What is the IMEI Number, and what is its usefulness?

The term “IMEI” is probably familiar to you, and you know to some extent that it can be referred to as a mobile phone’s identification number. But what exactly is the purpose of this 15-digit code, and how is it used? Every new mobile phone that is manufactured must have a unique code that will remain with it for the life of the device.

As smartphones are increasingly at risk of theft, the importance of the IMEI code and noting it down becomes more apparent. In this article, we will become familiar with why every mobile phone that is manufactured must have an exclusive code and how to find this code.

READ More: Track Sim Card Location Online Free 

What is IMEI?

IMEI stands for “International Mobile Equipment Identity.” Whenever you buy a phone, you have probably seen this code written on the box or even on the purchase invoice. If you have taken your phone for repair to an authorized center, you have also seen that this code is written on the warranty sheet.

The purpose of using the IMEI number is to identify mobile devices and block them from the network. In fact, if your phone gets lost or stolen, you can use this code to track it via telecommunication operators.

Note that the IMEI belongs to the phone itself and has no relation to the SIM card or even the operating system of your mobile device.

In other words, in addition to its model name, your mobile device is also identified by this unique code. Through the IMEI, you can obtain a lot of information, some of which are as follows:

• The country where the phone was manufactured
• The phone model
• The warranty details
• The date of purchase
• Technical specifications
• And more

Therefore, this code has a lot of importance and practical applications. Since 2004, IMEI has appeared with the format AA-BBBBBB-CCCCCC-D. Categories A and B indicate the manufacturer’s country and the device model, respectively. For example, let us look at the first two parts of the following two phones’ codes:

• Google Pixel: 35 – 161508
• iPhone 6s Plus: 35 – 332907

Since the first part of both is the same, we can deduce that both models were made in the same country. The second part identifies the model of these two phones. Parts A and B are called TAC. Sometimes, due to some factors (such as differences in RAM), it is possible to see different numbers in some models. The part that causes your phone’s IMEI to differ from other phones is C. The D digit is also added as a check code at the end of this string of numbers. However, it is worth mentioning that if you see a 16-digit code, it means that this identifier also includes software version information and is known as the IMEISV code.

The use of IMEI Number

By using the IMEI code, you can access interesting information about your phone. This code is available for free, and through it, you can access information such as product warranty, technical specifications, purchase date, and more. When you check this code, you will see when you purchased it and whether the product is really original or not. This helps a lot when buying a new product, especially a second-hand phone.

When you repair your phone, you will see that repairers note down the IMEI code on the form because you can use the product warranty through this code. If you have lost or stolen your phone, you can quickly stop the device through this code. That is, show this code to centers that can help you to solve this problem as soon as possible.

How to get the IMEI Number?

Now that you are familiar with the uses of the IMEI code of the phone, you are probably wondering how to find the IMEI code. There are various ways to access the IMEI code, and we will explain each one so that you can try the most feasible method…

Getting the IMEI Number from the phone box

If you take a look at the phone box, you will see that the IMEI code is also written next to the barcode and serial number of the phone. Protect this ID so that others cannot find it.

Obtaining the IMEI code through the battery or SIM card slot

Which method to try depends on whether the phone battery is replaceable or not. If you are not sure about this, you can take a look at the short guide below:

Is the SIM card slot located in the side frame or back cover? If you need to open the back cover to find the SIM card, and it is located next to the battery, then the phone battery is replaceable. If you need to remove the SIM card from the side frame using a needle, then your device has a non-replaceable battery.

How can we get the IMEI code through the battery or SIM card slot? Now that you know what type of battery you have, go to your phone and:

Phone with a replaceable battery: Remove the back cover and check the IMEI code on the battery.

Phone with a non-replaceable battery: Use a pin to remove the SIM card slot and check the IMEI code on it. If you don’t have a special pin, you can use a paper clip as well.

Obtaining the code through the phone dialer

One of the most common ways to obtain an IMEI is to dial #06#*. After entering this code in the dialer, your phone identifier will be displayed. If your device has two SIM cards, you will see two codes, so it’s better to write down both.

Samsung IMEI Number

Finding the IMEI on Samsung phones requires slightly different settings than other phones:

• Enter the settings on your Samsung phone.
• Go to “About Phone” or “About Device.”

In this section, you will be able to view the IMEI code. In some models, you may need to click on “Status” to see the IMEI code, model number, and serial number of your phone. This code may also be written on the back cover of some older devices.

Xiaomi or other Android device IMEI Number

To find the identifier on Android phones, especially Xiaomi phone’s IMEI code, try this method:

• Enter the settings.
• Find and select “About Phone.”

You will then be able to view the IMEI code. Since you cannot copy this code, write it down in a safe place. If your Android phone’s settings are different, it doesn’t matter, as you can still access the IMEI section through “Settings.”

If you are concerned that someone may obtain your personal information through your IMEI code, be aware that this will not happen. Before you purchase a phone, the manufacturer issues a unique code for your device, which contains information about the phone but not your personal information. This code is also unrelated to your SIM card.

How to use the IMEI Number?

One of the easiest ways to check your IMEI is to enter it on the following website:

• Go to the imei-checker website.
• Enter your 15-digit code and click on Check.

Using this website is very easy. You will see all the specifications that you are looking for. Whenever you want to buy a phone, you can use this method to check the technical specifications and authenticity of the product, so you can have a safe and better purchase.

In this article, we have discussed how to find the IMEI code for Samsung and other Android-based phones. If you want to get the iPhone code, go to the serial number where this issue is addressed separately. Now that you know what an IMEI is and why it is important be sure to protect it so that others cannot misuse it.

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