What does IMEI stand for? It stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity, a 15 digit number given to a mobile phone or cellular tablet when it is made. Think of it as a serial number for the radio inside the device. Carriers use it to tell one handset apart from every other handset on their network.
You usually need the number at three moments: when a phone is lost or stolen, when you buy or sell a used phone, and when a carrier or repair shop asks for it. Typing *#06# into the dialer on most phones brings it up on screen right away.
Quick facts
Stands for
International Mobile Equipment IdentityType
InitialismLength
15 digits (a related version, IMEISV, has 16)Quick way to find it
Dial *#06# on the phoneUsed for
Blocking stolen phones, unlock requests, repairs, warranty checksNot to be confused with
IMSI or ICCID, which identify the SIM, not the phone
What does IMEI stand for, word by word?
- International: the format is shared by networks around the world, so a phone keeps the same number in any country.
- Mobile: it applies to devices that connect to cell networks.
- Equipment: it belongs to the hardware, not to you or your account.
- Identity: it identifies that one device.
That third word matters most. Your phone number and your SIM card can move to a new phone. The IMEI stays with the handset for its whole life.
How to find your IMEI
There are several easy ways, and they should all show the same digits.
- Dial *#06#. On most phones the number appears as soon as you finish typing.
- Check the settings. Look under About phone or a similar menu.
- Look at the box. The original packaging usually has a label with the number and a barcode.
- Check the SIM tray or back panel. Some models print it there.
A phone that takes two SIM cards usually has two IMEI numbers, one for each line. Write both down and keep them somewhere other than the phone itself.
What the 15 digits mean
The number is not random. It has three parts.
| Digits | Part | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 8 | Type Allocation Code (TAC) | The maker and model |
| 9 to 14 | Serial number | The single unit within that model |
| 15 | Check digit | A math check that catches typing mistakes |
The check digit is worked out with a simple formula, so if you mistype one digit, many systems will reject the number at once. That is a handy way to catch errors when you copy it onto a form.
Why carriers and buyers care about it
When a phone is reported lost or stolen, the carrier can add its IMEI to a block list. A blocked phone may not connect to that network, and some carriers share these lists so the block follows the phone. That makes theft less rewarding.
Buying a used phone: the seller lists the IMEI so you can check it before paying. If the number comes back as blocked or still tied to an unpaid plan, the phone may not work on your network.
Repair shops and warranty desks also use the number to confirm the model and the purchase. Carriers check it when you ask them to unlock a phone so it can work with another network.
IMEI compared with similar phone numbers
A phone carries several ID numbers, and the names sound alike.
- IMEI: identifies the phone hardware.
- IMSI: International Mobile Subscriber Identity, stored on the SIM, identifies your account on the network.
- ICCID: the serial number printed on the SIM card itself.
- MEID: a similar device ID used on some older networks, often shown next to the IMEI.
- Serial number: the maker's own product number, separate from the IMEI.
If a form asks for the device ID or the equipment number, it almost always means the IMEI. For other phone and network letters, see LTE, SMS and the full tech acronyms list.
Keeping the number private
The IMEI is not a password, but it is still best not to post it in public. Share it with your carrier, a repair shop or a buyer you are dealing with, and leave it out of photos when you list a phone for sale. Some people photograph the box label when they buy a phone, which is a simple way to keep a record.
Say the letters one by one, "I M E I." Because the opening I is voiced like "eye," forms say "an IMEI number."
Questions people ask
What is an IMEI number used for?
It identifies a single phone on cell networks. Carriers use it to block stolen phones and to handle unlock requests, and repair shops use it to look up the model and warranty.
How do I check my IMEI?
Dial *#06# on the phone and the number appears on screen. You can also find it in the phone's settings under About, on the original box or on the SIM tray of some models.
Does changing the SIM card change the IMEI?
No. The IMEI belongs to the phone itself, so it stays the same when you swap SIM cards or switch carriers. The SIM has its own separate numbers.
Why does my phone have two IMEI numbers?
Phones that support two SIM lines usually have one IMEI for each line. Both belong to the same device, and a carrier may ask for either one.
How do you say IMEI?
Say each letter: "I M E I." Write "an IMEI" because the first letter sounds like a vowel.