Updated by James Frew on 10/28/2017
Check to see if your device will work on the T-Mobile network. An IMEI is your 14-16 digit serial number which identifies your wireless device. You need the serial number in case you want t. Where is located S/N (serial number) and IMEI on.
You have have heard of the term IMEI, or seen it listed on your phone’s original packaging. At first glance, its not really clear what exactly you are meant to do with it, or what the IMEI even is. The common advice is to always note down your IMEI number in case its lost or stolen — and for good reason. Your IMEI number is unique to your device, and can be used to identify its make, model, and serial number.
As smartphones have become more readily available — and more valuable — they have become a target of thieves around the world. Against this backdrop, having a record of your IMEI number is not to be underestimated. So, what exactly is an IMEI number and how do you find yours?
What Is An IMEI?
The International Mobile Equipment Identity — or IMEI — is a unique numerical identifier for every mobile device. This number helps to differentiate each device from one another. If you take your phone in for repair they will track it using the IMEI to differentiate it from the other 51 million iPhone 7’s sold in 2016. A standard IMEI number is a 14 digit string, with an additional 15th check digit for verifying the entire string. There is also a 16 digit variation that includes information on the device’s software version, known as the IMEISV.
Since 2004, the IMEI appears in the format AA-BBBBBB-CCCCCC-D. The sections labelled A and B are known as the Type Allocation Code (TAC). The TAC portion of the IMEI identifies the manufacturer and model of the device. For example, the Google Pixel TAC code is 35-161508, while the iPhone 6s Plus is 35-332907. Some models have multiple TACs depending on revision, manufacturing location, and other factors — the iPhone 5C has a total of five different TAC codes.
The six C digits represent your device’s unique serial number, and these are defined by the handset manufacturer. The D portion of the IMEI is a check digit that ensures the IMEI meets the Allocation and Approval Guidelines. The check digit is displayed on packaging to prevent incorrect IMEIs to be recorded, but it doesn’t make up part of the documented IMEI.
Finding Your IMEI
There are a couple of ways you can go about finding your device’s IMEI. The most universal approach is to head to your device’s dialer app. Tap in *#06# and the IMEI will be displayed on the screen.
If you have an Android or iOS device then the IMEI can be found under Settings too. On iOS head to Settings > General > About and the IMEI will be displayed. Copying the IMEI is as simple as tapping and holding on the number. Android devices may vary, but generally heading to Settings > About Phone > Status should display the IMEI.
If you can’t access your device, there are other ways to find your IMEI too. The retail packaging should have a label with the IMEI displayed. If your device has a removable battery, then the IMEI is often listed underneath the battery. Many devices have the IMEI printed on the back. Others, including the iPhone 6s and above, have the IMEI inscribed on the SIM tray.
Why Should IMEI Care?Samsung Serial Number Check Digit Code
The main purpose of the IMEI is to provide each device with a unique identification. In practice, the IMEI is very similar to the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) used in the automotive industry. Although sometimes confused, the IMEI number is entirely separate from your SIM number and cannot be changed. When you connect to a cell network, the provider captures both numbers to enable their service. The SIM number identifies your subscriber accountWhat Is a SIM Card and What Does It Do?What Is a SIM Card and What Does It Do?What is a SIM card and why is it so important? It connects you to your carrier network, stores contact information, and more.Read More, while the IMEI only identifies the device.
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If your device is lost or stolen, you can contact your provider who may be able to place a block on the IMEI number, preventing it from being used to connect to the network. Your provider may also be able to contact other networks, asking them to also block the device. Law enforcement often keep records of lost and recovered phones too, identified by their IMEI. Since there is no good reason to change the device’s IMEI, the practice is illegal in many regions.
