Each phone, be it a budget device or a flagship, has a unique digital fingerprint. This identifier is called IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) and consists of 15 digits. Knowing how to find and verify this code is a fundamental skill for any owner of a smartphone based on Android. This is necessary not only for purchasing a used device, but also for solving problems with connecting to the network or blocking a stolen gadget.
Many users neglect checking the code until serious problems arise, such as the operator’s refusal to register the SIM card or the fact that the device has been stolen is discovered. Meanwhile, the verification procedure takes just a few minutes and can protect you from purchasing counterfeit products. In this article, we will analyze in detail all existing methods for obtaining a number and algorithms for checking it in official databases.
Understanding the structure of the identifier helps you quickly navigate the verification results. The first 8 digits (TAC) indicate the model and origin of the device, the next 6 indicate the serial number, and the last digit is the control number. Violation of this structure in the scan report is the first signal that something is wrong with the phone.
The fastest method: USSD request and engineering menu
The most universal method, which works on 99% of devices, regardless of the version of the operating system or the manufacturer's shell, is the use of a special service command. You don't need internet access or login to your accounts. Just open the “Phone” application (dialer) and enter the universal code.
Dial the combination on the keyboard *#06#. As soon as you enter the last character, a pop-up window with device information will automatically appear on the screen. If your smartphone supports dual SIM cards, you will see two different IMEI numbers, one for each slot. Write down this data or take a screenshot for later comparison.
In some cases, especially on custom firmware or specific models from China, the standard command may not work or display incomplete information. Then you should try to enter the engineering menu through the code ##4636##. In the menu that opens, select “Phone Information”, where all technical data will be duplicated, including the equipment identifier.
If the code *#06# does not display information, try rebooting the device. In rare cases, a system process failure will block the display of service command pop-ups.
⚠️ Warning: Never change values in the engineering menu unless you are a qualified technician. Entering incorrect parameters into the radio module settings fields can lead to a complete loss of communication and the need to reflash the device in a service center.
Searching for a code in the Android system settings
If the phone screen is broken or the sensor is not working correctly, entering USSD codes may be difficult. In such a situation, it is more logical to turn to the system’s software interface. The path to the treasured numbers may differ slightly depending on the shell (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS), but the general principle remains unchanged.
Open the main menu and go to the “Settings” section. Scroll to the bottom of the list and find the “About phone” or “System” item. Inside this section there is usually a subsection “General Information” or “Status”, where it is written IMEI. On modern versions of Android 10 and higher, complete information is often hidden behind an additional tap on the model name.
An alternative path for pure Android: Settings → System → Phone information. Here the data is presented in the most readable form. The advantage of this method is that you can copy the number with a long press to avoid errors when manually copying numbers.
☑️ Checking code compliance
Physical check: box and the device body
app data can be faked using special software by changing the number displayed in the system. Therefore, it is critical to verify the digital code with the physical storage media. The primary source of truth is always considered to be the factory packaging.
Find the box from your smartphone. There should be a sticker with a barcode on one of the walls. Next to the graphic image of the barcode there is always a duplicate number IMEI. Make sure that these numbers completely match those that you saw on the screen through the command *#06#.
If your device has a removable back cover, remove the battery. Under it you will find a factory sticker, which also contains a unique identifier. On all-in-one smartphones, this information can be laser engraved on the back panel or SIM card tray, although in recent years manufacturers have increasingly abandoned duplicating the number on the case for the sake of minimalism.
| Data source | Availability | Reliability | Risk of counterfeit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android Settings | High | Medium | High (software) |
| USSD code *#06# | High | Medium | High (software) |
| Factory box | Medium (needs to be stored) | High | Medium (plywood) |
| SIM card tray | High | High | Low (difficult to change) |
Online verification of authenticity and blocking status
Having received the 15-digit code, you need to verify the legal origin of the device. There are many services that allow you to search your phone through databases. The official and most reliable source is the international GSMA database, as well as national registries of telecom operators.
For a global check, it is recommended to use the IMEI.info resource. Enter the number in the search field, and the system will display detailed specifications: model, year of manufacture, warranty. If the model data does not match your phone (for example, you bought a Samsung, but the base is Xiaomi), then you have a fake with a modified app code.
