What is an IMEI number and what is it for? How to check IMEI number?

What is an IMEI Number?

Usually, IMEI is a 15-17-digit code that the manufacturer assigns to cellular devices. Similar to people having their ID number, every car has a vehicle number. The IMEI, which stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity, enables a global system for mobile communication (GSM) or universal mobile telecommunications service (UMTS) network to prevent a stolen phone from initial calls. Besides, the number is guaranteed to be globally unique, which means dual SIM devices have two IMEI numbers due to their two SIM card slots. 

For example, the number is typically arranged in a sequence of WW-XXXXXX-YYYYYY-Z, where WW describes the reporting body identifier showing Type Allocation Code (TAC) by the GSMA approval group. Besides, XXXXXX represents the actual TAC digits. And YYYYYY acts as an identifier for the particular device and Z is the check digit.

What is the IMEI number? Uses of IMEI

The IMEI number plays a vital role in checking and seeing if the phone is valid when buying used phones. It also informs users about the country and network from which a device originated, carrier information and more specific details. 

Here are some functions that serve IMEI numbers:

1. Make sure your phone is compatible with a wireless service

2. Blocking a lost or stolen phone

3. Finding a lost or stolen phone

4. When buying a used phone

How does an IMEI number work?

Though an IMEI number can play a central role when your device is stolen, it helps more than that. The device manufacturer may need the number combination in the event of a complaint for error analysis in support inquiries. 

Determining the IMEI of your device includes various options. In most cases, the number is printed on the device's packaging. If your device has a removable battery, then it is worth looking under the battery cover. 

In addition, after purchasing a mobile phone, the owner should record the IMEI code in a secure place to quickly access it in the event of loss.

How to check IMEI number on your device?

Find the IMEI number on your device; there are a variety of ways. But which ways you should select depends on the brand, model and type. So we share some of the most common ways that can help to get your IMEI number on your device, such as:

Find your IMEI number in the settings

One of the easiest ways to find your IMEI number is by digging into the phone settings. Let us go over the steps:

Find Your IMEI Number using a dial code

Check Your IMEI Number Using “Find My Device”

• Go to the "find my device website" after opening Chrome.

• Then sign into your Google account if required.

• Select the device from which you want to get the IMEI number on the left column.

• Now tap on the “gear icon.”

• After that, you will see the number in the details.