Surely you have already heard of the IMEI number. Maybe your carrier even asked you to lock your stolen phone. Precisely, let’s see what this number is for and above all what is the procedure to follow to obtain it.
What is the IMEI?
First of all, IMEI is the acronym for The International Mobile Team 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 it that the operator authorizes or not the access of a terminal to its network. Also note that this number allows emergency calls without a SIM card in some countries.
What can be done with the IMEI?
This code allows verify the origin of a device, unlock it or, on the contrary, block it. Yes, every device declared stolen from an operator ends up on a blacklist (at least its IMEI number, if reported). So, you can check if the phone you bought has been stolen.
The number IMEI also allows you to unlock your phone – If you want to switch carriers and you insert a competitor’s SIM card, your current carrier will most likely block your access, especially if you bought the phone directly from the latter. Then said smartphone is said to be “locked”. To unlock it, go to the dedicated web page of your operator’s site and follow the instructions displayed. Please note that the unlocking is mostly free.
now we come to phone theft. When this happens to you, the IMEI number is very useful as it allows the carrier to block all use of the phone on each carrier’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 can insert a new SIM card, the phone will become unusable on the networks. . Let’s add that yes, you can change the IMEI number of a phone, 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 certainly to go to the “About 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 shows it immediately on One Ui 5 (Android 13). On Xiaomi and MIUI 14, you need to dig a little deeper and go to “Information and detailed specifications” and then to “Status”.
There are other preferred solutions on older phones:
- Type *#06# on your phone keypad, as if you want 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 can also be accessed under the phone’s 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 application find my device Google allows, under certain conditions, to know the IMEI number of one of your phones, even if you don’t have it at hand
These six techniques work with all phones. : from basic Android to high-end Android, such as the Samsung Galaxy S, through Apple smartphones.
In short, try to write down your phone’s IMEI number as soon as you buy it, and keep it! Might well come in handy at some point.
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