An important step is checking the locking status. If a phone is listed on the Blacklist as stolen or lost, telecom operators have the right to block its operation on their networks. This is especially true when purchasing devices brought from abroad, where they may have been lost by the previous owner.
⚠️ Attention: Free services often show only basic information. A fee may be required to receive a detailed report on country-specific lockout status or repair history. Beware of sites that require you to enter personal information or account passwords.
What to do if your phone is blacklisted?
If you bought a phone and it is blacklisted, contact the seller immediately for a refund. If the purchase was second hand and the seller disappeared, you will have to contact the police to report fraud, providing a receipt and box. It is almost impossible to legally unlock such a phone.
Deciphering the structure of the IMEI number
A fifteen-digit number is not a random set of numbers, but a strictly structured code, each segment of which carries a semantic meaning. Understanding this structure allows you to independently conduct a primary analysis of data reliability without resorting to complex databases.
The first eight digits are called TAC (Type Allocation Code). They determine the device model and country of origin. Using these numbers you can find out exactly which phone should be in front of you. The next six digits are the specific serial number (SNR). The last, fifteenth digit is calculated using the Luhn algorithm and serves to check the correctness of the entire sequence.
- 📱 TAC (1-8 digits): Identifies the brand and model (for example, the code for the iPhone 13 will be different from the code for the Samsung Galaxy S22).
- 🔢 SNR (9-14 digits): A unique serial number that distinguishes your phone from a million other similar models.
- ✅ Check Digit (15th digit): Checksum confirming that the number was not distorted during transmission or input.
There is also the IMEISV format, consisting of 16 digits, where the last digit indicates the software version and there is no checksum. However, for most verification and registration procedures in networks, the classic 15-digit format is used.
The discrepancy between the model declared by the TAC code and the actual appearance of the phone is a 100% sign of counterfeit products or deep re-flashing.
Frequent problems and ways to solve them
When checking, users often encounter unusual situations that cause panic. The most common problem is the message “IMEI null”, “000000000000000” or the complete absence of a number in the settings. This indicates a serious software failure or damage to the EFS/NVRAM partition where factory data is stored.
This situation can occur after an unsuccessful flashing, obtaining root access, or a physical shock. Restoring at home is only possible if you have a backup copy of the EFS partition. If there is no backup, you will need to contact the service center to record new data through special boxes (for example, Z3X or Octoplus).
Another problem is the discrepancy between the numbers on the box and on the phone. If you bought a new phone in a sealed box and the numbers don't match, this could indicate that the device has been opened, perhaps for a DIY repair or display replacement. In this case, the manufacturer's warranty may be void.
⚠️ Attention: If after resetting the settings to factory settings (Hard Reset) the IMEI number disappears or becomes incorrect, do not under any circumstances try to flash the phone with random files from the Internet. This can lead to irreversible damage to the radio module.
Before selling your phone, be sure to take a screenshot of the IMEI screen and save a photo of the box. This will protect you from claims from a buyer who may claim that you sold him a device with a spoofed identification number.
Is it possible to change IMEI on Android legally?
No, changing IMEI is illegal in most countries of the world, including the Russian Federation, the USA and EU countries. This number is associated with the device at the factory and is intended to identify equipment in operator networks. apps for changing IMEI (often called “changeme”) work only on devices with superuser rights and often lead to unstable network operation.
What does it mean if nothing happens when you enter the code *#06#?
This is a rare case that may indicate a deep freeze of the system, the absence of the default Phone application, or a critical firmware failure. Try rebooting your device. If the problem persists, check the code through the settings in the About phone section. If the number is not there either, the software section of the modem is damaged.
How to check the phone if it is locked by an operator?
Even if the phone is locked for a specific operator (Sim-lock) and does not see other SIM cards, the IMEI code should be displayed when entering *#06# or on the welcome screen before activation. Network blocking does not hide the equipment identification number.
Is it dangerous to enter IMEI on third-party sites?
The IMEI number itself does not give access to your personal data, photos or correspondence. However, knowing the IMEI, scammers could theoretically try to clone it for use in stolen phones or block your device by filing a false report of theft with the operator database. Enter the number only on trusted resources.
Can two different phones have the same IMEI?
In factory conditions - no, each number is unique. If you find two phones with the same IMEI, it means that one of them (or both) is a fake, or one of them has had its ID changed by software. Telecom operators block such duplicates when they are detected in one cell tower.