General information

The IMEI is assigned to the phone during manufacturing at the factory. It serves to identify the device on the network and is stored in the firmware of the device. As a rule, IMEI is indicated in four places: in the device itself (in most cases it can be displayed on the screen by dialing *#06# on the keyboard), under the battery, on the packaging and in the warranty card. IMEI plays the role of the serial number of the device and is transmitted on the air during authorization on the network. Also, IMEI is used to track devices and block stolen phones at the level of a mobile operator, which does not allow further use of such a device in the network of this operator, but does not interfere with its use in other networks. The GSM backbone stores the IMEI in EIR.

Unlike ESN and MEID used in CDMA and other networks, IMEI is used only to identify the device and does not have a permanent relationship with the subscriber. Instead, it uses the IMSI number stored on the SIM card, which can be inserted into almost any other device. However, there are special systems that allow one phone to use only one specific SIM card.

The model and origin of the phone are described by the first 8 digits of the IMEI (so-called TAC). The rest is a serial number with a check number at the end. Dual SIM phones are assigned two IMEI numbers.

Change IMEI

Manufacturers are constantly improving methods to protect the device software from IMEI changes. In a number of modern devices, IMEI is stored in a one-time programmable memory zone and cannot be changed by software.

In some countries, for example, in Latvia, Great Britain, the Republic of Belarus, changing IMEI is a criminally punishable act. There is also a precedent for attempting to prosecute IMEI change in Russia.

Structure of IMEI and IMEISV

The IMEI (14 decimal digits plus a check digit) contains information about the origin, model and serial number of the device. The first 8 digits make up the model and place of origin of the device, and are known as TAC (Type Approval Code). The rest is the serial number of the device determined by the manufacturer, with a check digit calculated according to the Luhn algorithm at the end. Until 2003, this figure had to be equal to 0. Later, this rule was canceled.

IMEISV (International Mobile Terminal Identity and Software Version number) consists of 16 digits and provides a unique identification of each mobile phone and compliance with the version of the software installed in the mobile phone, authorized by the operator. The software version determines the services available to the mobile device, as well as the ability to perform speech encoding, and therefore this parameter is very important.

As of 2004, the IMEI format is AA-BBBBBB-CCCCCC-D, although it may not always be displayed that way. The IMEISV uses two digits of the software version instead of a single check digit, so the IMEISV looks like AA-BBBBBB-CCCCCC-EE.

Before the TAC was only 6 digits, the remaining 2 digits were the Final Assembly Location Code (FAC). From January 1 to April 1, there was a transitional period during which all FAC codes were equal to the digits 00. The FAC ceased to exist, and TAC was expanded to 8 digits.

The first two digits of the TAC are the officially registered RBI code. RBI is always decimal, i.e. it is less than 0xA0, which makes it easy to distinguish between IMEI and MEID, the beginning of which is equal to or greater than 0xA0.

For example, consider IMEI 35-209900-176148-1 or IMEISV 35-209900-176148-23:

TAC: 35-2099 - British Telecommunications Harmonization Board (BABT) code and model number 2099 (Alcatel One Touch 332) FAC: 00 - this code means that the phone was made during the transition period when the FAC was abolished. During the existence of the FAC, the following codes were used, among other things: 67 - USA, 19 or 40 - Great Britain, 78 or 20 - Germany, 10 or 70 - Finland, 30 - Korea, 80 - China, 04 - Vietnam SNR: 176148 - serial number of the device CD: 1 - check number SVN: 23 is the version number of the software that is installed on the phone. The number 99 is reserved.

The new style IMEI looks a bit different: 49-015420-323751 (German Nokia 3110 classic) and has an 8-digit TAC (49-015420).

The new mobile equipment identifier MEID, which operates in CDMA networks, uses the same basic format as IMEI.

Check number calculation

Method 1.
To calculate the last digit of IMEI, you need:

1. Add up all the numbers in odd positions; 2. Replace the numbers in even places according to the formula and add them: 0=0 1=2 2=4 3=6 4=8 5=1 6=3 7=5 8=7 9=9 3. Add the result to the resulting number , obtained in paragraph 1.; 4. If the resulting number is zero or a multiple of 10, then the IMEI checksum is 0. Otherwise, the checksum is the number that must be added to the result to get the next larger "round" number.

