What Is IMEI Number? Understanding the Basics
IMEI stands for “International Mobile Equipment Identity“—a 15-digit number unique to each mobile phone that serves as the device’s fingerprint in the global telecommunications system.
IMEI Number Structure:
While appearing as a random string of digits, IMEI numbers follow a specific structure containing important device information:
Format: AA-BBBBBB-CCCCCC-D
- AA (2 digits): Type Allocation Code (TAC) – Identifies device manufacturer and model
- BBBBBB (6 digits): Remainder of TAC – Specific model designation
- CCCCCC (6 digits): Serial Number – Unique device identifier
- D (1 digit): Check Digit – Validation number ensuring IMEI authenticity
Example IMEI: 35-891804-123456-7
- 35 = Manufacturer identifier
- 891804 = Specific device model
- 123456 = Individual device serial
- 7 = Validation check digit
Why IMEI Numbers Matter:
In the context of mobile phone plans and wireless service providers, IMEI numbers serve multiple critical functions:
Device Identification: Uniquely identifies your specific phone among billions of devices worldwide, enabling cellular service providers to track network access and service authorization.
Network Authorization: Wireless service providers use IMEI numbers to determine whether devices are authorized to access their networks—critical for prepaid wireless plans activation.
Theft Protection: Enables blacklisting stolen devices, preventing their use on cellular networks even if thieves insert different SIM cards.
Compatibility Verification: Helps determine whether devices work with specific prepaid cell carriers and support necessary network technologies (GSM, CDMA, LTE, 5G).
Warranty Tracking: Manufacturers use IMEI numbers to track warranty status, purchase dates, and service history.
Primary Uses of IMEI Numbers
Understanding practical IMEI number applications helps you leverage this device identifier for security, compatibility checks, and informed purchasing decisions.
Use #1: Blocking Stolen or Lost Phones
The most critical security application of IMEI numbers involves protecting against device theft and unauthorized use.
How IMEI Blocking Works:
Scenario: Your smartphone is stolen or irretrievably lost.
Protection Process:
Step 1: Report to Your Carrier
Contact your wireless service provider immediately to report the theft or loss. Provide your IMEI number (hopefully recorded before the incident) and account details.
Step 2: IMEI Blacklisting
Your carrier adds the IMEI number to their internal blacklist, preventing the device from accessing their network regardless of which SIM card thieves insert.
Step 3: National Database Reporting
Carriers report stolen IMEI numbers to national databases (like the GSMA IMEI Database) that participating cellular service providers check when devices attempt network registration.
What Is an IMEI Number?
IMEI Stands for “International Mobile Equipment Identity.” It’s a 15-digit number that is unique to each mobile phone.
In a nutshell, the primary objective of IMEI numbers is to identify mobile devices. For a better understanding, check out the real-life applications shared below:
What’s The Use of IMEI Numbers?
Block Stolen Phone: If you ever lose your handset or it gets stolen (and unfortunately, you couldn’t find it), you can ensure whoever gets their hands on the phone won’t be able to use it. Now, how does it work?
You let your mobile carrier know about the mishappening, and the company will blacklist the IMEI number assigned to that device and may also request other carriers to take the same measures, thus effectively locking it out of the network.
Identify Mobile Devices: When you are buying a used phone, an IMEI number comes in handy to check whether it’s a reputable device or you’re being sold a stolen or locked mobile phone. Many third-party services provide this facility, usually charging a small fee.
IMEI Reveals Device Information: Using an IMEI number, you can find details about a phone, including its manufacturing brand, model, year of release, and specifications. If you are interested, go check out IMEI.info – it’s free.
How To Check Your Phone’s IMEI Number?
Based on your device, head over to the appropriate section to know how to find an IMEI number.
On Android
The fastest and most efficient way for Android users to find their phone’s IMEI number is to dial *#06#. For a dual sim slot mobile phone, you will see 2 IMEI numbers listed on the screen.
While the above method works most of the time, for any reason, if it doesn’t seem to work for you, try this alternative method:
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- Open the Settings app on your phone.
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- Navigate to System and click on About Phone
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- And there is your IMEI number.
On iPhone
Even for iPhone users, the method is the same – simply dial *#06# and hit the calling button.
On most iPhones, the IMEI number can be located right below the Apple logo or in the sim try.
