What is an IMEI number and what is it for? (2024)

FAQs

What is an IMEI number and what is it for? ›

This number is a 15-digit identification number unique to your device. The IMEI number is different from a serial number and is used to identify and track devices for a number of purposes. Devices that come equipped with IMEI numbers include smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices.

An IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. Think of it as your phone's fingerprint — it's a 15-digit number unique to each device. Phone carriers and manufacturers share IMEI numbers to enable tracking of smartphones that may be stolen or compromised.

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.

IMEI numbers can help you check for any issues with a used phone you're thinking of buying, like if it's been blacklisted from certain carriers. Think of these as background checks for your phone, but it's to check if a phone is stolen, not whether it has unpaid parking tickets. (We don't know anything about those.)

Your IMEI number can be tracked with or without a SIM card in certain circ*mstances. Mobile network operators and law enforcement agencies can use the IMEI number to track devices on their networks and aid in locating stolen phones.

IMEI: A Unique Identifier, Not a Tracking Device

It's a unique 15-digit code that identifies your specific device on mobile networks. This unique code plays a crucial role in various functions, but location tracking isn't one of them. The IMEI itself doesn't have built-in GPS or any other tracking technology.

It is also generally not recommended, as it can cause problems with the phone's network connectivity. To change the IMEI number of an Android phone, you will need to use a special software program. There are a number of different programs available, both free and paid.

You should not give it out to anyone unless you are sure that they are trustworthy. Somebody can do something with your IMEI number, here are some things they can do: Track your phone. If your phone is stolen, the person who stole it can use your IMEI number to track your phone's location.

The USSD code *#06# is used to check a phone's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number. The IMEI is a unique identifier for each mobile device that helps to distinguish it from other devices and track its usage, so it can be helpful to have it on hand.

Who owns the IMEI number? ›

The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is a unique code assigned to every mobile phone, and it is used to identify the device and its manufacturer. However, it does not contain information about the phone's ownership history, or who gifted it.

No, IMEI is not the same thing as a SIM card but it is tied to the device. Each device has a SIM and an IMEI. The SIM is associated with the network, whereas the IMEI is associated with the device. The SIM is identified by the Integrated Circuit Card Identification (ICCID) number.

Should I keep my IMEI number secret? Yes you should, as with most digital devices mobile phones can be hacked and the IMEI is the key to doing this, or again like a car the IMEI can be cloned and used to replace another blacklisted phone's IMEI number.

This renders the phone useless on that network and sometimes other networks, even if the thief changes the phone's SIM card. Devices without a SIM card slot or eSIM capability usually do not have an IMEI code. However, the IMEI only identifies the device and has no particular relationship to the subscriber.

Authorities can use the IMEI to track its location on the network to find it. Blocking Stolen Devices. Your network provider can blacklist the IMEI if you report it stolen so the thieves can't use it on their network.

To put it simply, no, it is not possible to track a lost phone using the IMEI number, at least not by civilians.

Report to the Mobile Network Operator (MNO)

You can inform the MNO that you have found the phone by providing them with its IMEI number. The MNO can then attempt to locate and contact the owner through their system.

Depending on the carrier, your device will have either an IMEI or MEID. These two numbers are different from a serial number. They are used at an international or global level, not just by manufacturers. Both types of numbers can help network providers track down a device that has been stolen or lost.

Call up your mobile network provider's customer service line. Inform them that your phone has been lost or stolen and provide them with the IMEI number. They can then proceed to block your phone, ensuring that the device cannot be used on any network with any SIM card.