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  • Imei of cell phones. What does phone imei mean?

Imei of cell phones. What does phone imei mean?

IMEI[ay-em-ee-ay] from English. International Mobile Equipment Identity - an international mobile equipment identifier - a number (usually 15-bit decimal) unique for each device using it. You can read it on Wikipedia.

As soon as they don’t call it: imy, emey, emey, have and even email (in the sense of e-mail) of the phone :)

Find out the IMEI code by phone command

This method is the fastest and also the most convenient.
In order to find out IMEI you need to enter the following command: *#06#
After this, the IMEI code will appear on the screen of your mobile phone.

Find IMEI in the phone settings

For any phone, imei must be listed in the phone settings menu. Let's look at the location of imei using the example of the Samsung GALAXY POCKET Neo GT-S5310 phone.

Go to the menu: “Settings? About the device? Status" and you will see your imei.

IMEI number on the phone box

If you still have a cell phone box, you can look at imei on it. As a rule, it is located next to the barcode and serial number.

IMEI on the warranty card

Sometimes IMEI can be found on the warranty card of your device.

IMEI on stickers

As a rule, additional stickers with the IMEI of the phone are placed in the phone box.


They are glued to the warranty card or to the replaced case when the phone is repaired.

Dial IMEI numbers inside the phone

This method is perhaps the most inconvenient, since you will have to partially disassemble the phone: you need to turn off the device and remove the battery. And only after that you can get to the sticker on the phone case with imei numbers.

We look at the IMEI of your phone via the Internet in your Google account

Attention! Google admin has changed not for the better, I couldn’t find information about imei - now this method doesn’t work!

The advantage of this method is that even if your phone was stolen or you lost it, and there is no box with documents left, you can still find out the imei via the Internet in your Google account.

I’ll warn you right away that this method only works if your phone is Android.

To fully use your phone (Google apps), you probably connected it to your Google account (Googl +). If yes, then your phone data was saved on the Google server automatically (without your knowledge).

In order to find out imei, go to “Account (Account Settings)? (Tools) Personal Account (Overview of your account statistics). Or follow the link directly: personal account on Google

In your personal account, find the third item “Android” with a green robot icon (your devices), click on it, a pop-up submenu will appear with imei and other data of your phone.


By the way, in this menu “Android?Manage active devices” there is just a mega-cool function! You can look on the map where your phone is now and call it, and even if the SIM card on the device has already been changed, the main thing is that the Internet is turned on. Cool! But this is a topic for another article; if you want, you can figure it out yourself, it’s nothing complicated.

Every smartphone running on OS Android, have your own number International Mobile Equipment Indentity ( international mobile equipment identifier) or in common parlance IMEI. The number is unique and an ordinary user cannot change it. To tell you how to find out the IMEI of your phone and why you need it at all, we have prepared special material, which we want to bring to your attention.

How to find out IMEI Android

The easiest way to find out the IMEI number is using a special USSD request. This method is absolutely free and works on any Android smartphone, regardless of what firmware is installed on it and who its manufacturer is - Samsung, Xiaomi or another brand. For this you need:

  1. Go to dial and enter the command *#06#
  2. In response, you will receive a message containing the phone's IMEI.

One device may have two IMEI codes; this usually happens with devices that work with two SIM cards at the same time.

The second option is to check the IMEI in the settings. Depending on the smartphone model, the names of menu items may differ slightly, but the principle is the same everywhere.

You can find out IMEI on Android using third-party applications. The most popular programs for this are IMEI and My IMEI. They have a rudimentary interface,and therefore the lack of Russian language should not become a serious problem.

What to do if your phone is broken or locked? How is IMEI checked in this case? There are several ways:

  1. Find the smartphone box and look at it carefully; often the manufacturer puts the IMEI number on one of the sides (most often on the bottom).
  2. Developers of older phones often placed an IMEI sticker under the battery. Therefore, try to remove the battery from the device and check if the required combination is there.
  3. Some modern gadgets come with the IMEI printed on the SIM card tray, so remove the component and inspect it carefully.

    The last method, which we will discuss today, is suitable for owners whose smartphone is linked to an account Google . For it you need to be online, that is, have an Internet connection.


    Why do you need an IMEI number?

    In conclusion, we will briefly consider what can be found out by IMEI and why it is needed at all.

