Surely you have already heard of the IMEI number. Maybe your carrier even asked you to block your stolen phone. Precisely, let’s see what this number is for and especially what is the procedure to follow to obtain it.
What is the IMEI?
First of all, IMEI is the acronym for International Mobile Equipment Identity. Each mobile phone terminal (GSM or UMTS) has its own IMEI number, made up of a series of 15 to 17 digits. Clearly, this number is the identity card of the phone. It is thanks to him that the operator authorizes or not the access of a terminal to its network. Note also that this number allows emergency calls without a SIM card in some countries.
What can be done with the IMEI?
This code allows to verify the origin of a device, to unlock it or, on the contrary, to block it. Yes, each device declared stolen from an operator ends up on a blacklist (at least its IMEI number, if it has been communicated). So, you can check if the phone you buy has been stolen.
The number IMEI also allows you to unlock your phone : if you want to change operator and you insert a competitor’s SIM card, there is a good chance that your current operator will block your access, especially if you bought the phone directly from the latter. Such a smartphone is then said to be “simlocked”. To unlock it, go to the dedicated web page of your operator’s site and follow the instructions displayed. Note that the unlocking is mostly free.
We now come to phone theft. When this happens to you, the IMEI number is very useful since it allows the operator to block all use of the phone on each operator’s network. Clearly, after reporting the theft, all you have to do is send the IMEI number of the stolen phone to the operator and the latter will take care of the rest: the thief may insert a new SIM card, the phone will be unusable on networks. Let’s add that yes, the IMEI number of a phone can be changed, but the process is illegal and risky, for you and the phone.
How to get your IMEI code?
Now that you know the importance of the IMEI number, you are surely wondering how to get it to put it aside. Don’t panic, it’s relatively simple, especially if you have the phone in question with you. Here are the different solutions to find out the IMEI number of your phone:
If you have a recent smartphone, the easiest way is undoubtedly to go to the “About the phone” section. From there, you will be able to find the IMEI number. It will not always be in the same place depending on the brand. Samsung immediately displays it on One Ui 5 (Android 13). At Xiaomi and MIUI 14, you have to dig a little more and go to “Detailed info and specifications” then “Status”.
Other solutions exist to be preferred on older telephones:
- Type *#06# on your phone keypad, as if you wanted to call this number, and the IMEI code will appear
- The number is available on the cell phone box or on the purchase invoice, if you haven’t thrown them away yet
- It is also accessible under the phone battery, good luck if you have a recent phone
- You can always call your operator, they will surely have access to the IMEI number
- The app Find My Device of Google allows, under certain conditions, to know the IMEI number of one of your telephones, even if you do not have it in hand
These six techniques work with all phones : from entry-level to high-end Android such as the Samsung Galaxy S, via Apple smartphones.
In short, try to write down the IMEI number of your phone as soon as you buy it, and keep it! It might well come in handy at some point.
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