
Losing your mobile can be a stressful experience, but knowing how to find your IMEI number can help you recover your device. The IMEI number is a unique 15-digit code that can be used to identify your mobile and block it if it's stolen.
To find your IMEI number, you can check the packaging of your mobile, the phone's manual, or the manufacturer's website. If you can't find the IMEI number on your mobile, you can dial a specific code to display it on your screen.
The IMEI number is usually printed on a sticker on the packaging of your mobile, or it can be found in the phone's manual. This number is also registered with the manufacturer and can be used to track your device.
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What is IMEI?
An IMEI number is a distinctive identifier assigned to every mobile device. Network providers use it to identify and track devices on their network.
This unique number helps prevent unauthorized access to your personal information and stops the thief from making calls or accessing the internet using your account.
The IMEI number is required for warranty claims and repairs, ensuring the serviced device is legitimate.
Here are the reasons why the IMEI number is important to you:
- It identifies your phone on the network, preventing others from using it.
- If your device is stolen, reporting the IMEI blacklists the phone, rendering it useless on any network.
- It is required for warranty claims and repairs, ensuring the serviced device is legitimate.
What is a number?
A number is a series of digits that identify a device, in this case, a mobile device. It's a distinctive identifier assigned to every mobile device.
The IMEI number is used by network providers to identify and track devices on their network. This is crucial in preventing unauthorized access to your personal information and stopping the thief from making calls or accessing the internet using your account.
The IMEI number is a unique identifier, meaning no two devices have the same number. This makes it an essential tool in tracking and recovering your device if it's lost or stolen.
To report a lost or stolen device, you'll need to provide the IMEI number to the police and your carrier. This can be done by contacting your carrier and informing them that your device has been lost or stolen, and providing the IMEI number.
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What Does the Number Mean?
The IMEI number is a unique 15-digit code assigned to every mobile device, and it's essential to understand what it means to appreciate its significance. It's a way for the network to identify your phone, preventing others from using it.
The IMEI number is made up of 15 digits, usually printed on the device's packaging or inside the battery compartment. This code is used by the network to verify the device's identity and prevent unauthorized use.
Here are the three key functions of the IMEI number:
- It identifies your phone on the network, preventing others from using it.
- If your device is stolen, reporting the IMEI blacklists the phone, rendering it useless on any network.
- It is required for warranty claims and repairs, ensuring the serviced device is legitimate.
Finding IMEI on iPhone
Finding IMEI on iPhone can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, it's easier than you think.
First, you'll need to log into your Apple ID to access your iPhone's details. You can do this by going to the Apple ID website and signing in.
If you're already on a device with your Apple ID logged in, you'll be asked to authorize the request. If not, simply log in manually.
Once you're logged in, you'll see a list of all the devices connected to your Apple ID. Select the iPhone whose IMEI number you need to find.
You can also retrieve your iPhone's IMEI number from your carrier's website or app. Simply log in to your account and look for the device details.
To do this, you'll need to have your iPhone linked to an Apple ID that you can access. If you have a backup of your iPhone on a Mac or Windows PC, you can also retrieve the IMEI number from that backup.
Here's a quick rundown of the steps to follow:
- Open “Manage your Apple ID” and sign in.
- Click or tap on the “Devices” tab.
- Select the device for which you want to retrieve the IMEI number.
- Scroll to the “About” section to find the IMEI.
Alternatively, you can use Apple Find My to track your iPhone and find its IMEI number. This feature allows you to track supported Apple devices and see their details, including IMEI numbers.
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Finding IMEI on Android
Finding IMEI on Android is a relatively straightforward process. You can start by opening the Android Settings menu, which can be found in your App Drawer.
To access the Settings menu, tap the Settings app. Scroll down and tap About or About Phone, which is usually located near the bottom of the menu. Depending on your Android model, it may say either "About" or "About Phone."
You can find the 15-digit IMEI or 14-digit MEID by scrolling down in the About menu. If you don't see an entry for MEID, you can safely provide the IMEI number and drop the last digit.
The IMEI/MEID number is the same, except for the last digit. You can write down the number, but be aware that there's no way to copy the number to your phone's clipboard.
Alternatively, you can dial *#06# on your phone's dial pad to retrieve the IMEI/MEID number. This universal code works on virtually any phone, and the number will appear as soon as you finish dialing.
The IMEI/MEID number will appear in a new window on your phone. You can take a screenshot, but be aware that you won't be able to copy and paste the number from your phone's display.