    • There are databases into which users enter the IMEI of stolen devices. Check with them when purchasing a smartphone on the secondary market.
    • From some manufacturers, you can find out the release date of a smartphone by IMEI, which allows you to identify the device from problem batches.
    • Phones are registered on the network using the IMEI code. If your mobile phone is lost or stolen, you can contact law enforcement agencies, after which they will contact the operator cellular communication, and he will be able to remotely block the smartphone.
    • Using IMEI, cellular operators can determine the location of the phone, which is often used when catching criminals.
    • Using IMEI, you can make sure that the service center employees to whom you gave the device for repair will not give you another smartphone of the same model.

    Remember that it is better not to share IMEI with other users on the network.They may turn out to be criminals who will subsequently use your number for illegal activities.

IMEI is a unique number that is issued to all mobile equipment at the factory. Typically this number is represented as a 15-digit decimal number. Every phone, tablet with mobile connection and 3g/4g modem has this number. In this article we will talk about how to view IMEI on an Android phone.

Method No. 1. Code *#06#.

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

Once you type *#06# on your keyboard, a small pop-up window will appear containing your IMEI.


Method number 2. Android settings.

You can also view 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 section may be called “About the device”). View the device information that is available in this settings section. The IMEI number should also be indicated here. In some cases, in order to view the IMEI, you also need to open the “Status” section.

Many smartphone users have come across the abbreviation IMEI and a long set of numbers. They collided and, most likely, passed by. Indeed, you never know how many sets of numbers are associated with a mobile device. Is it worth paying attention to them?

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

What is IMEI

IMEI (from English International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit international identifier for mobile gadgets. Essentially, this is a serial number that is determined by the operator when the phone is connected. The IMEI number stands for this:

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

What is your phone's IMEI used for:

  1. Using IMEI, you can obtain complete information about the device at the purchase stage by correlating the identifier contained in the gadget’s system with the one printed on the mobile phone’s body.
  2. Through IMEI you can recognize a stolen or lost phone and return it to the owner.
  3. When making a call from a phone, the telecom operator determines the IMEI and, accordingly, calculates the location of the gadget. Therefore, through IMEI you can monitor a mobile phone or find a lost phone.
  4. Having found out the IMEI, the operator can block the phone if it falls into the hands of criminals.
  5. IMEI code is a manufacturer’s guarantee in terms of build quality and safety for the user.

How to find out the IMEI code of a phone

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

Method 1. Through a number combination on the keyboard

Open the numeric keypad on your phone and dial *#06#. After this, the IMEI will appear on the screen.


Method 2. Look inside the phone case

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


Method 3. Look at the packaging.

A sticker with the IMEI number is placed on the box with the phone. In addition, the identifier is indicated in the device’s warranty card upon purchase. It is very important that the IMEI numbers on the packaging and on 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 settings;
  • Find the “About phone” section;
  • Click on “General Information”;
  • Go to the “IMEI code data” item.

Why Fly

As can be seen from the illustrations, when preparing material on how to find IMEI, we were helped by the products of the British company Fly. We chose smartphones from this brand for affordability, performance and reliability, which is confirmed by grateful user reviews

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

How to determine imei of a cell phone?

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

Why do you need a serial number if your phone is stolen?

If your phone is stolen, you can contact your service provider and ask them to block your phone. This is where IMEI is needed, i.e. They will block using the imei number you specified. After blocking, even if the attacker changes the SIM card, the phone will not be able to be used. Therefore, write down the serial number of your phone somewhere just in case.

To tell the truth, I don’t think it will be impossible 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’ll tell you right away that this is impossible! Only the police can track the location of the phone. I tried entering the query into the search. I opened the first website I came across, and on it, under various pretexts (to download one of the programs), they put in an archive with a virus. So, the phone was stolen - go to the police.

What is an IMEI code, why is it needed and, most importantly, who needs it? Many have never even heard of him. Someone heard it, but doesn't know. Someone has vague ideas... According to the definition posted on the Wikipedia resource, IMEI(English cell phones of the 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, who needs it?

Many have never even heard of him. Someone heard it, but doesn't know. Someone has vague ideas...

According to the definition posted on the Wikipedia resource, IMEI(English: International Mobile Equipment Identity) - a number (usually 15-bit decimal) unique for each device using it. Applicable in cell phones networks GSM, WCDMA and IBEN, as well as in some satellite phones. The IMEI is assigned to the phone during manufacturing at the factory. It serves to identify the device on the network and is stored in the device’s firmware. As a rule, IMEI is indicated in four places: in the device itself (in most cases it can be displayed on the screen by typing *#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 cellular operator, which does not allow the further use of such a device in the network of this operator, but does not prevent its use in other networks. The model and origin of the phone are described by the first 8 digits of the IMEI (the so-called TAC). The remaining part is the serial number with a check number at the end. Phones that support simultaneous operation of two SIM cards are assigned two IMEI numbers. Manufacturers are constantly improving methods for protecting software from IMEI changes. In modern devices, IMEI is stored in once programmable memory zone and cannot be changed by software (except for phones with the MTK chipset). In some countries, changing IMEI is a criminal offense.

