FAQs
The IMEI is a 15 to 17 digit number that is universally unique to each mobile device. It is often compared to the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) of a car, as it serves a similar purpose.
How many digits should an IMEI be? ›
An IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. Think of it as your phone's fingerprint — it's a 15-digit number unique to each device. Phone carriers and manufacturers share IMEI numbers to enable tracking of smartphones that may be stolen or compromised.
Can IMEI be 16 digits? ›
Structure of the IMEI and IMEISV (IMEI software version)
The IMEI (15 decimal digits: 14 digits plus a check digit) or IMEISV (16 decimal digits: 14 digits plus two software version digits) includes information on the origin, model, and serial number of the device.
Can IMEI be 15 digits? ›
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is a unique 15-digit serial number for identifying a device; every mobile phone in the world has one. These IMEI numbers are stored in a database called the EIR (Equipment Identity Register), which contains information about all valid mobile phone equipment.
Can IMEI tell the model of phone? ›
Every smartphone is assigned a unique number called an IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity), and you can use your IMEI to identify what make and model your phone is.
Why is my IMEI number not recognised? ›
This only means that there has been some tampering with the internal parts of the device. Usually, an invalid IMEI issue arises when users try to download a software update that is not completely safe to download yet. Or, when a user tries to manipulate the software inside a smartphone.
What can an IMEI number tell you? ›
The IMEI number identifies your device and its specifications, such as the model, manufacturer, and software version. This information can be a lifesaver when you need technical support and troubleshooting and you're not able to take it in for repairs in person.
Can a phone have two IMEI numbers? ›
Because the dual-card phone can insert SIM cards in both card slots, it is regarded as two integrated devices in the GSM cellular communication network, so it will be assigned two IMEI codes.
Can IMEI be changed? ›
An IMEI is permanently recorded in every phone at the factory once. It cannot be erased or altered at all in devices made after around 1993 without replacing a specific chip (or IC) on the mainboard, or by replacing the mainboard itself. Performing a factory reset will restore the original device IMEI.
What is the difference between IMEI and MEID? ›
About the IMEI and MEID Numbers
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It's a unique 15-digit number assigned to all cellular devices. The 14-digit MEID stands for Mobile Equipment Identifier and is similarly meant to identify a mobile device. It is sometimes known as an electronic serial number.
The IMEI number consists of 15 digits. 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 GSMA approval group. XXXXXX: represents the actual TAC digits.
Why is my IMEI 13 digits? ›
The first 13 or 15 digits of an IMEI number are the identification portion, while the last digit is a check that's calculated using the Luhn algorithm. IMEI numbers were developed to be a permanent identifier of a device, as SIM cards are generally associated with the user.
Can someone track you with your IMEI number? ›
In addition, hackers could also track the live location of your smartphone and use it in multiple ways to commit fraud cases. As a result, make sure you never give out your smartphone's IMEI number.
Can police track an iPhone with an IMEI number? ›
The SIM card is attached to the carrier, but the phone is identified with the IMEI. And yes, the police can trace a cellular device that is just turned off IF they have the proper warrants and/or a specific emergency situation as defined by the local laws allows for it.
How many IMEI numbers can a phone have? ›
Because the dual-card phone can insert SIM cards in both card slots, it is regarded as two integrated devices in the GSM cellular communication network, so it will be assigned two IMEI codes.
How many characters does an IMEI number have? ›
The IMEI number consists of 15 digits. 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 GSMA approval group.
Is IMEI only 13 digits? ›
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. As the name indicates, it's a unique 15 or 16-digit number that is used to identify individual mobile devices. The first 13 or 15 digits of an IMEI number are the identification portion, while the last digit is a check that's calculated using the Luhn algorithm.
What is the invalid IMEI number? ›
This only means that there has been some tampering with the internal parts of the device. Usually, an invalid IMEI issue arises when users try to download a software update that is not completely safe to download yet. Or, when a user tries to manipulate the software inside a smartphone.