While it may be illegal to change the IMEI of a device, it does happen. Thieves in particular will attempt to take non-blacklisted numbers and apply them to their stolen devices in order to make them usable again. For this reason we recommend that you never share or post your IMEI number online5 Examples of Information You Should Never Post Online5 Examples of Information You Should Never Post OnlineWhat do you post online? Do you share your location, your home, your bank details? Perhaps you share them inadvertently? If you're unsure, check our tips and tricks to avoid posting personal information online.Read More, or else you may find your device cloned.
What Will You Do With Yours?
The IMEI number is one of the most important and unique ways of identifying your device. If you haven’t already, you should locate it and take note of it right away. Keep a record of your IMEI somewhere safeHow to Keep Your OneNote Notes Secret and SafeHow to Keep Your OneNote Notes Secret and SafeIf you use OneNote for highly sensitive documents, you need to take this precaution. You don't want your details falling into the wrong hands!Read More, so it’s there if you ever need it. If you are looking for a digital safe, then a password manager might even do the trick7 Clever Password Manager Superpowers You Have to Start Using7 Clever Password Manager Superpowers You Have to Start UsingPassword managers carry a lot of great features, but did you know about these? Here are seven aspects of a password manager you should take advantage of.Read More.
You can check what your IMEI says about your handset by heading over to IMEI.info. If your phone is lost or stolen then you have options. There are Android2 Easy Ways to Recover a Lost or Stolen Android Phone2 Easy Ways to Recover a Lost or Stolen Android PhoneThese methods can help you find your lost or stolen Android phone or tablet.Read More and iOS apps8 Ways to Find a Lost iPhone (And What to Do If You Can't Get It Back)8 Ways to Find a Lost iPhone (And What to Do If You Can't Get It Back)If your iPhone goes missing, you need to look for it and find it as soon as possible. Here's how.Read More that will help you trace your missing device, even allowing you to factory reset it remotely. It may look like your phone is gone for good, but make sure to keep the IMEI number handy in case an unclaimed device surfaces.
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Do you know your IMEI number? More importantly – have you recorded it? Have you ever needed it after your phone was lost or stolen? Let us know in the comments!
Explore more about: Sim Card, Smartphone Security.
The IMEI serial number is a term you might have read from other tech websites in the Net. You might be falling short on its importance, but we’re here to say that these set of numbers, is one of the most important numbers in your life. This number is very crucial when it comes to verifying your smartphone, kind of like a proof that you own a specific phone. At the same time, your IMEI is very important when it comes to warranties and service registrations.
Your Galaxy S9’s And S9 Plus’ Unique Identifier
In the event that your smartphone gets lost or stolen, with this number, you’ll be able to track its current location! Also, not everyone has a photographic memory to be able to retain these long numbers in your mind, so it’s essential for you to write it down on a piece of paper after buying the Samsung’s latest flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S9 Plus. The meaning of the abbreviation is International Mobile Station Equipment Identity. The purpose of this set of numbers is to provide a sense of identification to your smartphone.
This set of numbers is essential because the GSM networks shall and forever utilize it to recognize the validity of the device. It will also serve to ensure that your Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus isn’t a stolen or blacklisted device. How can you find your Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus’ IMEI number? Here are three different methods you can try.
Through The Service Code
The first method of obtaining the IMEI of your Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus is by utilizing a service code that is offered by the provider. In order to perform this, proceed to the phone app and input the following code: #06#
Samsung Serial Number DecoderIndicated On The Original Samsung BoxSamsung Phone Serial Number
The second and the easiest method to locate the IMEI of your Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus are by holding the packaging box and locating it at the rear of the packaging. On the packaging carton, you shall notice a white sticker and you shall locate your Samsung Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S9 Plus IMEI number.
Samsung Serial Number Check Digit NumbersThrough The Android System
Lastly, you should now able to locate the IMEI number of your Samsung Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S9 Plus through the Android System. Proceed to the home screen of your smartphone then head to the Settings app. Once there, browse for the section that says “Device Information” then press the Status button. Within this page, you shall see the different entries and one of these details will be the IMEI number.
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