Method for calculating Check Digit by example:
Below we will try to calculate the CD control number for IMEI=3 5 41 90 02 38 96 44 3 . To do this, we need to perform the following operations with our IMEI code:

1. Add all numbers in odd positions 3,4,9,0,3,9,4: 3+4+9+0+3+9+4 = 32 2. Replace numbers in even places 5,1,0, 2,8,6,4 according to the formula 0=>0, 1=>2, 2=>4, 3=>6, 4=>8, 5=>1, 6=>3, 7=>5, 8 =>7, 9=>9: 5,1,0,2,8,6,4 => 1,2,0,4,7,3,8 and add them: 1+2+0+4+7 +3+8 = 25 3. To the resulting number 25 add the result 32 obtained in step 1. 25 + 32 = 57 4. "If the resulting number is zero or a multiple of 10, then the IMEI checksum is 0" - this is not the case... Otherwise (=our) the checksum is equal to the number that needs to be added to the result, to get the next larger "round" number (i.e. the next whole ten). Next whole ten = 60. Add 3 to the result of 57 to get the nearest larger “round” number 60. Answer: Check number = 3

Method 2.
1) Double the values ​​of the numbers in even positions (5,1,0,2,8,6,4).
2) Add together doubled numbers in even positions and odd positions, while "decomposing" the numbers in even positions into component numbers (for example, 14 should be represented as 1 and 4). Got 57
3) If the final number ends in 0, then CD = 0. Otherwise, CD is equal to the number that must be added to the result obtained in step 2 to get the next whole ten. The next ten after 57 is 60, 60-57 we get 3. The total control number is 3
PHP code to check IMEI

Function corectdigit2($text)(
switch ($text) (
case "0": return "0"; break;
case "1": return "2"; break;
case "2": return "4"; break;
case "3": return "6"; break;
case "4": return "8"; break;
case "5": return "1"; break; // 5*2=10, 1+0=1
case "6": return "3"; break; // 6*2=12, 1+2=3
case "7": return "5"; break; // 7*2=14, 1+4=5
case "8": return "7"; break; // 8*2=16, 1+6=7
case "9": return "9"; break; // 9*2=18, 1+8=9
};
}
function getimeicd($text)(
$one = $text+$text+$text+$text+$text+$text+$text;
$two = corectdigit2($text)+corectdigit2($text)+corectdigit2($text)+corectdigit2($text)+corectdigit2($text)+corectdigit2($text)+corectdigit2($text);
$three = $one+$two;
$four = (substr($three,0,strlen($three)-1)+1)*10;
$five = $four-$three;
if($five==10)($five=0;)
return $five;
}

Use in satellite communications

see also

Notes

Links

• How to register the IMEI of a phone imported from abroad in Ukraine?

Online IDs

IMEI ( International Mobile Equipment Identity) is the identifier of the radio module installed in the mobile device (phone, tablet, smart watch, etc.). Do not confuse not the phone, it just so happened that the radio modules are part of the phone. Now everyone thinks that IMEI is a phone identifier, no it is not. But if you have a phone with two SIM cards, then by dialing *#06# you will get information about two IMEI numbers of your phone. This is information about the assigned radio module number, since there are two of them, and there will be two IMEI numbers. As a rule, two IMEI numbers do not differ much in the same device. IMEI is assigned to radio modules of the standard GSM, WCDMA and IDEN. These are networked devices. 2G, 3G, 4G, LTE.

IMEI what is it for?

Despite the fact that there is a lot of information about IMEI on the Internet, it is not complete and it is difficult to understand why IMEI is used, we will try to tell it more simply.

Why was IMEI invented

With the advent of mobile devices, the question arose of how to identify a subscriber who uses the network. There is a SIM card but it is removable. The police and other government agencies responsible for security were interested in resolving this issue. It was invented to assign an individual number to a device that uses a mobile network by which you can uniquely identify the device even when changing the SIM card.

Why does my phone have two IMEI numbers

You will see two IMEI numbers if your phone has two radio modules and two SIM card slots. Since the IMEI is tied to the radio module, you will see IMEI1 and IMEI2.

Why mobile operators supported the introduction of IMEI

Mobile operators willingly supported this initiative in some countries due to government requirements, in others themselves, as they also benefit from it.

