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home  /  the Internet / Imei iphone which means. IMEI phone: what is it for, how to find out and change it? What is IMEI?

Imei iphone which means. IMEI phone: what is it for, how to find out and change it? What is IMEI?

IMEI is a unique number that is issued to all mobile equipment at the factory. Usually this number is represented as a 15-bit decimal number. Each phone, tablet with a mobile phone with a mobile connection and a 3g / 4g modem have such a number. In this article we will talk about how to watch IMEI on an Android phone.

Method number 1. Code * # 06 #.

Probably the easiest and fastest way to see IMEI is the code * # 06 #. In order to use it, open the Calls application and type this code, as it is shown in the screenshot below.

After you type * # 06 # on the keyboard, a small pop-up window will appear in which your IMEI will be indicated.


Method number 2. Android settings.

You can also see the IMEI of your Android phone in the settings. To do this, open Settings and go to the "About phone" section (in some cases, the data section may be called "About the device"). View the device information that is available in this settings section. This should also include the IMEI number. In some cases, in order to see the IMEI you still need to open under the "Status" section.

Many smartphone users have come across IMEI and a long set of numbers. Faced and most likely passed by. Indeed, there are many sets of numbers associated with a mobile device. Is it worth paying attention to them?

In the case of IMEI, it’s probably worth it. The fact is that this number is a unique identifier that is assigned to each smartphone. And it serves for several extremely useful purposes. In our article we will tell you how to find out the IMEI of the phone, and why it is needed.

What is IMEI

IMEI (from the English International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit international identifier for mobile gadgets. In fact, this is the serial number that is determined by the operator when the phone contacts. The IMEI number is decrypted as follows:

Please note that a dual SIM card will be marked with two IMEI numbers, for each SIM card slot.

Why do I need an IMEI phone:

  1. Using IMEI, you can get complete information about the device at the purchase stage by correlating the identifier that is contained in the gadget system with the one that is applied to the cellphone case.
  2. Through IMEI, you can recognize a stolen or lost phone and return it to its owner.
  3. When calling from a phone, the service provider determines the IMEI and, accordingly, calculates the location of the gadget. Therefore, through IMEI, you can set up surveillance for a mobile phone or find a lost phone.
  4. Having found out IMEI, the operator can block the phone if it falls into the hands of intruders.
  5. IMEI code is a manufacturer's guarantee in terms of build quality and security for the user.

How to find out IMEI-code of the phone

In order to determine the identifier of a mobile device, there are 4 simple methods available to any user:

Method 1 Through a numeric keypad combination

Open the numeric keypad on your phone and dial the code * # 06 #. After that, the screen will display IMEI.


Method 2 View inside the phone case

If your phone has a removable battery, you can find the IMEI number by removing the back cover of the mobile phone and removing the battery. Under it will be placed all the information about the phone, including the number or IMEI numbers.


Method 3 View on the packaging.

The sticker with the IMEI number is placed on the box with the phone. In addition, the identifier is affixed to the warranty card of the device upon purchase. It is very important that the IMEI numbers on the package and in the coupon exactly match each other.

Method 4 View in phone settings

The IMEI number must be entered in the information list, which can be accessed through the gadget menu:

  • Open the settings;
  • Find the “About Phone” section;
  • Click on the item "General Information";
  • Go to the "IMEI code details" item.

Why fly

As can be seen from the illustrations, the products of the British company Fly helped us in preparing the material on how to find IMEI. We chose smartphones of this brand for availability, performance and reliability, as evidenced by grateful user reviews

Some people have the question " how to find imei phone?», « how to watch imei? " or " how to check imei phone? " In this short post I will tell you how to find out imei and how it is useful when stealing a phone.

How to identify imei cell phone?

So, in order to find out the IMEI of your mobile phone, dial “* # 06 #” - asterisk, lattice, zero, six, lattice without quotes on the phone. After that, a 15-digit IMEI number is automatically displayed on the phone screen.

Why do I need a serial number if my phone is stolen?

If you steal your phone, you can contact your service provider with a request to block your phone. This is where IMEI is needed, i.e. they will be blocked by the number you specified imei. After blocking, even if the attacker changes the SIM card, the phone cannot be used. Therefore, just in case, write down the serial number of your phone somewhere.

