This IMEI, in short for International Mobile Equipment Identity, is supposed to be the unique identifier of your mobile device. It’s an international standard under which such devices, specifically mobile phones and other land cellular network devices, are identified and tracked down.
It’s a unique 15-digit number that acts as a digital fingerprint for your mobile device. Think of it as your phone’s personal ID card.
Here's how it works:
- Unique identification: There will be an IMEI for every mobile device in the world-be it a smartphone or a feature phone. This would ensure that every device is individually traced and identified.
- Network Registration: When you turn on your phone and a mobile network, it sends an IMEI to the network operator. This, in turn, aids the network by marking the presence of a particular device and assigning a particular connection.
- Blacklisting: In case your phone is reported lost or stolen, its IMEI gets blacklisted. The result of this is that the phone will not be able to get access to any kind of network and hence will become useless for the thief.
- Device Tracking: Under certain conditions, the cellular operator can trace the device by using the IMEI in case it has been lost or stolen.
The first eight digits of the IMEI are the type allocation code (TAC) as follows:
IMEI FORMAT Digits Contain 1-2 Reporting body (CTIA, TUV, etc.) 3-8 Brand and model 9-14 Serial number 15 Check digit
Why is IMEI important?
- Security: It prevents unauthorized use of your device if it has been stolen or misplaced.
- Device Identification: It helps in identifying your device when you need to make a claim with your insurance provider or buy a new phone.
- Network Compatibility: This ensures that your device will work on a compatible network.
How to find your IMEI:
- Dial #06#: This is the easiest way. Just enter this code on your phone’s keypad, and the IMEI will appear on the screen.
- Checking through settings: Most phones have their IMEI in the “About Phone” or “Device Information” setting.
- Look for IMEI on the device itself: Generally, the IMEI is on a sticker and would be underneath the battery or on the SIM tray.
You also check this at IMEI.Info to check the IMEI Number.