Android ID: a complete guide to a unique device identifier

Android ID is a 64-bit unique identifier that is automatically assigned to each device based on Android the first time it is launched. It plays a key role in the operation of the operating system, but many users are not even aware of its existence. Unlike IMEI or serial number, this identifier is not tied to hardware and can change in some scenarios.

Why is this important? The fact is that Android ID is used to identify the device in Google Play Services, linking application licenses, targeted advertising and even in some security mechanisms. However, there are many myths surrounding it, from claims that it can be “zeroed” to bypass bans, to fears that it allows user tracking despite privacy settings. In this article, we will understand how this identifier works in practice - without speculation and technical simplifications.

What is Android ID and how is it formed

Android ID (or SSAID — Secure Settings Android ID) - this is a randomly generated 16-digit hexadecimal code that is created when the device is turned on for the first time. Its main function is to provide developers and services with a way to identify a specific device without being tied to an account Google or hardware characteristics.

The specific generation algorithm depends on the version Android:

• 📱 Android 8.0 (Oreo) and later: ID is generated based on a random number associated with the key android_id in a secure storage Keystore. When resetting to factory settings, it may change, but not always.
• 🔄 Android 5.0–7.1: ID was generated once at the first start and saved in a file /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db. Resetting the settings did not affect it.
• ⚙️ Android 4.4 and older: A less reliable storage method was used, and the ID could be duplicated on devices from the same manufacturer (known vulnerability "Android ID collision").

It is important to understand that Android ID is not the samethat:

• 📞 IMEI (unique number of the communication module,"hardwired" in the modem)
• 🔑 Serial Number (device serial number indicated on the box)
• 🆔 Advertising ID (advertising identifier that can be reset)
• 📧 Google Account ID (linked to the account, not to the device)

⚠️ Attention: Starting from Android 10, Google has tightened the rules for accessing Android ID for third-party applications. Now only system services and applications with special permissions (for example, android.permission.READ_PRIVILEGED_PHONE_STATE).

How to find the Android ID on your device

Unlike IMEIwhich can be viewed in the settings or by typing *#06#, Android ID is not displayed in the standard interface. However, there are several ways to get it:

Method 1: Via ADB (for experienced ones). users)

If your device has USB debuggingenabled, you can use the command:

adb shell settings get secure android_id

The result will look like a string of 16 characters, for example: a1b2c3d4e5f67890.

Method 2: Using specialized applications

Some utilities in Google Play can show Android ID, but their functionality is limited by security policies. Examples:

• 🔍 Device ID by EVOZI (shows also IMEI, Serial and Advertising ID)
• 📱 AIDA64 (in section"System → Android ID")
• 🛠️ DevCheck (requires root access for full access)

⚠️ Attention: Applications from Google Play cannot be read Android ID on devices with Android 10+ without root access. If the utility shows an empty value, this is. normal.

Method 3: Through system logs (for developers)

You can view the device logs using logcat and find lines containing android_id. For example:

adb logcat | grep android_id

Why Android ID is needed: real use cases

Android ID is not just a technical artifact. It is actively used in various scenarios that users are often unaware of:

Scope of application	How is Android ID used	Can it be bypassed?
🎮 Application licenses	Binding paid applications to the device (for example, in Google Play or Amazon Appstore)	Partially (by resetting or changing the ID)
📊 Advertising networks	Device identification for targeted advertising (together with Advertising ID)	Yes (disabling personalized advertising)
🔒 DRM protection	Binding content (movies, music) to the device in services like Netflix or Spotify	No (requires resetting the device)
🛡️ Anti-cheat systems	Detecting multi-accounts in games (for example, PUBG Mobile, Free Fire)	Difficult (requires root or emulator)
📱 MDM solutions	Managing corporate devices through systems like Android Enterprise	No (controlled by the administrator)

One of the most controversial issues is the use of Android ID in anti-cheat systems. Many mobile games (for example, Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Mobile) block accounts if they detect a suspicious change in the identifier. This is due to. because scammers often use emulators or “cloned” devices to bypass restrictions.

On the other hand, legitimate users may encounter problems after resetting the settings or replacing the motherboard - the system may perceive the device as “new” and block access to purchases or progress in the game.

Is it possible to change or reset Android ID?

This is one of the most popular questions, especially among gamers and users who have encountered bans. The answer depends on the version Android and the presence of root access:

Without root access

On most modern devices (Android 8+) change Android ID without root it is impossible. The only legitimate ways:

• 🔄 Reset to factory settings: On some devices this leads to the generation of a new ID, but not guaranteed (depending on the manufacturer).
• 📱 Replacing the motherboard: New board = new ID, but this is extreme method.
• 🖥️ Using an emulator: In BlueStacks or Genymotion you can generate an arbitrary ID, but this will not help for real devices.

