Imei phone what numbers mean. What does phone imei mean

Like people mobile phonesSmartphones, tablets and modems that use the cellular network to access the Internet have their own unique "identity document" that distinguishes them from each other. A person can have an identity card, a license or a passport, but in the case of identifying mobile devices, this means the IMEI code.

IMEI (International Mobile Station Identity) is a unique numeric code used to identify mobile, tablet smartphones and some types of satellite phones.

It can be found in the following locations:

• By entering numbers on one of the many websites dedicated to iMEI code... It is usually printed inside the battery compartment (next to the SIM tray).
• If the device has a non-removable battery, the numbers will be printed either on the removable SIM card or on the back of the device.
• Alternatively, it can also be displayed on the display of the device, when using special codes or pressing system menus smartphone.

The IMEI is used by the GSM network to identify the “correct” phones, so if the device is stolen, it can be blocked simply by using this number. In case of stolen or lost mobile phones, just call your operator cellular communication and, having provided the number, ask to block the device. Then the code will be placed to the "black list" of blocked devices that can no longer be used.

How to check phone IMEI

Checking is simple: enter the numbers into one of the portals containing the list and check it.

IMEI is tied to your phone and has no permanent or semi-permanent relationship with the user. However, the identification of the latter in the cellular network is entrusted to IMI (Internet identifier mobile subscriber) on the SIM card.

EMI structure

The identification number consists of a 15-digit combination, divided into three parts, and contains information about the origin, model and serial number of the device. First eight digits, called the type allocation code, refer to the model and country of origin of the device. The next six refer to the serial number of the device and are determined by the mobile device manufacturer. Last digit is a control number.

How to recognize him

Search universal code your apparatus is far from a difficult task. In fact, there are several methods more or less applicable to all types of mobile phones or mobile devices.

1. Remove the back of the phone, lift the battery and find the 15 digits of the code in the label on the battery compartment.
2. If the phone battery is not replaced, the code will be printed on a removable carriage (for example, for iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and iPhone 4) or on the cover (as for iPhone 5, iPhone 5S, iPhone 5C, iPad, iPod touch and Nexus).
3. Enter the code * # 06 #, the code will be displayed immediately on the phone display.
4. In the sales package of the device, find the identification label (usually used as a seal on the packaging) and read the code under the “IMEI”.
5. If you have Android, simply enter "Phone Settings", open the "Phone Information" section (usually the last menu item) and go to the state. Here, among the various information you find, you will also find the code you are looking for.
6. If you have iOS, tap Settings, go to the General section and tap Info to view Serial Numbers, IMEI / MEID and ICCIDs.

Is it possible to change IMEI

As for the MAC address of your network devices, you can change IMEI for one smartphone. To do this, you need to have the appropriate tools to reprogram devices via a serial or USB cable. In some cases (for example, for smartphones), you can reprogram the code using special software or with firmware or OS versions that are created ad hoc to change the device code.

However, you need to be very careful. Changing this data is equivalent to a change in the device identification code and is comparable to the use of a false or counterfeit identification card or document. It is also used in the event of theft or loss of a device to lock it and render it unusable: it cannot be done by modifying it. In most countries, it is forbidden to change the IMEI, while in the Mobile Phone Law of England, owners of tools and devices have the full right to change the data of any of their gadgets.

Video

This video will show you how you can check iPhone by IMEI or serial number.

When discussing phones, smartphones or other mobile devices, a term such as IMEI often pops up. In many materials, the authors recommend checking or changing the IMEI, while explaining what it is. Now we will try to close this knowledge gap by telling you what IMEI is in a phone and what it is for.

IMEI is a unique number that is issued to any mobile equipment operating in such mobile networks like GSM, IDEN or. For example, mobile phones, satellite phones, smartphones, tablets and laptops with support for mobile internet, 3G modems and other similar devices. The number of received IMEI corresponds to the number of SIM-cards with which it can work this device... For example, if the phone supports two SIM cards, then it receives two IMEIs.

