How to Check IMEI Number on Different Devices?

Have you ever heard the term “IMEI number” and wondered what it means?

An IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit unique serial number of a device. It can be used to check a device’s country of origin, manufacturer and model number. Pretty crucial and handy if you ask me.

But wait, how do you check the IMEI number? Especially on different types of devices (Apple, Samsung, other Androids)?

Check Your IMEI Number on Any Device

First things first: how do you check your IMEI number on any device? No matter what phone you’re using, there are a few universal methods:

Method 1: Dial Code *#06#

1. The quickest way to find your IMEI number is to open your dialer and dial *#06# from your device.
2. Once you press ‘Call’, your IMEI number will instantly appear on the screen.

Simple, right? The best part? This works on almost all phones, regardless of the operating system (Android or iOS).

Method 2: Check the Settings

Another easy way is through your phone’s settings menu. This method varies slightly based on the brand or operating system, so let’s break it down further below.

Check Your IMEI Number on Your Apple Device

If you’re using an iPhone, here’s how to find your IMEI number:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap General
3. Select About
4. Scroll down to find your IMEI number

You can also find the IMEI etched on the SIM tray or the back of older iPhones. If your iPhone still has its original box, the IMEI is usually printed on the barcode label as well.

Check Your IMEI Number on Your Samsung Device

Samsung users can check the IMEI through these steps:

1. Go to Settings
2. Select About phone or About device
3. You’ll see your IMEI, model number, and serial number displayed on-screen.

For older devices, you may need to select “Status” to see your IMEI, model number and serial number.

Some Samsung phones also include the IMEI on the back of the device (though this is becoming rare).

Check Your IMEI Number on an Android Device

Not all Android phones are created equal, but most follow a similar route:

1. Open Settings
2. Scroll to About phone (or About device)
3. Look for IMEI information

Some devices with dual SIMs may show two IMEI numbers, one for each slot.

What is an IMEI number?

Your IMEI number (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit code assigned to your mobile device. Think of it as your phone’s fingerprint. No two devices in the world share the same IMEI number.

This unique number can reveal all the details about a phone without requiring physical possession, including the brand and model, year of release, and other specifications.

It helps mobile networks identify valid devices and can be crucial if your phone is lost or stolen. Authorities and service providers can use this number to block your device from being used on networks, rendering it useless to thieves.

Importance of IMEI Number

Here’s why your IMEI number is more important than you might think:

• Theft protection: You can report your IMEI to block the phone. This means that the criminal would not be able to use it, even if they put in a new SIM card.
• Network unlocking: It’s used to unlock your phone for use with other carriers.
• Warranty and repairs: IMEI helps service centres verify authenticity.
• Buying/selling: When buying a used phone, checking the IMEI ensures it’s not blacklisted or stolen. Every company will always check the IMEI first to see if the phone has been reported as stolen.
• Tracking and identification: Law enforcement agencies use it to track lost or stolen devices.

Final Verdict

Whether you’re troubleshooting, selling your phone, or just curious, knowing how to check IMEI number is crucial and often gets underestimated. It’s a small piece of data with a big role in mobile security and identification. Note it down and save it somewhere!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you clear up any queries you may have.

Q- How to Check If IMEI is Original?

Ans: You can verify your IMEI number by visiting the official IMEI checker websites, such as IMEI.info or your device manufacturer’s website. Input the 15-digit IMEI, and it’ll tell you if it’s valid, active, and what device it belongs to.

Q- Can a Fake Phone Have an IMEI?

Ans: Unfortunately, yes. Some counterfeit phones use copied or invalid IMEI numbers. This is why verifying the IMEI before purchasing a used or imported phone is crucial.

Q- Is IMEI My SIM number?

Ans: No, your IMEI is tied to your device, while your SIM number (ICCID) is tied to your SIM card. One identifies the phone, the other the mobile line. You can also check how many SIMs are registered on your CNIC, through various methods.