True, I do not think that it will not be possible to use the phone. I believe that there are craftsmen who reflash mobile phones, after which they “come to life”.

And yet, in the list of popular queries, I saw the request "find a phone by imei for free." I must say that this is impossible! Only the police can track the location of the phone. I tried to drive the query into the search. I opened the first website that came across, on it, under various pretexts (download one of the programs), they put an archive with the virus. So, they stole the phone - to the police.

What is an IMEI code, why is it needed and, most importantly, to whom? Many have not even heard of him. Someone heard, but does not know. Someone has vague ideas ... According to the definition posted on the Wikipedia resource, IMEI (eng. Cell phones of GSM, WCDMA and IBEN networks, as well as in some satellite phones firmware *#06# on keyboard)...

What is an IMEI code, why is it needed and, most importantly, to whom?

Many have not even heard of him. Someone heard, but does not know. Someone has vague ideas ...

According to the definition posted on the Wikipedia resource, IMEI (English International Mobile Equipment Identity - an international identifier for mobile equipment) - a number (usually 15-bit in decimal), unique to each device that uses it. Applied in cell phones GSM, WCDMA and IBEN networks, as well as some satellite phones . IMEI is assigned by phone during manufacturing at the factory. It serves to identify the device on the network and is stored in the firmware of the device. As a rule, IMEI is indicated in four places: in the device itself (in most cases, it can be displayed on the screen by dialing *#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 and is broadcast during authorization on the network. IMEI is also used to track devices, activate hidden functions and block stolen phones at the level of a mobile operator, which does not allow further use of such a device in the network of this operator, but does not interfere with its use in other networks. The model and origin of the phone are described by the first 8 digits of IMEI (the so-called TAC). The remainder is the serial number with a check number at the end. Phones that support simultaneous work with two SIM-cards are assigned two IMEI numbers. Manufacturers are constantly improving methods of protecting software from changing IMEI. In modern devices, IMEI is stored in once programmable memory zone and cannot be changed by software (except for phones with MTK chipset). In some countries, changing IMEI is a criminal offense.

In conclusion, a useful tip:

Copy the serial number of the device and the IMEI code on paper. Put this cheat sheet with documents that you do not need every day (birth certificates, marriage certificates, education certificates), so as not to lose everything at once. You can find the IMEI code by typing a combination *#06# . In the event of the loss of your gadget, this cheat sheet will serve you well in the search, including through checkimei. ru.

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) stands for “international identifier of mobile equipment” - a unique number that is assigned to each mobile phone, as well as some satellite phones. It is usually printed in the battery compartment of the device. It can also be displayed by entering the sequence from the keyboard *#06# . It is impossible to change the IMEI of a modern telephone without reprogramming or replacing the microcircuits, as this identifier is usually wired into the ROM chip.

The IMEI identifier is used in GSM networks to identify devices in the network, and therefore it can be used to track a stolen cell phone and block its access to the network. For example, if the owner of the stolen phone reports the theft to his mobile operator and asks to add the device to the “black list” by IMEI number, then for this and some other networks the phone will become completely useless, and it does not matter if the SIM card installed in phone.

IMEI is used only to identify the device from which the network is connected, it does not apply to the owner of the device. The owner is determined using another number - IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity), which is stored in the SIM card. Theoretically, the IMSI identifier can be faked and used with any phones, but in many cellular networks there is protection, for example, this identifier is sent during a communication session very rarely in order to avoid its interception.

The IMEI usually contains 15 digits. The first eight digits is the TAC identifier, with the first two digits in this TAC code representing the country. The next six digits indicate the serial number of the device, and the last, 15 digit is a control, with its help, the correctness of all digits is checked using the Moon algorithm.

The Moon algorithm is used to check the checksum of the IMEI identifier, it allows you to identify all single errors and almost all variants of permutations of neighboring numbers. The only exceptions are the numbers 9 and 0, located at adjacent positions, their rearrangement by the algorithm is not detected (for example, if you rearrange the adjacent numbers 90 and 09, this will not be detected).