Here are the steps to find the IMEI/MEID number on your Android:
- Open the Android Settings menu.
- Scroll down and tap About or About Phone.
- Find the 15-digit IMEI or 14-digit MEID number.
- Dial *#06# on your phone's dial pad.
Alternative Methods
If you don't have access to your phone, you can check the IMEI number on the packaging or documentation that came with your device.
You can also contact your carrier or the device's manufacturer to request the IMEI number associated with your account or device.
If you're still unable to find the IMEI number, you can try contacting the police or local authorities to report your lost phone and ask for their assistance in retrieving the IMEI number.
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Apple Find My
Apple Find My is a feature that allows supported Apple devices to be tracked using this feature. You can enable this in the settings, and all devices connected through Find My can be seen by logging into your Apple ID.
To use this feature, start by going to the Apple ID website. If you're on a device that has your Apple ID logged in, it will ask for authorisation. If not, manually log into your Apple ID.
Once logged in, you'll see all the devices connected to your Apple ID. Select the phone whose IMEI needs to be known. Now, you have access to various details about the device, including the IMEI number.
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Check the Phone Box

If you have kept the phone's box safe with you, you can use it to find the IMEI number of your device. Just find the box and turn it around, the IMEI number, along with its barcode, will be present.
Depending on the number of SIM slots your phone has, there will be one or multiple IMEI numbers that correspond to the number of SIM slots. It's a good idea to keep the boxes of all devices, smartphones or otherwise, as they will have information like the IMEI number, serial number, etc.
The IMEI number can be found on the box by following the instructions: just find the box and turn it around. This will now reveal the IMEI number of the device.
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IMEI Tracking and Security
IMEI tracking is a powerful tool to locate your lost mobile. The IMEI number is tracked by different cell providers, but location data is not associated with the IMEI number unless it has active cell service.
Your physical location or personal information cannot be inferred from the IMEI number alone, it only identifies the device, not the individual user. Ordinary users do not have direct access to IMEI tracking capabilities.
To track your lost mobile, you can report the IMEI number to your mobile service provider or local law enforcement, and they can add it to a global database of lost or stolen devices. Mobile network operators can also identify the IMEI number and track the device's approximate location within their coverage area.
Here are the steps to report your lost mobile:
- Report the loss or theft to the police, providing them with the IMEI number and other details about your device.
- Contact your carrier, inform them that your device has been lost or stolen, and provide the IMEI number. They can then block the device from being used on their network.
Contact Your Carrier
Contacting your carrier is a crucial step in tracking and securing your device. If you're unable to find your IMEI number, your carrier may have it associated with your account.
You can reach out to your carrier directly, and they should be able to provide the IMEI number to you. It's worth noting that your carrier may also be able to help you block your device from being used on their network.
Once you have the IMEI number, you can take steps to protect your device and personal information. But first, you need to get the IMEI number from your carrier.
Blocked or Blacklisted
If your device has been reported as lost or stolen, its IMEI number can be added to a global database of blocked or blacklisted devices. This means that the device will be flagged as unusable on any mobile network.
The process of blocking or blacklisting an IMEI is primarily done to deter theft and unauthorized use of mobile devices. It's a preventive measure taken by mobile service providers and law enforcement agencies to discourage criminals from benefiting from stolen devices.
A blocked or blacklisted IMEI remains in the database indefinitely, even if the device is recovered. The owner of the device may need to go through a process to remove the blocked status from the IMEI, often in cooperation with the relevant authorities.
If you believe your device has been wrongfully blocked or blacklisted, you should contact your mobile service provider or local authorities to address the issue. They can investigate and potentially remove the block if it was mistakenly applied.
Here are the reasons why an IMEI might be blocked:
- Device reported as lost or stolen
- Contract violations
- Fraudulent activities associated with a specific device
Can Numbers Be Tracked?
The IMEI number can be tracked by cell providers, but only if the device has active cell service.
Reporting the IMEI number to your mobile service provider or local law enforcement can help track a lost or stolen device. They can add the IMEI to a global database of lost or stolen devices.
Mobile network operators can track devices based on their IMEI numbers when they're connected to a cellular network. The network operator can identify the IMEI number and track the device's approximate location within the coverage area.
Ordinary users don't have direct access to IMEI tracking capabilities, but they can still report their lost or stolen phone to the relevant authorities and their mobile service provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to find the IMEI number on a stolen phone?
To find the IMEI number on a stolen phone, dial *#06# on the phone's keypad. This will display the 15-digit IMEI number, which can be used to block the phone and prevent further use.
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