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Tech Tech News Here’s how you can find IMEI or MEID number on your mobile phone
Ever lost your phone? Well, if you or anyone you know has ever lost their phone, and tried tracing it, you might know the importance of the IMEI number. The Government of India recently launched the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) that can track your lost/ stolen phone with just your smartphone's IMEI mumber.
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity and is a unique number assigned for every cellphone. It is usually found behind the battery. IMEI numbers of cellular phones connected to a GSM network are all stored in a database known as Equipment Identity Register (EIR). No two devices will have the same IMEI or MEID (for CDMA), therefore it is used in tracking lost or stolen cell phones.
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However, we do not usually remember the IMEI number of our phones which can lead to enough trouble when we really need it. Don't worry, you can quickly retrieve and record your phone's IMEI or MEID number in a number of ways, depending on the device used by you:
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1. Dialing a code: The first and quickest method to find the IMEI number is by dialing a code from your phone. You can retrieve the IMEI number of any phone by dialing the universal code *#06#. Once the code is dialed, you automatically get the number, without using the call or send button. Copy this number somewhere and keep it safe.
2. For Apple iPhones: The iPhone 5, 5C, 5S, and the original iPhone have the IMEI number engraved on the back of the phone, near the bottom. While IMEI number is all 15 digits, MEID number is first 14 digits. For iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4, or 4S, the IMEI/MEID number is printed on the SIM tray.
Otherwise, you can go to Settings > General > About > IMEI to get the number.
3. For Android phones: To get your IMEI/MEID number on Android mobile phones, go to Settings > About Phone > Status > IMEI number. Write this down somewhere.
4. Under the battery: For phones that have removable batteries, you can also note the number by removing the battery. For this, switch off your phone, open the back cover and take the battery out. The IMEI number is there on a sticker under the battery.
5. From packaging: You should always keep the packaged boxes safe for a reason. The box packaging has the IMEI printed on it. Try to look for it and note it down.
6. Using iTunes: Plug your iPhone into your computer and open iTunes. Go to iTunes > preferences tab (if you are using a Mac) or edit > preferences tab (on the PC version). Click on the devices button and go to Summary tab. Here, click on your phone number twice. Your IMEI should be visible after the second time.
FAQs
The IMEI/MEID number can be retrieved from your phone by dialing in the universal code *#06#. As soon as you finish dialing the code, the IMEI/MEID number will appear on the screen.
How to find your MEID or IMEI? ›
The IMEI/MEID number can be retrieved from your phone by dialing in the universal code *#06#. As soon as you finish dialing the code, the IMEI/MEID number will appear on the screen.
How do I find my MEID? ›
You can retrieve the IMEI/MEID number on virtually any phone by dialing in the universal code, which is "*#06#". You typically will not need to press the Call or Send button. The IMEI/MEID number will appear as soon as you finish dialing the code. Copy the number.
What is the MEID number used for? ›
A Mobile Equipment IDentifier (MEID) is a globally unique 56-bit identification number for a physical piece of mobile station equipment. Equipment identifiers are "burned" into a device and should be resistant to modification. They are used to facilitate mobile equipment identification and tracking.
Is sim the same as MEID? ›
Your phone has a serial or ESN number (an MEID or an IMEI number) and your SIM card has a separate serial number (the ICCID).
What can someone do with your IMEI number? ›
Someone can get access or track your live location using your device's IMEI number. Anyone can use your IMEI number and manipulate it to blacklist it from your phone. Hackers can also use your IMEI number to commit fraud or illegal activities and put the blame on you.
Do all cell phones have an IMEI number? ›
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is a unique 15-digit serial number for identifying a device; every mobile phone in the world has one.
Is IMEI the same as serial number? ›
Depending on the carrier, your device will have either an IMEI or MEID. These two numbers are different from a serial number. They are used at an international or global level, not just by manufacturers. Both types of numbers can help network providers track down a device that has been stolen or lost.
Can a phone be located with IMEI number? ›
Yes, you can potentially track a lost phone using its IMEI number. However, it's important to understand the limitations: Accuracy: IMEI tracking typically provides an approximate location, not an exact pinpoint.
What to dial to find IMEI? ›
Dial a Code: A simple way to find your IMEI number on a cell phone, regardless of the brand or model is to dial *#06# on your device's keypad. Once dialed, the IMEI number will be displayed automatically on the screen.
There's two ways to find your IMEI if you have damaged or lost your phone:
- If you still have the box it came in, you can locate it there.
- If you don't have the box, no sweat! Using your phone's tracker service (Apple's Find My or Google's Find My Device) you can find your IMEI using your computer or another device.
The IMEI, Serial number and Model number are printed on the back of the device. Note: Most modern devices do not have a removable battery.
Is IMEI linked to phone or SIM? ›
No, IMEI is not the same thing as a SIM card but it is tied to the device. Each device has a SIM and an IMEI. The SIM is associated with the network, whereas the IMEI is associated with the device. The SIM is identified by the Integrated Circuit Card Identification (ICCID) number.
How do I find my phone's MEID number? ›
IMEI and MEID Numbers on Android Devices
Go to the device's Settings. From there, scroll down to the bottom and tap About Phone. Then tap Status and scroll down to find the IMEI or MEID number.
How to find mobile IMEI number? ›
It is normally 15 digits long. The IMEI number can be found in your device settings, on the silver sticker on the back of your device, under the battery pack, or on the box your device came in. You can also display the IMEI number on the screen of some devices by entering *#06# into the keypad.
Is MEID the same as serial number? ›
Serial number makes it easier for the makers to organize and keep track of their products. On the other hand, an IMEI or MEID is only used for phones or other communication devices. Depending on the carrier, your device will have either an IMEI or MEID. These two numbers are different from a serial number.
How do I know my original IMEI number? ›
STEPS FOR IMEI VERIFICATION
- Type *#06# in your mobile device. ...
- Enter the displayed code in the box below and click on "check my device".
- The Mode and Manufacturer of your mobile device will be displayed.
- If the IMEI display a different model, please check with your vendor as your mobile device may not be genuine.
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