Mobile operators benefit from the use of IMEI, on the one hand, in the event of some illegal actions, they cannot be accused of inaction. On the other hand, operators, also at the request of the owner of the phone, in case of theft, can block the device by IMEI. Of course, not all mobile operators in the world support the exchange of information, and if, for example, in the USA the phone is blocked by IMEI, then in Mexico it will work. Also, if you bought a locked phone and can prove the legitimacy of the purchase, the operator can disable the lock, but you have to pay for this service from $ 10 (for example, in the USA)

How to decrypt IMEI

Decrypting IMEI is easy, but in most cases it is not necessary. But in some countries, by checking the IMEI, you can find out if the phone is blacklisted and blocked.

IMEI decoding example 869493026608130

86 - the code of the organization that, according to the manufacturer, entered into the unified register information about the device in which the radio module is installed. 86 - TAF China registrar. Now we know who entered the device into the registry.

Country code in IMEI

Many people think that the first digits are the country code. This is an erroneous opinion, the first two digits of the IMEI code of the organization that entered the information in the registry. The mobile device manufacturer can apply to any organization.

Codes of organizations registering IMEI

Code	Registrar Organization IMEI	origin
00	TestIMEI	Nations with 2-digit CCs
01	PTCRB	United States
02 — 09	TestIMEI	Nations with 3-digit CCs
10	DECT devices
30	Iridium	United States (satellite phones)
33	DGPT	France
35	Comreg	Ireland
44	BABT	United Kingdom
45	NTA	Denmark
49	BZT/BAPT	Germany
50	BZT ETS	Germany
51	Cetecom ICT	Germany
52	Cetecom	Germany
53	TÜV	Germany
54	Phoenix Test Lab	Germany
86	TAF	China
91	MSAI	India
98	BABT	United Kingdom
99	GHA	For multi RAT 3GPP2/3GPP

Device code (phone model)

949302 — The next six digits are the device code. The manufacturer states that it plans to produce, for example, a new iPhone 20 model and asks for a code. These phones will be equipped with radio modules in which IMEI information is stored. 949302 device code, it will be clear from it that this is an iPhone20, in our example it is a Huawei phone. Depending on the number of phones produced, technical characteristics, several codes can be assigned to one model.

As a rule, manufacturers enter all the information about the device in which the radio module is installed. This allows you to identify the device as accurately as possible. From our example IMEI, you can find out the following information about the phone. The site https://www.imei.info/ was used to check IMEI

IMEI info: Model:Y6 PRO TIT-U02 (TIT-U02) Brand:HUAWEIIMEI: TAC: 869493 FAC: 02 SNR: 660813 CD: 0

smartphone
Design:	classic
Released:	2015
Dual SIM:
SIM card size:	micro sim
GSM:	900 1800 1900
HSDPA:	850 900 1900 2100 HSPA+
Dimensions (H/L/W):	143.1 x 71.8 x 9.7 mm, vol. 99 cm³
display:	LCD IPS Color (16M) 720x1280px (5.0″) 294ppi
touchscreen:
Weight:	160g
battery:	LiPo 4000 mAh
Built-in memory:	16 GB
memory card:	microSD max. 128GB
RAM Memory:	2GB
OS:	Android 5.1 Lollipop
Chipset:	MediaTek MT6735P
CPU #1 freq.:	1300.0 MHz (4-core)
GPU Type:	ARM Mali-T720 MP2

You can also find out the detailed technical characteristics of the device, up to the camera resolution, the number of pixels that are installed, audio and video codecs, and much other information.

86949302 - this combination is called TAC (Type Approval Code). Registrar code + code assigned to the phone. Until 2004, this number was called TAC+FAC (869493+02). FAC was an identifier in which country the device was manufactured. But since 2004 it has not been used, although some manufacturers continue to indicate information, but very often it is not correct.

660813 - serial number of the radio module, not the phone. SNR (Serial Number Radio module)

Why the serial number in IMEI does not match the serial number of the phone

You might think why the IMEI serial number does not match the serial number of the phone. And it's just that the serial number of the radio module is entered in the IMEI. And the phone has its own serial number.

IMEI Checksum

0 is the checksum of the IMEI number, C (control) the use of a checksum allows you to more reliably detect fakes. The checksum is calculated using the Luhn algorithm.

The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is a unique 15-character number that each mobile device has. In particular, these are smartphones, satellite phones and tablets.

