IMEI Number Is Not Only Digits – Revealing Its Secret

When you hold your smartphone in your hands, you see that screen, camera, shiny polished body. You marvel at how thinly it’s made, how slim its bezels are, how glass-backed it looks, or how well it fits in your hand. That’s just the outward shell – flashy armor. Today, we want to tell you about something that constitutes a secret to most smartphone owners. It’s a code in every smartphone, yet not many of us have any idea of how powerful it truly is. We’re talking about nothing less than the IMEI number – an innocent-looking sequence of numbers that can make and break your phone.

What Is IMEI?

IMEI is short for International Mobile Equipment Identity and it's a unique 15-digit identification code that every portable device that gets connected to a cellular network possesses — smartphone to LTE tablet to mobile modem to even some smartwatches. There aren't two devices globally that share the same IMEI and so it's also known as your phone's digital fingerprint.

The IMEI lets carriers and creators recognize your device in an unique way. It can tell what model you've got, if it has been stolen, or,  in some cases, not allow it to even use the network at all.

 How Do I Locate My IMEI Number?

While the name IMEI sounds technical, it's something that can be easily checked. These are four of the most popular ways to find it:

*Dialing #06#

The easiest way to do this is to pull out your phone’s dialer and enter *#06#. The IMEI code (or a few codes if in case you have Dual SIM) will appear in seconds on your screen. The trick works for practically any phone of any brand and OS.

In Your Phone Settings

You can also find the IMEI in your device settings menu. On android phones and iPhone devices, simply go to:

Settings > About Phone > Status > IMEI

This will be slightly different for each brand but it’s always found in your phone’s device information.

On the Original Packaging

Still have the original packaging that your phone came in? Great! Take a look for a sticker on the side or base of the package. There’ll usually be a barcode and your IMEI code in there- handy in case your phone gets lost or stolen and you need to report it even if you can’t get to the phone.

On the SIM tray 

On some phones, especially old phones or premium phones, the IMEI code is engraved in the SIM tray. Do not look for it if it’s not in the phone or packaging. It’s best to check for it there.

 What Is There in the IMEI Number?

While it looks arbitrary, the IMEI code actually has a lot of structured information:

TAC – Type Allocation Code (first 8 digits)

This section teaches you:

• What manufacturer made the device (e.g., Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi)?

• What the real model is

• Where it was produced

SNR – Serial Number (next 6 digits)

It's your device's unique identifier. With it, your phone can tell if it's an original or a replica.

 Check Digit (last digit)

This final figure is worked out using the Luhn algorithm- a check-sum to identify typos or errors when entering in the IMEI.

How Do I Locate My Phone's IMEI?

Your IMEI holds a lot of information. With an IMEI check online, you can discover:

• Blacklist status – if it has been stolen or lost and reported to police

• Make and model – Full details like Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, iPhone 14 Pro Max, etc.

• Country of origin – Where it first began to be produced or activated

• Original carrier/network – The network it originally belonged to when it was first deployed

• Activation date – The date when the phone was first powered on and registered

• Repair/warranty status – On some reports, it will indicate if it’s under warranty or if it has had previous service requests

• SIM lock / Carrier lock status – Is it locked to a carrier network or unlocked for international use?

• Support for eSIMs – if the device has inbuilt SIM functionality

• Serial number (S/N) – Checks for authenticity and links to manufacturer databases

• Firmware and region distribution – OS version, target region in the example (e.g., USA, Europe, Asia)

If you'd like to check this information on your own device, it's very simple. All you need to do is use one of the trusted IMEI checkers, generate a report, and perform a quick and legal IMEI check on your phone. This is especially recommended before buying a used phone, so you don’t fall victim to a scam or end up purchasing a device from an illegal source.

Summary

At first glance, it may look like an ordinary string of digits, but the IMEI number is a true behind-the-scenes star, the digital identity of your phone, without which your device wouldn't be what it is. It works quietly in the background, yet it's responsible for some of the most critical functions: security, network access, warranty verification, and even theft protection. Don't underestimate this short code. The IMEI number is your phone's identity, guardian, and passport in the digital world. Understanding its capabilities can save you money, help protect your data, and allow you to make smarter choices as a smartphone user.