The abbreviation IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity, which can be translated into Russian as the international identifier of mobile equipment. Manufacturers of phones and other mobile devices receive these identifiers from special international organizations that are authorized to issue them. For example, such identifiers are issued by BABT (British Approvals Board for Telecommunications). In the future, manufacturers distribute the received identifiers to specific phones that they release, thus achieving the uniqueness of each IMEI.

As for the structure of the IMEI, it consists of 14 or 16 digits (in this case, it is called IMEISV). The first 8 digits indicate the phone model and its origin, the rest of the digits include the one specified by the manufacturer serial number and check number. In the case of IMEISV, which consists of 16 digits, the software version is also indicated.

What is the IMEI of the phone for?

As already mentioned, IMEI is a unique phone number, so it is convenient to use it to identify phones on the network. mobile operator... The mobile operator can use the IMEI to determine your phone model and the communication technologies they support. It also allows mobile operators to blacklist the phone and not serve it again.

Due to its uniqueness, IMEI can be used to track the phone even if its owner changes SIM cards. In addition, IMEI can be used by customs officers to determine the legality of the phone.

It should be noted that IMEI is the identifier of the phone, not its subscriber. To identify the subscriber in mobile networks, another unique international number, which is called IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) and is recorded on SIM card user.

How to find out the IMEI of the phone

After assigning IMEI to the phone, it is recorded in several ways that duplicate each other. Any of these methods can be used to find out the IMEI of the phone.

First, the IMEI is written into the phone's firmware, that is, into its software... This information can be obtained at any time using a request *#06# to be typed on the device keyboard. The code *#06# works equally well as on push-button telephonesand on modern smartphones with a touch screen.

After entering this code, the IMEI immediately appears on the screen, which was assigned this phone... If several IMEIs have been assigned to the phone, then all will appear on the screen at once.

Secondly, IMEI is indicated on the phone itself, usually this is done on a special sticker located under the battery. And thirdly, IMEI is always indicated in warranty documents and on the phone box. Thus, the user always has several ways to view the IMEI of his phone.

Is it possible to change IMEI

In older phone models, the IMEI changed quite simply. In particular, this could be done using a terminal program and several commands. But, now everything is much more complicated, because manufacturers are increasingly writing IMEI in a special memory area that cannot be rewritten programmatically.

However, on some phones it is still possible to change the IMEI. For example, this is done through the engineering menu of the device or by obtaining ROOT rights (if this Android smartphone). If you need to change the IMEI on the phone, then you need to look for information specific to your device. Universal instructions to change the IMEI, which would work on any device, simply not.

It should be noted that in some countries, changing the IMEI is prohibited and is a criminal offense. Therefore, before doing something like this, it is necessary to clarify whether this will violate the laws of your country.

How to find out the phone model by IMEI

If you know the IMEI of the phone, then you can find out its model, specifications, date of manufacture, as well as the country of origin. To get this information, you just need to go to one of the sites that have a database and enter your IMEI there. For example, you can search for information on sites such as.

You've probably already heard this abbreviation - IMEI. For most owners of mobile gadgets, IMEI is a kind of phone identifier, something like a serial number, needed, rather, by engineers and developers, but for the layman it is of no value. Let's see what IMEI really means, how it can be useful simple user and how to find out the IMEI of the phone, if necessary.

What is IMEI?

IMEI Is a unique international identifier for any mobile device (phone, smartphone, tablet, and even a USB modem).

IMEI code is assigned to each mobile device and some satellite phones at the production stage and usually consists of 15 digits. When the device is connected, IMEI is automatically transmitted to the operator's network and serves to identify the device itself. IMEI has nothing to do with either the owner of the device or the SIM card used in it.

It is believed that IMEI cannot be changed or faked, since this code is stored in the mobile phone's ROM chip. However, some "craftsmen" have already learned how to do this long ago. Moreover, on the Web, you can find detailed algorithms for changing the IMEI of the phone. But you should be aware that IMEI fake is illegal. Moreover, in some countries (not yet in Russia), replacing the IMEI code in the device is a criminal offense.

