IMEI Number: Your Certificate of Identity

The IMEI number is the unique identifier for mobile phones, tablets, and other devices equipped with cellular modems. It is used by operators to verify devices on their networks. IMEI numbers also help track lost or stolen phones, check device compatibility, and unlock requests.

Over the past few decades, as the world shifts from feature phones to smartphones, a small detail called the IMEI number has always existed. But why is it so important? What does its existence mean to you? Let's learn about it.

What is an IMEI number?

IMEI (International Mobile Device Identification Code) is a unique identifier assigned to cellular or mobile devices worldwide. It plays a vital role in the functionality and security of mobile devices. GSMA (Global Mobile Communication Systems Association) is a global organization responsible for managing and overseeing IMEI systems.

IMEI numbers are mainly used in mobile phones. However, other devices with built-in cellular modems, including tablets, mobile hotspots, smartwatches, IoT and smart home products, also have IMEI numbers.

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The main function of IMEI numbers is to help operators identify mobile devices on their networks. Operators use IMEI numbers to identify and verify equipment, and manufacturers sometimes use IMEI numbers to identify equipment for warranty and after-sales support.

IMEI is usually a 15-digit code. The 15-digit identifier contains three main components—the type assignment code (TAC), the sequence number (SNR), and the check bit (CD).

TAC is the first eight digits of the IMEI number. It consists of two main components: the Reporting Authority (RB) identifier and the Type Identifier (TI). TAC is generated by the reporting agency for specific device models and mainly contains identifiers about device models, brand owners and OEM manufacturers.

SNR is a six-digit number, behind TAC. It is the only serial number assigned by the equipment manufacturer. The manufacturer uses the Luhn algorithm to calculate the 15th digit number or CD and uses it to verify the validity and accuracy of the entire IMEI number.

Equipment manufacturers also use IMEISV, an extended version of IMEI, which has 16-digit numbers. It skips the CD and contains two figures at the end about the device software version.

IMEI numbers were introduced in the late 1980s or early 1990s, but the exact year of introduction is unclear. Its initial composition includes a six-digit TAC and a two-digit final assembly code (FAC). FAC was eliminated around 2003 and TAC expanded to eight-digit numbers. Since then, the same composition has been used.

Although multiple organizations have contributed to the current status of IMEI, the GSM Association (GSMA) has been in charge of its management since 2000 and maintaining the IMEI database.

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It's easy to find the IMEI number for your device, especially on your phone or tablet. You just need to enter the USSD code "*#06*" and your phone will display its IMEI number. The dual-slot phone has two IMEI numbers.

In addition to the USSD code, the IMEI number can also be found in the device settings. It is usually located under the About Device option. Some manufacturers also print IMEI numbers on the back of their phones or engrave them on SIM card trays. Additionally, device packaging usually contains IMEI numbers.

For other devices, you can view any stickers on the body of the device, packaging, or the document provided to find the IMEI number. If you are unable to obtain an IMEI number, you can contact the device manufacturer for help.

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IMEI numbers come in handy when your phone is lost or stolen. You can report this number to your carrier to blacklist it. This way, even if the thief or anyone who found your lost phone plugs in a new SIM card from a different carrier, it won't be able to use it. This is because the operator uses something called the Equipment Identification Registration Office (EIR). This is a database that holds valid and blacklisted IMEI number information.

Although each operator has its own EIR, different countries also have a Central Equipment Identification Registration (CEIR), and GSMA maintains a global IMEI database (IMEI DB). The GSMA database contains information about valid and blacklisted IMEI numbers.

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Law enforcement can also use IMEI numbers to track and recover stolen mobile devices. While this is not guaranteed to be retrieved, it can help. However, for this method to work, the mobile device needs to be turned on and connected to the cellular network.

Additionally, when purchasing a used mobile device, you can use its IMEI number to confirm that it has not been stolen and has not been blacklisted. There are several online tools that provide this information for free. One such free tool is IMEI Pro.

The IMEI number can also be used to confirm whether the phone is compatible with the cellular carrier. Many carriers, including Verizon and T-Mobile, offer IMEI queries on their websites to check for compatibility.

In other cases, you may need to use an IMEI number when filing a smartphone unlock request, insure, file an insurance claim, or change a mobile operator.

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Related article privacy issues?

Although IMEI numbers are crucial for device identification and security, there are several privacy issues related to it. For example, since the IMEI number is unique, your operator, law enforcement, or government agency can track your location by combining it with cellular tower data. The average person cannot use it to track anyone. So, for most people, this is not a major issue.

Additionally, some people are concerned that mobile operating system developers such as Apple and Google have the ability to query IMEI data from your smartphone, which can help them build your profile for a variety of reasons, including advertising purposes. However, there seems to be no evidence to do so.

All in all, the IMEI number is an important identifier for any mobile device. While you may not need to worry about it in your daily use, it will be useful in several situations we outlined above. It is also a good idea to keep it as private as any other unique identifier in your life to avoid any potential abuse.

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