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The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is a unique 15-digit code that identifies every mobile device globally.
To understand how to check the IMEI number, let’s look at Rahul’s example. Rahul recently bought a new smartphone and wanted to ensure it was genuine. He followed simple steps to verify it. On his phone, he dialled *#06# and instantly, the IMEI number appeared on his screen.
Device | IMEI Number |
Samsung Galaxy S22 | 356789102345678 |
iPhone 14 Pro | 358920153467123 |
Redmi Note 12 | 864598203146587 |
Knowing how to check the IMEI number helps prevent mobile theft, verify authenticity, and block lost phones. You can also check it in the phone’s settings under About Phone. If buying second-hand, always learn how to check the IMEI number to avoid scams. Understanding how to check the IMEI number ensures you make secure mobile purchases.
Checking the IMEI number is essential for verifying if a phone is genuine, unlocked, or reported stolen.
Let’s take Kavya’s example. She planned to buy a used smartphone from an online seller. Before making the payment, she searched how to check the IMEI number and dialled *#06# on the phone. She then entered the IMEI on an official IMEI checker website. The result showed the phone was blacklisted due to theft. Because of her awareness of how to check the IMEI number, she avoided being tricked.
Below is the table showing what Kavya could have faced:
IMEI Status | What It Means | Risk Level | Suggested Action |
Clean | Legit and safe to use | Low |
Kavya’s experience proves how important it is to know how to check the IMEI number before buying any phone.
When Bharat found a great deal on a second-hand smartphone, he didn’t rush into buying it. He knew checking the IMEI number was important to avoid scams. So, he looked up how to check the IMEI number and followed a few simple methods that worked perfectly.
Read More – How to Find a Lost Phone – Step-by-Step Recovery Guide
Here’s a quick snapshot of what he did:
Method | Steps Bharat Followed | Where It Worked |
*Dial #06# | Opened the Phone app, dialed *#06#, and the IMEI popped up instantly | All smartphones, including basic phones |
Phone Settings |
By using these methods, Bharat was able to confirm the phone wasn’t blacklisted or fake. His simple search for how to check the IMEI number saved him from potential trouble.
When Yuvraj first learned how to check the IMEI number on his phone, he didn’t realise how useful that 15-digit code could be. But over time, that one number helped him in more ways than he expected.
Here’s how Yuvraj used his IMEI number
Situation | What Yuvraj Did | Why It Mattered |
Lost His Phone | Reported the IMEI to his mobile carrier and filed a police report | His phone was blacklisted and couldn’t be used with any SIM—reducing misuse risk |
Buying a Used Phone |
Provided the IMEI as proof of ownership during a damaged phone insurance claim
Ensured the claim process was smooth and matched to his exact device
Because he knows how to check the IMEI number, Yuvraj could act fast when his phone was lost, and stay safe while buying a second-hand device. He now always keeps his IMEI number written down in a secure place.
So if you’ve just learned how to check IMEI number, don’t stop there—put it to good use like Yuvraj did!
An IMEI number is a unique 15-digit code that identifies each mobile device. Knowing how to check the IMEI number can help you understand the structure of the number and ensure the authenticity of your device.
Example IMEI Number: 356789102345678
Part of IMEI | Digits |
Go ahead
Blacklisted | Reported lost or stolen | High | Avoid purchase |
Invalid | Fake or tampered with IMEI | Critical | Report and avoid |
- Android: Settings > About Phone > Status
- iPhone: Settings > General > About
Both Android and iOS |
SIM Tray / Battery Area | Removed the SIM tray and found the IMEI etched on it On his old phone, he found it under the battery | Most Android and feature phones |
Original Box | Looked at the phone’s packaging and found the IMEI printed near the barcode | Any device with the original box |
Asked the seller for the IMEI and verified it online on IMEI.info and UnlockBase
Confirmed the phone wasn’t stolen or fake before paying |
Phone Repair | Shared his IMEI during a service centre visit for a display issue | Helped technicians track and return the correct device |
*T&C Apply
Description
Type Approval Code (TAC) | 35678910 | Identifies the brand and model of the device. This is assigned by GSMA. |
Serial Number | 234567 | A unique number for the specific device. This helps differentiate it from others. |
Check Digit | 8 | A checksum to ensure the IMEI is valid and hasn’t been tampered with. |
If you're unsure how to check the IMEI number, you can do so by dialling *#06# or using the settings menu on your phone. Keep in mind that learning how to check the IMEI number helps protect against counterfeit devices and ensures your phone is authentic.
