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LoansJagat Team

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6 Min

04 Jun 2025

How to Check IMEI Number – Step-by-Step Guide

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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.


Here's a table showing IMEI numbers Rahul checked

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.


Why Is It Important to Check the IMEI Number?


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

Go ahead

Blacklisted

Reported lost or stolen

High

Avoid purchase

Invalid

Fake or tampered with IMEI

Critical

Report and avoid


Kavya’s experience proves how important it is to know how to check the IMEI number before buying any phone.


How to Check IMEI Number on Any Phone? (Bharat’s Story)


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.


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

- 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


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.


What To Do with Your IMEI Number?


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

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

Insurance Claim

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!


What Does an IMEI Number Look Like?


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

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.


How Many IMEI Numbers Can a Phone Have?


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.


Common Mistakes to Avoid When Checking IMEI


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.

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.


Conclusion


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.


FAQ’s

 

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.

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LoansJagat Team

We are a team of writers, editors, and proofreaders with 15+ years of experience in the finance field. We are your personal finance gurus! But, we will explain everything in simplified language. Our aim is to make personal and business finance easier for you. While we help you upgrade your financial knowledge, why don't you read some of our blogs?

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