A simple key combination комбина # 06 # will allow you to find out the IMEI code of your phone. It will immediately appear on the screen of the device.

Alternative ways:

• View IMEI on Android devices can be directly through the menu: "Settings" → "About phone" → "Device identifiers". In addition to IMEI, this tab will also indicate the name of the phone model, its serial number and other useful information.
• Find out IMEI on iPhone and other Apple devices it is also possible through the main menu: "Settings" → "General" → "About device". As in the case above, this page contains comprehensive information about the phone, including its IMEI, serial number, and more.

In addition, manufacturers also indicate the phone's IMEI on the device itself (look under the battery) and the box (next to the barcode).

Older iPhones (up to iPhone 5) have the IMEI on the SIM tray.

How to find out the IMEI of a stolen phone?

Few people think about looking at the IMEI of their phone in advance and keeping it in a safe place. On the contrary, the question "how to find out the IMEI number of the phone?" rises, as a rule, when the device is no longer on hand - it is stolen or lost. It's good if you still have the packaging from under the device - you can see the IMEI on it. But what if there is none? Is it really impossible to find out IMEI now?

Maybe! This is where Google and Apple come to the rescue of their users!

How IMEI can be useful?

So, we have already learned what a phone IMEI is and how to find it out. How can you benefit from this information?

Through IMEI, you can identify, locate and block a specific device connected to the operator's network. Thus, in theory, if the phone is stolen, it is easy to return it to its rightful owner. But in practice neither cellular operatorsnor the police are looking for mobile phones by IMEI, citing the lack of the necessary equipment.

Therefore, for an ordinary user, IMEI will rather be useful as a means additional verification the purchased phone for its authenticity and the presence of a "criminal past" (stolen or not). This is especially true if you buy a hand-held phone.

There are special services on the Internet through which you can find out interesting facts about the phone by its IMEI number: device model, build date, check if the phone is on the "black list" as stolen. Apple gadgets users can get more detailed information: device color, memory size, production date, firmware version when the device is sold, as well as unlock and jailbreak methods).

The IMEI code is assigned to all mobile devices. It is used to identify devices, but it is most convenient for finding missing digital equipment. You can find out the IMEI of your phone in several ways. The code has 15 digits, their sequence and division into groups also has a certain meaning.

What is phone IMEI

The IMEI code is assigned to the device at the factory during production. The combination of numbers is recorded both on the device itself and in its memory, it appears in the manufacturer's company. As soon as the phone is turned on for the first time with a SIM card installed, the IMEI is registered in the operator's network to identify a specific device. At the same time, data about the owner or the SIM card is not saved, it is important to recognize the phone directly.

The code is assigned to a specific device forever. It is officially impossible to replace it, but some scammers change it programmatically. Therefore, IMEI is stored not only in the phone's memory, but also printed on it. In Russia and the CIS countries, counterfeiting or replacing the IMEI code is a criminal offense.

Why is it needed

IMEI code is used in various cases:

• Revealing complete information about the device upon purchase, especially if the phone is used;
• Recognition of a stolen or lost phone, search for the owner;
• Finding the location of the device;
• Compulsory blocking of the phone through a mobile operator if it fell into the hands of thieves;
• Confirmation of quality assurance from the manufacturer.

The IMEI code base is kept by government law enforcement agencies in most countries.

How to find out IMEI

Depending on the situation, you can find out the current IMEI code from a specific phone in different ways.

USSD command input

Since the code is stored in the memory of any phone, you can enter a USSD request * # 006 #, press the call button. In the response message, the device displays IMEI.

In phone settings

On modern smartphones, basic information is contained in the settings.

Android

Enter the desired section of settings on devices with operating system Android can be done like this:

1. Enter the "Settings" section;
2. Go to the "About phone" menu;
3. Item "Device indicators".

It displays general information about the smartphone, including the IMEI.

iPhone

The algorithm for Apple mobile products is as follows:

On the phone itself

On devices different generations IMEI code is printed in different places:

Finding it is quite simple, the combination is marked with the name IMEI.