Supriya recently bought a dual SIM phone and wanted to check the IMEI number to ensure everything was in order. She dialled *#06# on her phone, and the screen displayed two IMEI numbers. The first IMEI was for her primary SIM slot, and the second one was for her secondary SIM slot.
SIM Slot | IMEI Number |
SIM Slot 1 (Primary) | 356789102345678 |
SIM Slot 2 (Secondary) | 356789102345679 |
Supriya now understood how many IMEI numbers her dual SIM phone had. Whenever checking how to check the IMEI number, it’s important to note that dual SIM phones will show two distinct numbers.
Supriya’s experience shows why knowing how to check the IMEI number is essential, particularly for dual SIM phones.
Aman was buying a used smartphone online and was eager to check its IMEI number. He quickly searched for a free IMEI checker, but the website he used turned out to be fake. The checker provided incorrect information, misleading Aman into thinking the phone was not blacklisted. When Aman received the phone, he discovered it had been reported stolen.
Mistakes Aman Made
Mistake | What Went Wrong | How to Avoid It |
Using a Fake IMEI Checker | Used an untrustworthy website that provided incorrect IMEI results. | Always use reputable IMEI checkers like IMEI.info or manufacturer sites. |
Copying the Wrong IMEI Number | Mistakenly copied an incorrect IMEI number from the phone’s screen. | Double-check the IMEI by using multiple methods, such as *#06# and settings. |
Buying Without Verifying IMEI | Bought the phone without confirming its IMEI through an official source. | Always verify the IMEI with an official IMEI checker before purchase. |
Aman learned the hard way that how to check the IMEI number correctly is crucial. By following the right steps and using reliable tools, he could have avoided wasting his money and being stuck with a stolen device.
Also Read – How to Block an Airtel SIM Card? – A Step-by-Step Guide
When checking how to check the IMEI number, make sure you use trusted sources and carefully verify the number to ensure you're buying a legitimate device.
Understanding how to check the IMEI number is a simple yet powerful step every phone user should know. Whether you’re buying a new device, reporting a lost phone, or verifying its authenticity, the IMEI number acts like your phone’s unique ID. There are several safe and easy ways to check the IMEI number, from dialling *#06# to checking settings or the phone’s box.
Before making any smartphone-related decision, always take a moment to verify the IMEI. Knowing how to check the IMEI number can save you from scams, protect your data, and ensure you’re using a legitimate device.
1. What is the easiest way to check the IMEI number?
Dial *#06# on your phone's dialer. It’s the quickest and most common method for checking the IMEI number on any device.
2. Can I learn how to check the IMEI number without turning on the phone?
Yes, check the phone's box, invoice, or SIM tray label. These are alternative ways to check the IMEI number without switching on the device.
3. How to check the IMEI number on a lost phone?
Log in to your Google (Android) or Apple (iPhone) account and view device info. It’s a helpful method for checking the IMEI number remotely.
4. Is there a website to learn how to check IMEI number validity?
Yes, use trusted sites like IMEI.info to verify authenticity. These tools help you understand how to check IMEI number and ensure the device isn’t blacklisted.
5. Why is it important to know how to check the IMEI number?
Knowing how to check the IMEI number helps you verify a phone’s authenticity, block lost devices, and avoid buying stolen or fake phones.