Consider an example of validating an IMEI 359223015426526 identifier containing 15 digits:

1. We discard the rightmost check digit - 14 digits remain: 35922301542652
2. Counting from right to left, we summarize all the numbers located on even positions - second, fourth, sixth, etc. –3 5 9 2 2 3 0 1 5 4 2 6 5 2
3+9+2+0+5+2+5 = 26
3. All numbers less than five, located at odd positions, should be multiplied by two and added together, and if the number is more than four, then when multiplied by two, subtract the number nine from the result:
5*2-9+2*2+3*2+1*2+4*2+6*2-9+2*2 = 28
4. Summarize the results: 26 + 28 \u003d 54
5. The resulting number is divided modulo by ten: 54 mod 10 \u003d 4
6. If the result is zero, then the result is zero, if the resulting number is greater than zero, then subtract this number from ten: 10 - 4 \u003d 6.

In this example, we got the number 6, which is equal to the check number, therefore, the digits of the IMEI identifier are correct.

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General information

IMEI is assigned by authorized organizations in particular the BABT British Approvals Board for Telecommunications. It serves to identify the device on the network and is stored in the firmware of the device. As a rule, IMEI is indicated in four places: in the device itself (in most cases, it can be displayed on the screen by dialing *#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; it is broadcast during authorization on the network. IMEI is also used to track devices and block stolen phones at the level of a mobile operator, which does not allow further use of such a device in the network of this operator, but does not interfere with its use in other networks. The GSM backbone stores the IMEI in the EIR.

Unlike the ESN and MEID used in CDMA and other networks, IMEI is used only to identify the device and does not have a permanent relationship with the subscriber. Instead, IMSI is used, which is stored on the 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 IMEI (the so-called TAC). The remainder is the serial number with a check number at the end. Phones that support simultaneous work with multiple SIM cards are assigned multiple IMEI numbers.

Change IMEI

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

In some countries, for example, in Latvia, Great Britain [ ], 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

Structure IMEI and IMEISV

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 TAC (Type Approval Code). The rest is the serial number of the device determined by the manufacturer, with the check digit calculated at the end of the algorithm according to the Moon algorithm. Until 2003, this figure must have been equal to 0. Later, this rule was canceled.

IMEISV (International Mobile Terminal Identity and Software Version number) consists of 16 digits and provides unique identification of each mobile phone and compliance with the version of software installed in the mobile phone authorized by the operator. The software version depends on the services available for the mobile device, as well as the ability to perform voice coding, and therefore this parameter is very important.

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

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

The first two digits of the TAC are the officially registered RBI code. RBI is always decimal, i.e. it is less than 0xA0, which makes it easy to distinguish IMEI from MEID, whose beginning is equal to or greater than 0xA0.

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

Tac: 35-2099 - UK Telecommunication Harmonization Council Code (BABT) and Model Number 2099 (Alcatel One Touch 332) Fac: 00 - this code means that the phone was made during the transition period when the FAC was abolished. During the existence of the FAC, the following codes were also used: 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 - control number Svn: 23 - The version number of the software that is 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 have an 8-digit TAC (49-015420).

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

Control number calculation

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

IMEI \u003d 35-419002-389644-3.

Add all the numbers in odd positions:

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

Replace the numbers in even places:

5,1,0,2,8,6,4,4 \u003d\u003e 1,2,0,4,7,3,8 and add them: 1 + 2 + 0 + 4 + 7 + 3 + 8 \u003d 25

Add the result of item 1 to the resulting number.

25 + 32 = 57

The checksum is equal to the number that needs to be added to the result to get the closest larger round number.

What is an IMEI number? This is a unique code to identify each mobile phone. Often it is used to identify mobile devices in the carrier network. Sometimes “have” is used to track down stolen or lost devices. We suggest considering ways to find out the IMEI code, as well as its purpose.

We find out the number using a mobile phone

The IMEI code is indicated inside all devices. Changing a unique number is fraught with criminal prosecution in many countries. To determine the code, use the special key combination - * # 06 #. By its structure, you can understand that this is the most common USSD command. The only difference is that here you do not need to press the call button after you type the last lattice in the combination.

After sending a request, a unique identification number will be displayed on the display of the mobile device. If two gadgets are installed simultaneously on the gadget, on the display you will see two numbers at once for each card, respectively. The number of digits in this code is fifteen. In devices running on iOS, Android and Windows Background, you can check the number in the same way. In some cases, along with the code-name, a special bar code is displayed in which it is encrypted.

