This is going to sound very strange and I'm wondering what could have led to this. I received my iphone 14 pro last October and immediately registered it for insurance purposes with the IMEI number. I am the only person in my household with an iphone 14 pro. When I enter the IMEI number it automatically populates with the phone make and model - iphone 14 pro. Simple.
My phone was stolen this weekend so I logged it and need proof of purchase, barring...etc. I contact my provider and they send this but it is for a different IMEI number. I contact them and they confirm they sent me an iphone with IMEI #2 (which differs entirely from the one I have) and that has been used with my phone number until September 16th, when it was barred.
I don't have the box, I don't have anything to prove that the IMEI entered was on the phone but I don't have any other iphone 14 pro and I don't see how I could make up a number and just so happen to also get an iphone 14 pro IMEI number that's valid.
Obviously my insurer is only insuring the IMEI #1 that I shared but I don't have access to this phone (apparently I never have).
Is it ever possible to have 2 IMEI numbers?! OR that the packaging refers to a different IMEI number?!
Thanks for any insight, feel like this is going to be a lot cause though. So glad I paid for that insurance every month!
FAQs
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.
Why is my IMEI number not recognised? ›
The phone is turned off: If your phone is turned off, the IMEI number will be unavailable. Make sure the phone is turned on to check the IMEI number. The phone is not activated: If the phone has not been activated, the IMEI number will not be available.
Which IMEI number to use for eSIM? ›
To give you an eSIM so you can use Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS), your carrier may ask for your phone's IMEI 2.
Why do I have two different IMEI numbers? ›
It's crucial to remember that dual IMEI is a feature that is frequently seen in smartphones with two SIM cards. A phone with two IMEI numbers can handle two SIM cards simultaneously, allowing customers to use two distinct network providers or plans and separate phone lines on the same handset.
How do I activate my IMEI number? ›
The process is slightly different per carrier, but generally you will need to log in, select the line you are activating a device on, and then enter the IMEI number for the phone you are activating. If you're activating a prepaid plan online, you will likely need to enter an Activation Code.
How do I authenticate my IMEI number? ›
STEPS FOR IMEI VERIFICATION
- Type *#06# in your mobile device. ...
- Enter the displayed code in the box below and click on "check my device".
- The Mode and Manufacturer of your mobile device will be displayed.
- If the IMEI display a different model, please check with your vendor as your mobile device may not be genuine.
No, IMEI is not the same thing as a SIM card but it is tied to the device. Each device has a SIM and an IMEI. The SIM is associated with the network, whereas the IMEI is associated with the device. The SIM is identified by the Integrated Circuit Card Identification (ICCID) number.
Why is my IMEI blacklisted? ›
When a device is blacklisted, it's either because the phone has been reported lost or stolen or its account has an unpaid balance. This works via a numeric identifier most phones have called an international mobile equipment identity number, or IMEI.
Can my IMEI number be blocked? ›
Call up your mobile network provider's customer service line. Inform them that your phone has been lost or stolen and provide them with the IMEI number. They can then proceed to block your phone, ensuring that the device cannot be used on any network with any SIM card.
How do I activate eSIM with IMEI? ›
Go to Android eSIM Primary Device <Settings> <About Phone> and either input IMEI-1 or IMEI–2 for direct eSIM activation. You can enter the device IMEI in Device ID* (e.g., IMEI) field... IMEI 1 or IMEI 2 to initiate eSIM order.
IMEI and eSIM are different concepts, but they both play important roles in mobile devices. IMEI is used for device identification, while eSIM is used for storing and managing the device's SIM card information. In certain cases, such as remote eSIM provisioning, the IMEI is used to identify the device.
How do I know if my IMEI is compatible with eSIM? ›
Does My iPhone Support eSIM?
- Go to Settings > General > About.
- Scroll down to view the Carrier Lock section.
- If your device is unlocked, it will show "No SIM restrictions"
- Scroll down to Available SIM (iOS 15 or later) or Digital SIM (earlier iOS versions)
- If your phone supports eSIMs, it will show a 15-digit IMEI number.
Normally the First IMEI Number, or Top one, is SIM 1 and the 2nd Number, or Lower one, is SIM 2. To use for what? You have a dual SIM phone so it has two IMEI numbers. Normally the First IMEI Number, or Top one, is SIM 1 and the 2nd Number, or Lower one, is SIM 2.
What is the difference between IMEI and IMEI2? ›
You main IMEI number uses a PHYSICAL SIM CARD located the side of the iPhone, while IMEI2 uses an embedded SIM card called eSIM- which isn't even a card at all… The eSIM IMEI is stored in the BaseBand chip which is stored on the logic board (orange).
How can I get IMEI 1 and 2? ›
If your phone has two SIM slots, you will see two IMEI numbers in the phone's settings. The IMEI number for the first SIM slot is usually listed as IMEI 1, and the IMEI number for the second SIM slot is usually listed as IMEI 2.
What does a valid IMEI number look like? ›
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.
How can I verify my IMEI number? ›
Dial a Code: A simple way to find your IMEI number on a cell phone, regardless of the brand or model is to dial *#06# on your device's keypad. Once dialed, the IMEI number will be displayed automatically on the screen.
Why would an IMEI number be blocked? ›
A blacklisted IMEI usually indicates that the device has been reported lost, stolen, or involved in fraudulent activity.
What does it mean if a phone has a bad IMEI number? ›
A bad or a blocked Equipment Serial Number (ESN) or International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number can signal a reported stolen phone. It can also signify a phone that is associated with someone who's been late (or has stopped) making payments on their phone.