On the phone box

The code is located next to the barcode assigned to the device. When buying, you can check the combinations on the battery and the box for additional verification of the smartphone's authenticity.

On the warranty card

According to the established standards, in communication salons and licensed stores, IMEI fits into the warranty card.

ITunes

In chapter iTunes settingsopened from the phone contains information about the IMEI. If the login is made from a computer synchronized with a smartphone, the necessary information will be displayed in the program settings.

AT&T account

This company supplies blocked phones from the USA. You can also order a block removal service from them or find out the IMEI code.

IMEI number structure

The meaning of the code digits:

• First 6 digits - coding according to the international standard;
• The next 2 are the generally accepted code of the state where the device was manufactured;
• Another 6 digits - a unique serial phone number;
• The last digit is the control number of the device.

If the device implies the installation of 2 SIM cards, the device is assigned 2 codes.

How to check the authenticity of IMEI

The combination is authenticated using a check digit. Additionally, you can use one of the base IMEI numbers.

Information in databases

Databases with IMEI numbers provide free services to search for registered information about the device. Unfortunately, the missing phone cannot be found this way. Among the popular bases in Russia it can be noted.

Flashing the device or installing applications from unverified sources may cause the IMEI to be reset. The abbreviation means International Mobile Equipment Identity - an international unique identifier for mobile equipment. This code is written at the software level of the communication modules. If the code is erased, it is impossible to make calls through the smartphone. To restore performance, you need to change the IMEI on the android.

What is it used for?

IMEI code is a unique identifier for smartphones working with GSM and UMTS modules. Consists of 15 digits. The first 8 digits mean the TAC / Type Allocation Code, the rest - the serial with the control number at the end.

The code is set at the factory during manufacture, is used to identify the device on the network, and acts as the serial number of the device. With each authorization in the network, it is broadcast by mobile radio.

Advice! IMEI can be used by mobile radio operators and law enforcement agencies and blocking them at the cellular operator level.

How to find out the IMEI of the phone?

First, let's find out if the smartphone identifies the identifier. Go to phone mode and enter the code * # 06 #. The IMEI code or codes will be displayed if the device is designed for 2 SIM cards.

If the message "IMEI not defined" appears in the field, then it has been reset.

Advice! You can see the IMEI in the settings, in the "About phone" section, it is written in the warranty card, on the packaging, as well as on the smartphone itself, under the battery.

ID change

I want to warn you that in some countries changing the IMEI is prohibited by law. Therefore, a trip abroad with such a gadget can cause some difficulties. Also, if you are a novice user, it is better to leave the idea of \u200b\u200bchanging the IMEI, since there is a possibility of inaccurate damage to the device, or turning your gadget into a brick.

You can technically change the identifier. However, the complexity of the change depends on the device itself:

• on older devices, you can change it using simple programs and manipulations;
• on new devices (from most well-known manufacturers), to change the IMEI, you need to replace the smartphone's microcircuits (processor, controllers, flash memory, etc.), which is not programmatically realizable.

Let's consider two ways to change Android ID.

Engineering menu

Call engineering menu different for each gadget manufacturer. You can view your own on, on the Internet or in the documentation for your device.

After entering the menu, go through the branch:

Сonnectivity - CDS Information - Radio Information Phone 1

If the smartphone is designed for 2 SIM-cards, then another section Phone 2 will be displayed.

In Phone 1, after the letters AT + enter EGMR \u003d 1.7, "own_IMEI".

In Phone 2 (if any) we prescribe EGMR \u003d 1.10, "own_IMEI".

Click SEND AT and restart your device. If it doesn't work, put a space after AT +.

Using Root rights

First you need. Then you need to install the Mobile Uncle program (Works only with MediaTek processors). You can view your processor in the "About phone" settings. Now: