Each mobile device connected to a cellular network has a unique digital identifier called IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity). This fifteen-digit code serves as a kind of passport for your gadget, allowing telecom operators and law enforcement agencies to track the location of the device or block it in case of theft. For a smartphone owner, knowing this number is critical when purchasing a used device, applying for a warranty, or restoring access to the network.
Checking IMEI on Android is a simple procedure that does not require special technical skills or installation of complex software. There are many ways to find out this code: from universal USSD requests that work on any phone, to deep diagnostics through the engineering menu or computer utilities. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the available methods, learn how to decipher the information received and understand how to distinguish an original device from a fake.
Why do you need to check this number at all? Firstly, this is the only way to make sure that the phone is not on the blacklists of stolen devices before buying it in person. Secondly, checking the codes on the case, in the menu and on the box helps to identify fraudulent schemes involving re-sticking identifiers. And finally, without accurate knowledge IMEI it is impossible to correctly register the device with the operator or use services for finding a lost gadget.
The fastest method: USSD request and engineering menu
The most universal method that works on absolutely all smartphones running Android, regardless of operating system version or processor model. You do not need access to the Internet or system settings. Simply open the Phone application (dialer), through which you usually make calls.
Enter the combination *#06# on the on-screen keyboard. As soon as you enter the last character (hash), the system will automatically process the request, and a window with a fifteen-digit code will instantly appear on the screen. Press the call button not necessary. If your device has two SIM cards, you will see two different numbers IMEIcorresponding to each slot.
⚠️ Attention: On some custom firmware or highly modified versions Android (for example, old builds of MIUI or CyanogenMod) this code may not work or may open an additional menu with a choice of action. In this case, try simply pressing the call button after entering the code.
This method reads information directly from the protected memory area of the modem. This number is considered the main and priority number for telecom operators. If the phone has been flashed or has been subject to software manipulation, it is this code that will show the real hardware identifier, while the data in the settings can be changed.
Write down or take a photo of the code that appears immediately. If the phone is lost or stolen, you will lose access to this screen, and the code will be needed to lock it.
Searching for an identifier through system settings
If the phone screen is broken and the sensor does not respond to entering characters, or you want to double-check the data in a more detailed way, you should go to the settings menu. The path to the necessary information may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer's shell (Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI, Stock Android), but the general logic remains the same.
Open the section Settings and scroll the list to the very bottom. Find item About the phone or About the device. Inside this section, look for subsection General information, Status or Information about SIM cards. This is where the complete technical documentation of your device is stored, including the serial number, version Android and, of course, IMEI.
- 📱 On clean Android (Google Pixel, Motorola): Settings → About phone → IMEI number.
- 🌌 On shell One UI (Samsung): Settings → About phone → Information → SIM card status.
- 🎨 On shell MIUI (Xiaomi, Redmi): Settings → About phone → General information → Status SIM cards.
- 🟢 On the shell ColorOS (Oppo, Realme): Settings → About device → Status → SIM card information.
The advantage of this method is that not only the code itself is often displayed here, but also the status of its verification (for example, "Google Certified" or security badge). However, remember that the data in the settings menu is software. If attackers reflash the phone and replace the software identifier, false information may be displayed here, while the “hardware” code will remain the same.
Physical check: box, case and warranty card
To be completely sure of the legality of the device, it is necessary to carry out the so-called “triple verification”. The ideal scenario is when the code displayed on the screen (*#06#) completely matches the code on the factory packaging and on the gadget body itself. Any discrepancy of even one figure should be a red flag for you.
Find the original box from the smartphone. Typically, a sticker with technical information is located on one of the sides or on the back cover. Look for the barcode next to which IMEIis indicated. Modern devices often use the format IMEI/MEID, where both identification standards are indicated. This number is also duplicated in the warranty card, which is filled out by the seller upon purchase.
If your smartphone has a non-removable battery, inspect the back cover of the device. On many models (especially budget or older ones), the manufacturer applies an engraving or sticker with a code directly to the case. If the battery is removable, then IMEI is located under it, on the inner panel of the phone. Pay attention to the quality of printing: factory stickers are always clear, even and do not peel off at the edges.
⚠️ Attention: If you buy a used phone without a box, and the code on the case (under the battery) does not match the code in the menu - with a 99% probability you have a device that has been seriously repaired or stolen, whose motherboard has been replaced or the memory was resoldered.
The coincidence of all three sources of information guarantees that the device has not been tampered with and is not wanted. This is especially true when purchasing equipment second-hand on ad sites, where the risk of running into scammers is highest.
☑️ Checklist before purchasing
Online services for checking legality and status
Knowing the fifteen-digit code, you you can get much more information than just numbers. Specialized online services allow you to check the device’s history, activation date, warranty, and even the model if the phone has been re-glued. There are several types of databases that are worth contacting.
The first type is the official websites of manufacturers. Companies like Samsung, Xiaomi, Apple i Huawei have their own warranty verification pages. By entering IMEI, you will see when the device was first activated and whether factory support is still in effect. If the activation date in the system is “yesterday”, and the seller claims that the phone is two years old, they are trying to deceive you.