International Mobile Equipment Identity can only be assigned to a device by an authorized organization. An example would be the British Approvals Board for Telecommunications (BABT).

Back in 2002, it was found out that with the help of some types of software it is possible to replace the IMEI of any device with a different number. By the way, in some countries (Belarus, Great Britain, Latvia) such actions will be criminally punishable. In Russia and Kazakhstan, harsh penalties were also applied against "craftsmen" reprogramming IMEI.

In modern times, it is believed that without replacing or reprogramming microcircuits, it will not be possible to change the identifier. It is sewn into the device at the factory in a ROM chip.

What is it for?

This code is stored in the firmware of your smartphone. The main purpose of IMEI is to identify the gadget in the cellular network. Acts as the serial number of the device when authorizing the device on the network. If your smartphone supports several SIM cards at once, then, accordingly, it will have several such identifiers.

Therefore, you can block network access for a lost or stolen phone by simply telling your carrier's support specialist the IMEI. And even if the attackers decide to use this device by replacing the SIM card, it will be useless for them. After all, the phone will be on the “black list” of all telecom operators (as you remember, the device is authorized on the network by this identifier), which will deny it access to their services.

Note that the IMEI on the network is determined by the gadget itself (which is why the phone is searched for by it), and not by its owner. The owner of the device and the SIM card helps to find out another number - the International Subscriber Identity (IMSI, International Mobile Subscriber Identity).

Another important task of IMEI is to help track the location of the phone. This facilitates the work of law enforcement agencies: thanks to the identifier, the police will quickly find out where the stolen device is located.

What is the phone's IMEI yet? This is the same combination of numbers that will help you personally learn more about your gadget (its model and place of assembly).

Where to find IMEI?

Having understood what the IMEI of a phone is, it will not be superfluous to decide where to find it on your gadget. By default, it is indicated in four places at once:

1. In the device itself. Regardless of the model and manufacturer of the smartphone, you can find out the identifier by clicking on the symbols *#06# on the dialing screen.
2. The second location is the place under the phone battery.
3. You will also find the IMEI next to the barcode on the branded box of your gadget.
4. The last location of the identifier is the warranty card. The IMEI sticker must be glued there by the seller.

What is the IMEI structure?

We found out what the IMEI of the phone is. This is a combination of 15 characters. Consider its structure based on the classic example - 35-222200-333333-4:

There are also the following versions of the identifier:

• 35-222200-333333-44. The code is decrypted in the same way, with the exception of the last two digits (44). The latter are SVN. This is the number of the software that is installed on your gadget.
• 11-222222-333333. New type identifier. It differs from those presented in that it contains an 8-character TAS (11-222222).

Identifier verification by check digit

Finding a phone is not the only thing that can help the owner of the IMEI gadget. You can also use the ID to find out if the device is genuine or counterfeit. To do this, you need to use the Luhn algorithm:

Let's take "have" 35-209900-176148-2 as an example. So, according to Luhn's algorithm:

1. Add even symbols: 5 + 0 + 9 + 0 + 7 + 1 + 8 = 30.
2. Convert odd: 3 = 6, 2 = 4, 9 = 9, 0 = 0, 1 = 2, 6 = 3, 4 = 8.
3. Add up the resulting numbers: 6 + 4 + 9 + 0 + 2 + 3 + 8 = 32.
4. Addition: 30 + 32 = 62.
5. The nearest round number is 60.
6. We consider: 62-60 = 2.
7. The control number is also 2. That's right, the product is genuine!

How to track a phone by IMEI?

Many are wondering if it is possible to independently find a missing or stolen gadget by IMEI. Unfortunately, everything is not so simple here:

How to track a phone by IMEI? Alas, it is impossible for a private person to do this. But you can protect your device from intruders and help yourself in your search by activating the “Find iPhone” or “Android Remote Control” option in advance.

Now you know what IMEI is. We also know how it can be useful to the user.

Phone IMEI: what is it, why is it needed, how to find it?

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Read how to find out the IMEI of a phone on smartphones running all mobile operating systems or on simple phones without an operating system installed. The methods will help when you have lost the box and the warranty card - it is usually indicated there anyway.

