The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is a number that identifies 3GPP and iDEN mobile phones, as well as some satellite phones. It can be displayed on-screen on most phones by entering *#06# MMI Supplementary Service code on the dial pad or alongside other system information in the settings menu on smartphones.
Networks use the IMEI number to identify valid devices and will stop a stolen phone from accessing the network.
How To Check Your IMEI Number
- Go to our free IMEI Checker Tool
- Dial *#06# to see the IMEI number on your screen.
- Enter your IMEI in the white bar field.
- Verify that the IMEI is clean and the phone is not blacklisted.
How Can an IMEI Check to Help Me?
By knowing your phone's unique IMEI number, you can learn:
- the network and country from which your device came from
- warranty information
- date of purchase
- cell phone carrier
- system
- device specification
When Should You Do An IMEI Check?
You should use the IMEI checker before buying a used device. As a result, you will see if the device is valid and original. You can also check if the specification matches what the seller has stated. We also encourage you to use the IMEI information to learn more about your phone.
Checking the IMEI
Checking the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number of a phone is important for several reasons:
- Verification of Authenticity: The IMEI number helps verify that the phone is genuine and not a counterfeit. Each phone has a unique IMEI number, making it an essential tool for authentication.
- Checking for Blacklisting: Phones reported as lost or stolen are often blacklisted by network providers, making them unusable on certain networks. Checking the IMEI can reveal if a phone is blacklisted, which is particularly important when buying a used phone.
- Unlocking Network Restrictions: Knowing the IMEI number allows you to check if a phone is locked to a specific network or if it can be used with different carriers.
- Warranty and Service Information: The IMEI number can be used to check the warranty status of a phone. It provides details about the device's origin, model, and manufacturer, which is useful for service and repair.
- Insurance Claims: In the event of theft or loss, the IMEI number is required by insurance companies to process claims. It serves as a unique identifier for your specific device.
- Resale Value: When selling a phone, providing the IMEI number to potential buyers can prove the phone's legitimacy and increase buyer confidence, potentially improving resale value.
- Tracking and Recovery: In some cases, if a phone is lost or stolen, the IMEI number can be used by law enforcement and network providers to track and potentially recover the device.
- Software Updates and Compatibility: The IMEI number can also be used to determine if a phone is eligible for certain software updates or if it's compatible with specific software versions.