Sometimes phone owners think that the presence of the number inside indicates that they are not fake, but the original. But in reality, such a code is indicated on all mobile phones, even if they are made in illegal workshops.

If you have a smartphone running Android OS, you can see the code of your device directly in the menu. Just go to the settings, select the "About the device" section, which has a special item on the status of the phone. The parameter list contains a code-name. If the phone operates on two SIM cards, then two tabs with information on both cards and phone modules will be displayed immediately.

Other options for identifying an identification number

You can find out the “have” code if you look under the telephone battery. It is enough to remove the back panel of the gadget, pull out the battery and look at the sticker that is contained inside. If the device works on two cards, two “have” for each SIM card are indicated at once. The same stickers are also found on gadget boxes. This is true in situations where you need to deal with the theft of a cell phone and write a statement to the police.

Check the device by IMEI number

The code can be checked online to get advanced information about the mobile phone. For example, it helps to recognize the name of a particular model, to identify a number of hidden information of an official nature. For this purpose, special information databases are used on the network. What are they needed for?

As mentioned above, iMEI codes are used to find a phone that has been stolen or lost. However, mobile operators tend to ignore this feature. Therefore, the network creates special information bases about those mobile phones that have been lost. If something goes wrong and you have lost the device, enter its IMEI code in such a database to get an additional opportunity to find it. If you find someone's mobile phone on the street, use the information base in order to find the owner. Of course, the probability of finding them is negligible, because not so many users know about such IMEI code bases, but there is still a chance.

Contrary to popular belief, tracking mobile phones by the number “have” and determining their location is not available. Such services on the network simply do not exist. This is the prerogative of exclusively mobile operators, and for such a search you need a request from the police.

It has its own unique international equipment identification number, better known as IMEI. Usually this number contains 15 or 16 digits, and telecom operators use it to identify devices registered in networks. Being unique and difficult to change, you can block the IMEI of a stolen phone to register online. In some cases, IMEI can even track the location of the phone.

But how to find out IMEI phone? I know several ways to find out IMEI - enter a special code, look in the settings, look in the account information, etc. These and other ways to find out the IMEI of your phone are described below.

NOTE. The serial and IMEI numbers in the images below have been blurred intentionally.

How to find out the IMEI number of any phone, iPhone or Android:

Method number 1: Dial * # 06 #

It doesn’t matter which phone you have, it can be iPhone, Samsung or Xiaomi. If you enter * # 06 # on the dial screen, the IMEI number of your phone will appear. On some phones, you may need to press the CALL button to work.

The IMEI number can also be found in the settings of your phone. On iPhone, you will find it this way: Settings\u003e General\u003e About. In Samsung Galaxy and Xiaomi phones - “Settings”\u003e “About phone”.


Method number 3: IMEI can be written on the phone itself

Some phones have an engraved IMEI number on the back, as well as a serial number and various regulations. But, this method is only valid for old models, such as the Galaxy S7 or iPhone 6. You will not find them on new phone models, as manufacturers strive to make their smartphones look as clean as possible.


Method number 3: Look at the SIM card tray

Manufacturers still have to specify the IMEI of their phones somewhere. That's why many of them began to engrave it on the SIM card tray. If you don’t have a tool to remove the SIM card, use a regular paper clip.


In addition to the above, the IMEI phone number can be viewed on the box in which it was located at the time of purchase. Sometimes, this is the only option to find out the IMEI of the phone if it is lost or stolen.


Method number 6: View your IMEI in iCloud (iPhone only)

This is for iPhone owners only. Go to appleid.apple.com and enter your Apple ID and password. After logging in, you will see a list of all your Apple devices. Click on the one whose IMEI you want to find out.


Method number 7: Watch IMEI from another iOS device (iPhone only).

You can see the IMEI of one iPhone from another iPhone that is signed into the same Apple ID. To do this, go to "Settings" and click on your name at the very top and scroll down. Here you will see a list of all your devices. Click on the one whose IMEI you want to find out.


Conclusion

Friends, if you still have questions on how to find out the IMEI of your phone, ask them in the comments below.