IMEI number - what is it? Versatile viewing experience

IMEI (abbreviation for International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a universal phone code, which is its international identifier and consists of 15 digits. In simple words, IMEI is the serial number of your device. It is assigned to all tablets, smartphones and feature phones that work with cellular communications.

Assignment of an identifier occurs at the stage of assembling the phone, and its activation - after the first use of the cellular network. All 15 characters of the code have their own meaning:

• The first 6 characters determine whether the gadget belongs to the international database of mobile device classifiers;
• Then there are two more numbers that indicate the code of the country in which the phone was assembled;
• The next 6 digits are the device's unique identification code;
• The last number in the IMEI means the backup number.

A universal way to find out the IMEI code of a phone is to view it on the gadget's factory box. On the side of the box, the manufacturer glues special barcodes indicating the identifier we need. The figure below shows the IMEI of the Fly smartphone.

This method of checking IMEI is relevant for all devices, regardless of their manufacturer, installed operating system or assembly type. If you have not saved the box of the gadget, it is better to use one of the methods below. Select the operating system of your device and follow the instructions.

Notice! If the phone has 2 SIM slots, it is assigned two IMEI numbers - one for each card slot.

Why is IMEI needed?

A unique phone identifier is needed for:

• Determining the status of the phone (stolen or lost). Often, gadgets with invalid identifiers are sold in used equipment markets;
• Smartphone lock. If the owner of the phone reported the loss of the gadget, the mobile operator has the authority to block the phone at the request of the user. As a result, no one will be able to connect SIM cards and make calls using this gadget anymore;
• Providing a guarantee. By assigning a unique IMEI to the phone, the manufacturer guarantees the authenticity and quality of the smartphone, as well as its safety for the user;
• Obtaining complete information about the gadget. Having learned the unique number of the device, the user can view detailed information about the assembly, parameters and features of the gadget using the international database;
• Device location detection. Immediately after the loss of the gadget, it is found using IMEI. The operator sends a signal to the smartphone and the exact location of the phone with the previously authorized number is determined on the map.

View IMEI on Android

In the operating system, you can find out a unique number using a simple combination of characters. Follow instructions:

• Open the "Phone" application;
• On the keyboard, enter the combination * # 06 #;
• Click on the call button and a tab with IMEI will appear in the phone window. If you see two numbers, each of them is responsible for one SIM card slot.

Another way that is suitable for all gadgets with Android installed is to view the IMEI on the smartphone case. Open the back cover of the gadget and disconnect the battery. The manufacturer indicates all system codes and numbers right under the battery. Before buying a smartphone, we advise you to check whether the numbers on the case and the manufacturer's box match. A mismatch indicates a fake gadget or an error during packaging.

Instructions on how to find out the IMEI phone for iPhone (IOS)

To check the IMEI in IOS, go to the "Settings""Basic Settings""About Device""IMEI Code" window.

IMEI on smartphones with Windows Phone

On smartphones with Windows Phone, you can view the code using the settings window. Go to the tab "About the device" and in the corresponding field, look at the information about the identifier.

IMEI check on non-OS phones

If you are using a regular feature phone without any OS, you can view its IMEI using two methods:

• Gadget packaging. If the code is not listed on the box, look for it in the instructions, warranty card;
• Battery removal. Turn off your phone, open the back cover and remove the battery. Examine the surface under the battery. It should contain technical information about the device, including its IMEI.

Check phone information by IMEI number

Using a unique identifier, each user can find out the phone model by IMEI for free. Also, it is possible to look online at the country of assembly of the gadget.

To check the details of your smartphone, select the manufacturer and enter the code in the text field.

The most complete and reliable site with a database of all IMEIs is https://sndeep.info/en. To check the details of your smartphone, select the manufacturer and enter the code in the text box.

To find out the phone manufacturer by IMEI, just look at the 7th and 8th number in the code. Explanation of designations:

• 01/10/70 - made in Finland;
• 02/20 - UAE;
• 07/08/78 - Germany;
• 03/80 - China;
• 30 - South Korea;
• 05 - India;
• 67 - United States of America;
• 19/40 - UK;
• 04 - Hungary;
• 60 - Singapore;
• The combination of numbers 00 means that your gadget was manufactured before 2005 and is not included in the FAC manufacturers database.

We hope you figured out how to find out the IMEI number of a phone. Share in the comments your ways of viewing the device ID number. Were you able to view the code using our instructions?