originally assigned to my iPhone device Serial #).
IMEI: Under settings > Name (my Apple ID + iCloud etc) > scroll down to the device listed (which is my iPhone 12 pro max) > IMEI is same # assigned to my iPhone Serial #.
So essentially, both IMEIs are being utilized - but by whom? It is not set up as Family Share.
This has been happening over and over. I will factory reset the iPhone and ask to NOT transfer anything over from iCloud or from another device (my second device is an iPad without cellular). It seems fine at first. Then I noticed a few hours later it was back to the profile I mentioned about re: the two IMEIs.
It seems my iPhone is hacked or hijacked or cloned or whatever. Who the heck knows.
Apple wears Apple Hat and T-Mobile wears T-Mobile hat. Both will not admit security breaches by pretend users or any other malicious type of activity that will hinder their reputation. What a joke: "Your security is our top priority" >> this is pure and absolute BS to the umph degree. Give me some real security and help me.
FAQs
Why does my iPhone have IMEI and IMEI2? Your iPhone has two IMEIs because it supports dual SIM functionality. This allows you to have two separate phone numbers on your device and use them simultaneously. The IMEI, or International Mobile Equipment Identity, is a unique identifier for your iPhone.
What is the meaning of IMEI and IMEI2? ›
IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 are the International Mobile Equipment Identity numbers of a dual-SIM phone. Each SIM slot has its own unique IMEI number. The IMEI number is a 15-digit code that is assigned to every mobile phone by the manufacturer. It is used to identify the phone and to track its location.
Should I use IMEI or IMEI2 for eSIM? ›
To give you an eSIM so you can use Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS), your carrier may ask for your phone's IMEI 2. To find your IMEI 2: Turn on DSDS. Learn how to turn on DSDS.
Why does my phone have two IMEI numbers? ›
Because the dual-card phone can insert SIM cards in both card slots, it is regarded as two integrated devices in the GSM cellular communication network, so it will be assigned two IMEI codes. Note: When we check the activation time of the phone or the warranty information, we use IMEI1 to check.
What can someone do with your imei2 number? ›
Someone can get access or track your live location using your device's IMEI number. Anyone can use your IMEI number and manipulate it to blacklist it from your phone. Hackers can also use your IMEI number to commit fraud or illegal activities and put the blame on you.
Is my IMEI hacked? ›
The short answer is no. People can't hack an IMEI number because it's a code embedded in the phone's hardware that can't change. Many think it can be hacked because they confuse IMEI hacking with IMEI cloning and SIM swapping. In the past, some criminals used IMEI cloning.
How to delete secondary eSIM on iPhone? ›
To erase your eSIM on your iPhone
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Cellular. Then: If you have a single plan, tap Delete eSIM. If you have multiple plans, tap the plan that you want to erase. Then tap Delete Plan.
All iPhone models that support eSIM can have multiple eSIMs and use Dual SIM with two active SIMs at the same time. You can use Dual SIM by using a physical SIM and an eSIM. iPhone 13 models and later also support two active eSIMs. iPhone models without a physical SIM tray support two active eSIMs.
Which IMEI number to use? ›
Devices with Dual SIM card features or a virtual SIM may display two IMEI numbers in the settings. This corresponds to one IMEI per SIM slot and is completely normal. If you're using a single, physical SIM, the first IMEI number should be your focus.
How do I know if I have dual SIM on my iPhone? ›
Apple iPhone - Dual SIM with an eSIM - View Digital SIM (eSIM) IMEI
- Open the. Settings app. .
- Navigate: General. About. .
- Scroll down to the 'Available SIM' section and view the IMEI. If Dual SIM is active, 'Available SIM' won't be displayed.
An eSIM can only be installed on a single device, and eSIMs can only be installed once. That's why it's a good idea to never delete an eSIM because it may not be able to be re-installed.
Should I use SIM slot 1 or 2? ›
The exact support for each SIM slot depends on the phone but in most cases: SIM #1 supports all features of the network (2G/3G/4G/data) SIM #2 can be used only to make or receive voice calls, in many cases 2G only.
What is IMEI2 used for? ›
The IMEI2 is a unique serial number that is used to identify a specific device and is used in some countries to help prevent theft and fraud. It is generally used in combination with the IMEI to provide additional security. By SIM card capacity do you mean SIM card slots in the SIM card tray ?
What is the difference between IMEI and IMEI2 on iPhone 14? ›
IMEI is used for activating a physical SIM card. IMEI2 is used for activating an eSIM. It's easy to copy the IMEI to your clipboard.
Is it necessary to block both the IMEI numbers? ›
Both IMEI numbers have to be barred for the barring to be effective. If you only reported one IMEI, the other won't be barred, and can still register on the network.
Why does my iPhone have two numbers? ›
All iPhone models that support eSIM can have multiple eSIMs and use Dual SIM with two active SIMs at the same time. You can use Dual SIM by using a physical SIM and an eSIM. iPhone 13 models and later also support two active eSIMs. iPhone models without a physical SIM tray support two active eSIMs.
What is the difference between imei2 and IMEI MEID? ›
All phones don't always have both an IMEI or MEID number. An IMEI number is always on GSM system devices that use AT&T and T-Mobile carrier. A MEID number is always on CDMA system devices that use Verizon, U.S. Cellular, or Sprint carriers. IMEI is a 14-digit number while MEID is a 15-digit number.
Which IMEI number to use for exchange 1 or 2? ›
I see two IMEI numbers on my phone; do I need to provide both for exchange? No, you need to enter only one of them into the IMEI number field.
Can two phones have the same IMEI number? ›
No two phones have the same IMEI number. If the device is lost or stolen, your carrier can blocklist the number and lock it out of the mobile network, making it harder for thieves to use the stolen device.