The second type is aggregators of telecom operator databases and blacklists. Services like IMEI.info or Sndeepinfo allow you to find out for free (basic information) or for a fee (advanced report) whether the phone is listed in the database of stolen devices (Blacklist). This is critical for imported phones that may have been blocked by operators in the US or Europe due to non-payment of the contract.
| Verification service | Type of information | Cost | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official website of the brand | Warranty, date of purchase, model | Free | High |
| Operator database (GSMA) | Blocking status (Blacklist) | Free/Paid | Average |
| Third-party aggregators | Full history, repairs, color | Paid | High |
| Roskomnadzor Register (RF) | Legality of import into the country | Free | High |
What is “gray” phone?
Gray is a device imported into the country unofficially, without paying customs duties and without certification. These phones are often cheaper, but may have warranty and frequency issues. Checking the customs database helps identify such devices.
When using third-party sites, be careful and do not enter unnecessary personal data. It is enough to enter only the code itself IMEI. If the service requires a phone number for the report, this is normal, but if they ask for bank card details for a “free” check, close the site immediately.
Deciphering the code: what do the numbers mean
A fifteen-digit number IMEI is not a random set of characters, but a strictly structured sequence that carries an encrypted information about the manufacturer and specific instance of the device. Understanding this structure will help you identify a fake before accessing complex databases.
The first 8 digits are called TAC (Type Allocation Code). They determine the device model and the country of origin of the brand (not to be confused with the country of assembly). Using these numbers, you can find out exactly which phone you should have in front of you. The next 6 digits are the serial number of the specific device assigned at the factory. The last, 15th digit is the control digit. It is calculated using the Luhn algorithm and serves to check the correctness of the entire sequence.
If you enter the code into an online checksum calculator and the system generates an error, it means that the number was generated randomly or changed manually. In original devices this situation is not possible. It is also worth paying attention to the first 4 digits of the TAC - they indicate the organization that issued the code (usually the manufacturer itself, for example, Samsung or Huawei).
The discrepancy between the model determined by the TAC code and the real phone model is a sure sign that the device is a high-quality copy or “refabricated” (restored in an artisanal way).
Sometimes in the documentation you can find a 14-digit code. This means that the check digit (15th) is not specified explicitly, but it can always be calculated programmatically. For the telecom operator and databases, the full 15-digit format is important.
Advanced diagnostics via ADB and computer
For the most demanding ones. For users or repair specialists, there is a method of checking via a computer using USB debugging. This method allows you to obtain “raw” data directly from the modem, bypassing the interface Android. This is especially useful if the phone is “buggy”, freezes in the menu or displays incorrect information.
You will need to install drivers ADB (Android). Debug Bridge) on the PC and enable debug mode on the smartphone. Connect the device with a cable to the computer, open the command line and enter the following command:
adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 1In response, the system will return a string in Hex format (hexadecimal code). that you are seeing data at a low level of the system. IMEI. This method is more complex, but it ensures that you see data at a low level of the system.
⚠️ Attention: Using ADB commands requires caution. Entering commands incorrectly can lead to system failure or data loss. Use this method only if you understand what you are doing or follow the exact instructions of a specialist.
You can also request complete information about the radio module with a command via ADB. data-i="146">. The output of this command will contain not only adb shell dumpsys iphonesubinfo. The output of this command will contain not only IMEI, but also IMSI (SIM card identifier), which is useful for a comprehensive diagnosis of communication problems.
If the phone is not detected by the computer in debugging mode, try installing universal Google USB Driver drivers or proprietary drivers from the manufacturer. your smartphone (Samsung USB Driver, Xiaomi USB Driver).
Frequent questions and problems when checking
What to do if zeros or “Unknown” are displayed instead of IMEI?
If in the field IMEI you see zeros (000000000000000) or the inscription Unknown, this is a serious problem. Most often, this means damage to the section NVRAM in the phone’s memory where the modem’s calibration data is stored. Reasons: unsuccessful firmware, virus attack or physical failure of the motherboard. Recovery is possible only in a service center by flashing regional data. data-i="157">Is it possible to change IMEI on Android legally?
Is it possible to change IMEI on Android legally?
In most countries, changing IMEI is an illegal act, since it bypasses the locking mechanisms of stolen phones. Technically, this is possible on devices with rights Root and special engineering utilities (for example, Chamelephon or through the engineering menu MediaTek, but we strongly do not recommend doing this. This will lead to loss of warranty and possible legal problems.
Why do you need two IMEI on a dual-SIM phone?
Each radio module responsible for communication with the tower must have a unique identifier B. dual-SIM smartphones actually have two modems installed (or one dual-channel), so the system requires two different numbers IMEIso that the telecom operator can correctly identify each of the active SIM cards on the network.
Does changing IMEI affect the operation of banking applications?
The mere fact of changing the identifier may not affect the operation applications, but the presence of Rootthe rights necessary for this procedure is almost guaranteed to disrupt the operation of banking applications and Google Paybank security systems detect interference in system files and block access to accounts.