IMEI phone? Where can I find out? And finally, why be aware of such information? We will explain everything to you in detail! Let's start with a general analysis of the term.

What it is?

International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is the unique 15-character number that each of the mobile devices has. In particular, these are smartphones, satellite phones and tablets.

It can only be assigned to the device by an authorized organization. An example would be the British Approvals Board for Telecommunications (BABT).

Back in 2002, it was found out that with the help of some types of software it is possible to replace the IMEI of any device with a different number. By the way, in some countries (Belarus, Great Britain, Latvia) such actions will be criminally punishable. Severe penalties have also been applied in Russia and Kazakhstan against “craftsmen” reprogramming IMEI.

In modern times, it is believed that without replacing or reprogramming chips, changing the identifier will not work. It is sewn into the device at the factory in the ROM chip.

What is it for?

This code is stored in the firmware of your smartphone. The main purpose of IMEI is the identification of the gadget in the cellular network. Serves as the serial number of the device when authorizing a device on the network. If your smartphone supports working with several SIM cards at once, then, accordingly, it will have several such identifiers.

Therefore, you can block access to the network of a lost or stolen phone by simply telling the support specialist of your operator IMEI. And even in the case when the attackers decide to use this device by replacing the SIM card, it will be useless for them. After all, the phone will be in the "black list" of all telecom operators (as you remember, the device is authorized on the network by this identifier), which will refuse him access to his services.

Note that the IMEI on the network is determined by the gadget itself (therefore, the phone is searched for on it), and not its owner. The owner of the device and SIM card helps to find out another number - the International Subscriber Identity (IMSI, International Mobile Subscriber Identity).

Another important task IMEI - help in tracking the location of the phone. This facilitates the work of law enforcement agencies: thanks to the identifier, the police will quickly find out where the stolen device is.

What is an IMEI phone yet? This is the same combination of numbers that will help you personally learn more about your gadget (its model and place of assembly).

Where to find IMEI?

Having understood what the IMEI of the phone is, it will not be superfluous to decide where to find it on your gadget. By default, it is indicated immediately in four places:

  1. In the device itself. Regardless of the model and manufacturer of the smartphone, you can find out the identifier by clicking on the symbols * # 06 # on the dialing screen.
  2. The second location is the place under the battery of the phone.
  3. You will also find IMEI next to the barcode on the corporate box of your gadget.
  4. The last location of the identifier is the warranty card. The sticker with IMEI should be stuck there by the seller.

What is the structure of IMEI?

We found out what an IMEI phone is. This is a combination of 15 characters. Consider its structure based on the classic example - 35-222200-333333-4:


The following identifier versions are also found:

  • 35-222200-333333-44. The code is decrypted in the same way, with the exception of the last two digits (44). The latter is SVN. This is the number of software that is installed on your gadget.
  • 11-222222-333333. The identifier of the new type. It differs from those presented in that it contains an 8-character TAC (11-222222).

Check Digit Verification

Finding a phone is not the only thing that can help the owner of an IMEI gadget. Using the identifier, you can also find out if the device is original or fake. To do this, use the Moon algorithm:


Take for example, “have” 35-209900-176148-2. So, according to the Moon algorithm:

  1. Add even characters: 5 + 0 + 9 + 0 + 7 + 1 + 8 \u003d 30.
  2. We convert the odd ones: 3 \u003d 6, 2 \u003d 4, 9 \u003d 9, 0 \u003d 0, 1 \u003d 2, 6 \u003d 3, 4 \u003d 8.
  3. Add up the numbers: 6 + 4 + 9 + 0 + 2 + 3 + 8 \u003d 32.
  4. Addition: 30 + 32 \u003d 62.
  5. The nearest round number is 60.
  6. We consider: 62-60 \u003d 2.
  7. The control number is also 2. That's right, the product is genuine!

How to track phone by IMEI?

Many people wonder if it is possible to independently find the missing or stolen gadget by IMEI. Unfortunately, this is not so simple:


How to track phone by IMEI? Alas, it is impossible for a private person to do this. But you can protect your device from intruders and help yourself in your searches by activating the “Find iPhone” or “Android Remote Control” option in advance.

Now you know what IMEI is. We also know how it can be useful to the user.