In conclusion, some useful advice:

Copy the device serial number and IMEI code onto paper. Place 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 out the IMEI code by typing the combination *#06# . If you lose your gadget, this cheat sheet will serve you well in your search, including through checkimei. ru.

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

The IMEI identifier is used in GSM networks to identify devices operating on 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 a stolen phone reports the theft to his mobile operator and asks to add the device to the “black list” using the IMEI number, then for this and some other networks the phone will become absolutely useless, and it does not matter whether the SIM card installed has been changed in phone.

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

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

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

Let's look at an example of checking the correctness of the IMEI identifier 359223015426526, containing 15 digits:

1. We discard the rightmost check digit - 14 digits remain: 35922301542652
2. Counting from right to left, we sum up all the numbers located in 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 in odd positions, should be multiplied by two and added together, and if the number is greater than four, then when multiplied by two, the number nine should be subtracted from the result:
5*2-9+2*2+3*2+1*2+4*2+6*2-9+2*2 = 28
4. Let’s sum up the results: 26+28 = 54
5. Divide the resulting number modulo by ten: 54 mod 10 = 4
6. If the result is zero, then the result is equal to zero, but if the resulting number is greater than zero, then subtract this number from ten: 10 – 4 = 6.

In this example, we received the number 6, which is equal to the check number, therefore the IMEI identifier numbers are correct.

Read how to find out the IMEI of a phone on smartphones running all mobile operating systems or on simple phones without an installed operating system. The methods will help when you have lost the box and warranty card - it is usually indicated there anyway.

IMEI number - what is it? A universal way to view

IMEI (abbreviation for International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a universal phone code, which is its international identifier and consists of 15 digits. In simple words, IMEI is the serial number of your device. It is assigned to all tablets, smartphones and feature phones that work with cellular communications.

The identifier is assigned at the stage of assembling the phone, and its activation occurs after the first use of the cellular network. All 15 characters of the code have their own meaning:

  • The first 6 characters determine whether the gadget belongs to the international database of mobile device classifiers;
  • Next are two more numbers that indicate the country code in which the phone was assembled;
  • The next 6 digits are the device’s unique identification code;
  • The last number in the IMEI means the backup number.

A universal way to find out the IMEI code of a phone is to view it on the gadget’s factory box. On the side of the box, the manufacturer glues special barcodes indicating the identifier we need. The figure below shows the IMEI of the Fly smartphone.

This method of checking IMEI is relevant for all devices, regardless of their manufacturer, installed operating system or type of assembly. If you have not saved the gadget box, it is better to use one of the methods below. Select the operating system of your device and follow the instructions.

Notice! If your phone has 2 SIM slots, it is assigned two IMEI numbers - one for each card slot.

Why is IMEI needed?

A unique phone identifier is needed for:

  • Determining the status of the phone (stolen or lost). Often in used equipment markets, gadgets with invalid identifiers are sold;
  • Smartphone locks. If the owner of the phone reports the gadget as missing, the cellular operator has the authority to block the phone at the user’s request. As a result, no one will be able to connect SIM cards and make calls using this gadget anymore;
  • Providing guarantees. By assigning a unique IMEI to the phone, the manufacturer guarantees the authenticity and quality of the smartphone, as well as its safety for the user;
  • Get complete information about the gadget. Having found out the unique device number, the user can view detailed information about the assembly, parameters and features of the gadget using an international database;
  • Determining the location of the device. Immediately after losing a gadget, it is found using IMEI. The operator sends a signal to the smartphone and the exact location of the phone with the previously authorized number is determined on the map.

View IMEI on Android

In the operating system, you can find out the unique number using a simple combination of characters. Follow the instructions:

  • Open the Phone application;
  • On the keyboard enter the combination *#06#;
  • Click on the call button and a tab indicating IMEI will appear in the phone window. If you see two numbers, each of them is responsible for one SIM card slot.

Another method that is suitable for all gadgets with Android installed is viewing the IMEI on the smartphone. Open the back cover of the gadget and disconnect the battery. The manufacturer indicates all system codes and numbers directly under the battery. Before purchasing a smartphone, we advise you to check whether the numbers on the case and the manufacturer’s box match. A discrepancy indicates a counterfeit gadget or an error during packaging.