Finding IMEI on Other Devices
Removable Battery Phones (Older Models):
Many older smartphones with removable batteries printed IMEI numbers on stickers under the battery:
Steps:
- Power off device
- Remove back cover
- Remove battery
- Check for sticker with IMEI label
- Number printed along with other regulatory information
Tablets with Cellular:
iPads and Android tablets with cellular capability have IMEI numbers:
iPad:
- Settings > General > About > scroll to IMEI
- Dial *#06# in FaceTime app won’t work (not a phone)
Android Tablets:
- Settings > About Tablet > Status > IMEI
Smartwatches with Cellular:
Apple Watch and Android smartwatches with cellular plans have unique IMEI numbers:
Apple Watch:
- Watch app on iPhone > General > About > scroll to IMEI
- Physical watch back may have IMEI engraved
Wear OS:
- Settings > System > About > IMEI
Practical IMEI Number Applications for Prepaid Plans
Understanding how IMEI numbers specifically relate to prepaid wireless plans and cellular plans without contract helps you navigate carrier activation and device management.
Activating Prepaid Cell Carriers:
When joining prepaid smartphone carriers like Infimobile, the activation process involves IMEI number verification:
Activation Steps:
- Provide IMEI during signup so carrier can verify device compatibility
- Carrier checks whether IMEI is blacklisted or reported stolen
- System confirms device supports necessary network bands
- Approval granted and SIM/eSIM activates on network
Why This Matters:
Device Compatibility: IMEI numbers reveal whether your specific device model supports the carrier’s network technology—critical for wireless service providers using specific bands or technologies.
Blacklist Prevention: Carriers won’t activate blacklisted IMEI numbers, protecting them from liability and preventing activation of stolen devices on mobile phone plans.
Network Optimization: For dual-network carriers like Infimobile, IMEI numbers help recommend optimal network selection (Verizon vs. T-Mobile) based on device band support.
Switching Between Carriers:
IMEI numbers facilitate easy carrier switching for cellular plans without contract:
Process:
- Unlock device if currently carrier-locked (carrier provides unlock using IMEI)
- Verify compatibility with new carrier using IMEI checker
- Activate service with new prepaid wireless plans provider
- Port number if keeping existing phone number
The IMEI number remains constant throughout this process—it’s the device identifier regardless of which wireless service providers you use.
Insurance and Protection Plans:
When purchasing device insurance or protection plans with cheap phone plans USA carriers:
IMEI Requirements:
- Insurance companies register IMEI numbers to verify device identity
- Claims require providing IMEI to confirm insured device
- Replacement devices receive new IMEI numbers documented in claims
Infimobile Device Management:
While Infimobile doesn’t offer device insurance directly (as a BYOD budget phone plans provider), IMEI numbers remain important for:
Account management – Associating devices with your account
Network selection – Determining optimal Verizon or T-Mobile compatibility
Technical support – Troubleshooting device-specific connectivity issues
Upgrade verification – Confirming new devices before activating low cost mobile plans
Protecting Your IMEI Number
While IMEI numbers aren’t sensitive like social security numbers or credit cards, protecting them prevents potential fraud and identity issues.
IMEI Security Best Practices:
Record and Store Securely: Write down IMEI number when purchasing new devices Store in password-protected digital notes or secure physical location Email to yourself with clear subject line for easy searching Keep separate from device (so accessible if phone is stolen)
Don’t Share Publicly: Avoid posting IMEI numbers on social media or public forums Don’t include in online marketplace listings when selling devices Only provide to legitimate buyers after verifying identity . Don’t share in response to unsolicited requests
Verify Requestor Legitimacy: Wireless service providers legitimately need IMEI for activation Insurance companies require IMEI for claims Law enforcement may request for theft investigations Scammers may request IMEI for cloning or fraud schemes
IMEI Cloning Risks:
While rare, sophisticated criminals can clone IMEI numbers to create fake devices that impersonate legitimate phones on networks. This fraud can result in:
- Charges appearing on your mobile phone plans account
- Your service disrupted as network detects duplicate IMEI
- Complications proving legitimate ownership
NOTE: For mobile phones with removal batteries, the IMEI numbers are usually printed on the sticker under the battery on the back of the phone.
FAQs
Q. Can someone track a lost phone using an IMEI number?
Yes, mobile network operators and law enforcement can easily track a device with the help of the IMEI.
Q. Is it safe to give an IMEI number to someone?
It is wise to keep your IMEI number secret. Technically, anyone who knows your IMEI number can use a third-party app or an online service to track your device.
Q. Can I change my IMEI number?
Yes, it’s very much possible to change the IMEI number of a mobile device. However, keep in mind that tampering with IMEI numbers is considered illegal in many countries.
Conclusion
So, that’s all for this article. We hope you gain some valuable insights regarding IMEI numbers and now have a better understanding of the subject.