With root access

If you have root, you can try the following methods (but they are risky!):

• 📝 Manual editing: Change value in /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db (requires SQL editor).
• 🔧 Using Xposed modules: Modules like XPrivacyLua can replace IDs for individual applications.
• 🔄 Reset scripts: The command works in some firmware adb shell settings delete secure android_id, but the ID will be generated again when reboot.

⚠️ Attention: Change Android ID can lead to loss of application licenses, reset of DRM-protected content and blocking of some services (for example, Google Pay or banking applications).

What happens if you reset your Android ID?

Resetting your ID can cause problems with authorization in games (loss of progress), unlinking of paid applications from the device, as well as temporary blocking of your Google account due to suspicion of fraud Some anti-cheat systems (for example, in PUBG Mobile) can ban your account for frequently changing ID.

Android ID and privacy: who can see it?

Many users are worried that Android ID is used for surveillance. Let's take a look at who really has access to it:

• 🔒 Google: See the ID within Google Play Services, but does not associate it with your identity (if you are not authorized in the account).
• 📱 Device manufacturer: Can collect ID for analytics (for example, Samsung or Xiaomi in their branded services).
• 🎯 Advertising networks: Use ID together with Advertising ID to display targeted advertising (can be disabled in settings).
• 🚫 Third-party applications: On Android 10+ they do not have access without special permissions.

Important: Android ID itself does not contain personal data (like name or email). However, in combination with other information (for example IMEI, IP addressaccount data), it can be used to create a "profile" of the device.

If you are concerned about privacy:

• 🔄Regularly reset Advertising ID in settings (Settings → Google → Advertising → Reset advertising ID).
• 🛡️ Disable personalized advertising in the same menu.
• 📵 Use a VPN to mask IP addresses (but this will not hide Android ID!).

Problems with Android ID: typical errors and solutions

Sometimes users encounter errors related to Android ID. Here are the most common cases and ways to solve them:

1. "Device not supported" error. Play

Cause: Services Google Play can block devices with a “suspicious” ID (for example, after manual modification or use of uncertified firmware).

Solution:

• Check the device certification on the website Google (enter IMEI here).
• If the device is not certified, try registering it via Google Device Registration.
• As a last resort, reset the settings (a new ID may be generated).

2. Loss of application licenses after a reset

Cause: Applications linked to Android IDmay stop working after changing it.

Solution:

• Try to restore purchases through the app menu (if there is such an option).
• Contact developer support with proof of purchase (receipts from Google Pay).
• If all else fails, you may have to buy the application again.

3. Ban in games due to changing Android ID

Cause: Anti-cheat systems (for example, Tencent Protector or Easy Anti-Cheat) can block an account when a change in ID is detected.

Solution:

• Contact game support with an explanation of the reason (for example, replacing the motherboard).
• If the ban is permanent, create a new account, but do not change the ID again.
• Avoid using modified firmware or root access in games with hard anti-cheat.

⚠️ Attention: Some manufacturers (for example, Samsung or OnePlus) can block changes Android ID at the firmware level. Before experiments, check the information on thematic forums (for example, XDA Developers).

Android ID vs other identifiers: what is the difference?

To avoid confusion, let's compare Android ID with other popular device identifiers:

Identifier	How it is formed	Can it be changed?	Who has access?
Android ID	Random number on first start	Only with root or reset	System services, Google
IMEI	Flashed into the modem at the factory	Only by flashing modem (illegal)	Telecom operators, law enforcement agencies
Advertising ID	Generated by the system, can be reset	Yes (in settings)	Advertising networks, analytical services
Serial Number	Indicated manufacturer on the box	No	Manufacturer, service centers
MAC address	Bound to network interfaces	Yes (but can be reset after reboot)	Local networks, Wi-Fi routers

The main difference Android ID is it not tied to the hardware, unlike IMEI or Serial NumberThis makes it more flexible, but also less. reliable for unique identification of the device.

For example, if you sell a smartphone and reset the settings, the new owner will receive a new Android ID, but IMEI and Serial Number will remain This is important to consider when transferring the device to another person - some applications may require re-activation.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Android ID

❓ Is it possible to find out Android ID without root access?

On devices with Android 10 and later no, since access to the identifier is limited. On older versions, you can try specialized applications (for example, AIDA64), but they also may not show the ID due to security restrictions.

❓ Why do games block accounts when changing Android ID?

Many online games (for example, PUBG Mobile or Free Fire) are used Android ID to detect multi-accounting. If the ID changes, the anti-cheat system may perceive this as an attempt to deceive (for example, changing the device after a ban).

❓ Does resetting Android ID affect Google's operation? Pay?

Yes, Google Pay links payment data to the device account Android ID. After changing it, you may need to re-set up the wallet and confirm the bank card.

❓ Is it possible to use the same application on two devices with the same Android ID?

Technically, yes, but this will cause license conflicts. For example, if you cloned the ID to another device, Google Play may block access to paid applications due to "suspicious activity."

❓ Why did the ID become different after the Android firmware?

When completely flashing (especially with partition formatting /data), the system may generate a new identifier. This is normal behavior, but can cause problems with linked applications.