What Is the IMEI and What Is It for?

In this article, we will explain what the IMEI number is and in what situations it can be useful. Also, we'll let you know how to check IMEI if you have the device in your hands and what to do if your gadget is lost or stolen.

What is the IMEI?

International Mobile Equipment Identity, or IMEI for short, is a unique combination of 15–17 digits that is assigned to a gadget by the manufacturer. As a rule, the code is in the device itself, and it is also printed on the box of the smartphone or on the inner side of the back panel.

The combination of numbers on the phone and on the box must strictly match. Otherwise, you own a stolen gadget.

What is the IMEI for?

The IMEI code is used to register smartphones in IDEN, WCDMA and GSM networks. The IMEI registry contains information about all devices that can be used with a particular SIM card. In addition, the number encrypts such data:

• backup number;
• a unique serial number;
• country code where the final assembly took place;
• Type Approval Code—the device certification code.

Important: If your phone supports dual SIM cards, it will have two IMEI numbers.

It is necessary to know the IMEI if:

1. It is necessary to block the smartphone, which was stolen. 2. You want to put your phone on the Global black list so that scammers can't use your stolen device even abroad. 3. There is a need to identify the lost phone (the code of the device must match the code on the box). 4. You want to verify the authenticity of your smartphone. If you decipher the country of manufacture, it will be clear whether it is an original or a fake.

With the help of special services on the Internet, you can find out the specifications and date of manufacture of the device by simply entering the IMEI code on the manufacturer's website. This also helps to avoid buying a stolen gadget.

Thanks to the IMEI, the mobile operator can determine the phone's location. The same data is requested by the police when searching for a missing device.

It's nice when you don't lose your phone, and when you travel abroad, mobile Internet and communication do not cost as much as a plane ticket. By the way, this is really possible if you download the Yesim app. Just run it and use inexpensive communications all around the world. The main thing is to check your gadget for compatibility with eSIM technology on this page of the site.

How to check the IMEI

There are universal methods to check the IMEI on an iPhone and Android:

1. Look at the box of the smartphone. 2. Sometimes the IMEI is engraved on the SIM card slot. 3. In older models of smartphones, the right combination of numbers can be found on the inside of the back panel. 4. Press *6 on the gadget keyboard—the required information will appear on the screen.

On Android

Here's how to find the IMEI number of an Android phone — it's easy because there is only one way.

Go to «‎Settings»‎, go to «About phone‎»‎ subsection, then choose «‎Status»‎ tab, and after it go to «‎Device Info»‎ menu — here you will see the combination of IMEI numbers you need.

Read also: How to find your phone if you lost it

On the iPhone

Here's how to find out the IMEI number on an iPhone: there are three methods available to owners of Apple gadgets:

1. Go to «‎Settings»‎, then go to «General‎»‎ tab, then choose «About Phone‎»‎. Here you will find different technical combinations of letters and numbers, IMEI number will be among them. 2. . Login to your Apple ID with your password. In the list of Apple devices that appears, find the gadget which IMEI you need to know and click on its name. 3. If you go to your Apple ID from another iPhone, you can see the IMEI of the gadget you are looking for right now. To do this, go to «‎Settings»‎. At the very top will be your name—tap on it, pull down, and you will see a list of your devices that are connected to one network. Click on the name of the gadget you want to know the IMEI number for.

Read also: What to Do if Your Phone Was Stolen on a Trip

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Frequently asked questions about what the IMEI number is

What can I check via the IMEI?

Knowing the IMEI, it is possible to track the location and movement of a smartphone. This is possible under the condition that it is connected to the network, that is how the police look for stolen phones.

Is it possible to report my IMEI?

It is not recommended to give the IMEI code to third parties; there are various methods of fraud with this information. A gadget can only be safe if only the owner of it knows the IMEI.

The Yesim app will help you not overpay for global roaming. Just download and activate it on your smartphone without a SIM card, and Wi-Fi at good speed is always at your fingertips.