Instructions on how to find out the IMEI of a phone for iPhone (IOS)

To check IMEI in IOS, go to the “Settings”  “Basic settings”  “About device”  “IMEI code” window.

IMEI on smartphones with Windows Phone

On smartphones with Windows Phone, you can view the code using the settings window. Go to the “About device” tab and look at the identifier information in the corresponding field.

Checking IMEI on phones without OS

If you are using a regular push-button phone without any OS, you can view its IMEI using two methods:

  • Gadget packaging. If the code is not indicated on the box, look for it in the instructions or warranty card;
  • Removing the battery. Turn off your phone, open the back cover and disconnect the battery. Inspect the surface under the battery. It should contain technical information about the device, including its IMEI.
Checking phone information by IMEI number

Using a unique identifier, each user can find out the phone model by IMEI for free. It is also possible to look online at the country where the gadget was assembled.

To check your smartphone data, select the manufacturer and enter the code in the text field.

The most complete and reliable site with a database of all IMEIs is https://sndeep.info/ru. To check your smartphone data, select the manufacturer and enter the code in the text field.

To find out the phone manufacturer by IMEI, just look at the 7th and 8th numbers in the code. Explanation of symbols:

  • 01/10/70 – made in Finland;
  • 02/20 – UAE;
  • 07/08/78 – Germany;
  • 03/80 – China;
  • 30 – South Korea;
  • 05 – India;
  • 67 – United States of America;
  • 19/40 – UK;
  • 04 – Hungary;
  • 60 – Singapore;
  • The number combination 00 means that your gadget was manufactured before 2005 and is not included in the FAC manufacturer database.

We hope you have figured out how to find out the IMEI number of a phone. Share your ways of viewing the device identification number in the comments. Were you able to view the code using our instructions?


Do you know what a smartphone serial number is? We will tell you below how to find out where it is and how to change it.

What is a phone IMEI: (from English International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique international code that is assigned to all mobile gadgets. It represents a 15-digit number. Have a mob. devices, as well as tablets and satellite devices.

An identifier is assigned to a gadget only by special organizations. Previously, using pirated methods, it was discovered that the number can be changed using programs on a PC. However, in some regions these manipulations are considered criminal offenses.

Now it is not considered possible to reprogram the number; it is securely sewn into the microcircuit at the manufacturing plant and can only be “opened” with special equipment.

What is it for? The number is required for mobile identification. devices on the network. If the phone simultaneously operates with several SIM cards, then a number is assigned to each. You will need this in case your gadget is stolen.

Knowing it, you can block the device if lost. Now the device is blacklisted by all network operators. And even if the SIM card is changed, attackers will not be able to use it.

You can also use Imei to determine the location of its owner. So, you can easily find a lost device.

If we talk about the structure, then imei consists of 14 digits, imei sv - of 16. Using the first numbers, you can determine the device model, as well as the country of origin. The remaining numeric values ​​display the serial number and check number. Have SV indicates the version of the current software.

Where to find it

The numerical value can be found in different ways:

What can you find out from your phone's IMEI?

On certain sites you can enter a number and find out the following data:

  • see if the device is under warranty;
  • gadget model;
  • color;
  • internal memory volume;
  • whether the device is stolen/lost;
  • if the gadget is under warranty, the expiration date of the warranty period.

What is IMEI SV

Imei sv is an addition to the imei code used when recording billing data. SV stands for Software version. Its main difference from having an additional 2 digits.

Components of IMEI8 SV:

  1. TAC is a type of location code. Its length is 8 numbers.
  2. SNR – serial number. The length of the value is 6 numbers.
  3. SVN – software version number. 2 numbers.

The first part is used to characterize the gadget model and developer. The second determines the serial number of the device, the third is assigned by the developer for the order sequence.

SVN number=99. When flashing a gadget, it needs to be changed. The first components of imei svn must be equal to the number imei (the same numbers).

By default, imei sv 00. This means that the device is new. Then, when registering online, the code will change automatically.

Is it possible to change IMEI

Outdated models of devices could easily be changed. This was done through a terminal program and by entering a couple of commands. Currently, manufacturers have begun to “hide” the number more carefully, so the change procedure is becoming more difficult.

The number embedded in the device itself cannot be changed using the program. However, there are still models of gadgets where you can still change them. This can be done by “hacking” the device and obtaining super user rights, as well as through the developer menu.

The change process is different for each device model. There is no universal instruction. Before the actual procedure for changing imei, be sure to clarify how legal your actions are.