IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It helps you check your phone's identity, block stolen devices, or find your lost phone fast.
Author: Sujith Grandhi
Every phone has a number that makes it different from all other phones. This number is called IMEI. It has 15 digits. You can find it inside your phone or on the box it came in.
In this blog, I’ll tell you what IMEI means, what the full form is, and why it matters.
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity.
This is a 15-digit serial number that is given to every mobile phone. It works like an ID card for your phone. Just like you have your own name or ID number, your phone has its own IMEI number.
Every phone in the world has a different IMEI. No two smartphones share the same one.
If you have a phone with IMEI number 357872365409876, no one else will have that same number. Even if someone buys the exact same model as yours, their IMEI will be different.
The IMEI helps mobile networks and phone companies know exactly which phone is being used. It also helps in blocking a phone if it's lost or stolen.
IMEI is a number that tells which phone is which. It’s like a name tag made of numbers, and it’s only for your phone.
It does not depend on your SIM card or phone number. Even if you remove the SIM, the IMEI number stays the same.
Here’s what you need to know:
Want to check your phone’s IMEI number right now? Here's how:
1. Dial a code: Open your phone’s dial pad and enter *#06#. Your IMEI will pop up instantly.
2. Settings Menu:
On Android, go to Settings > About Phone.
On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About.
3. Check the box or back of your phone: The IMEI is usually printed on the phone’s original box or near the SIM tray.
One of the most reliable ways to identify a device is to use the IMEI number. This unique code includes a Type Allocation Code (TAC), which tells you the device’s model, manufacturer, and carrier compatibility. When you check IMEI, you're actually verifying that your phone is genuine and not blacklisted. It's also a great way to find out if your phone is locked to a specific carrier or open for other networks. You can often use the IMEI found in your original packaging, on the device box, or in the phone settings. This 15-digit identifier plays a critical role in tracking, blocking, or validating your device.
The IMEI number is very useful for many reasons. It plays an important role in how mobile networks and phone companies work with your phone. Over 50 lakh phones were registered on CEIR since May 2023, 31 lakh blocked, 19 lakh traced through IMEI, but only 4.22 lakh returned to owners.
Here’s why the IMEI matters:
If your phone gets stolen, the IMEI can be used to block it from working on any mobile network. Even if someone changes the SIM, the phone won’t work if the IMEI is blocked.
Once a phone is blocked using its IMEI, the person who took it can’t use it, sell it, or even unlock it easily.
Police can track a phone using its IMEI. Mobile companies also use it to manage devices on their networks.
If you're buying a second-hand phone, the IMEI can help you check if the phone is real or blacklisted.
You can also track your phone using IMEI online free through government services like the CEIR portal (Central Equipment Identity Register). This helps you block or trace your lost or stolen phone. You’ll need your IMEI number and a valid proof of ownership to do this.
CEIR Helpline Number (India): 14422
Worth a Look: How to Block IMEI Number
The IMEI number is given by the phone manufacturer, the company that makes the phone.
It is added to the phone when it is being built in the factory. Once the IMEI is set, it becomes a part of the device. You can’t change it or remove it easily.
For example:
If a phone is made by Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, or any other brand, that company gives the IMEI number to the phone during production. It’s saved in the phone’s hardware and software.
Also, the company must follow rules from the GSMA, which is the global group that manages all IMEI numbers. This makes sure no two phones get the same number.
No, IMEI is not your SIM number. They are two completely different things.
Here’s the difference:
The IMEI stays the same even if you remove the SIM or put in a new one. But the SIM number changes if you use a different SIM.
| Feature | IMEI | SIM Number (ICCID) |
|---|---|---|
| Belongs to | The phone | The SIM card |
| Fixed or changeable | Fixed – can’t change easily | Changes when you switch SIMs |
| Use | Tracks the device | Connects you to the mobile network |
| Digits | 15 digits | Usually 19 or 20 digits |
No, the IMEI number cannot be changed. It is built into your phone by the company when the phone is made.
The IMEI is stored in the phone’s hardware. So, even if you reset the phone, change the SIM card, or update the software, the IMEI stays the same.
It’s best not to share your IMEI number with anyone unless there’s a clear reason to do so.
Your IMEI number is linked to your phone’s identity. If someone misuses it, they could try to clone your device or use it for illegal activities. While it’s not easy to do, it’s still better to stay safe.
So yeah, now you get what an IMEI is. It's not some big tech thing you need to be scared of. It's just your phone’s identity number. Every phone has one, and no two are the same. It’s like your phone’s name tag.
You might not use it every day, but it’s still good to know it’s there. If anything ever goes wrong with your phone like it's lost or stolen, this number can actually help track it or block it.
Anyway, thanks for reading.
If you found this helpful, I’ve got a few more blogs like this. Feel free to check them out when you’ve got time.
Also Read: How to check Call History of Any Number Online
