Users are often faced with the need to identify their mobile device, whether to solve technical problems, set up advertising identifiers, or develop applications. There are several unique numbers in the Google ecosystem, and one of the most mysterious for the average user is Android ID. Unlike the usual IMEI or serial number, this identifier is not printed on the device body and is not indicated in the warranty card.
Many people wonder: what exactly does this string of characters look like and where can it be found without connecting complex debugging tools? The answer lies in the architecture of the operating system. Android ID is a 64-bit number that is generated the first time the system boots after a factory reset. This is a unique identifier associated with a specific OS installation on a specific device.
Externally, it is a long sequence of hexadecimal digits. Understanding its structure is important for those who administer a fleet of devices or develop software. Unlike the MAC address, which can change depending on privacy settings, or the IMEI, which is tied to the hardware, this number exists at the software level. Let's take a closer look at how it is visualized and how to get it.
⚠️ Attention: Android ID is reset to a new value when performing a full factory reset. Do not use it as the only way to permanently link the device if you plan to frequently reflash the gadget.
Visual format and structure of the identifier
If you see the Android ID in the system logs or in a special application, it will appear to you as a string of hexadecimal characters. The standard representation format is 16 characters, consisting of the numbers 0 to 9 and the letters A to F. Since this is a 64-bit number, the maximum length in hexadecimal is exactly 16 characters.
Often this identifier is displayed as one continuous string without hyphens or spaces, for example: 9774d56d682e549c. However, some diagnostic utilities or developer databases may format it differently, adding delimiters for readability. It is important to understand that the case of letters (lowercase or uppercase) does not matter for the system, they are equivalent.
This number is unique for each operating system installation. If you take two identical smartphones Samsung Galaxy with the same firmware, their Android IDs will be completely different. Moreover, if you reset the settings on one of them, the ID will change to a new, random one.
To quickly check the format, copy the ID and paste it into any online HEX to DECIMAL converter. If the number converts correctly to the 64-bit range, the format is correct.
Sometimes developers use a truncated version of this number for display in user interfaces, but the full 16-character string is required for technical identification. Knowing the exact format helps distinguish Android ID from other service numbers, such as Advertising ID, which is in UUID format (with hyphens).
Where to find Android ID in smartphone settings
In the standard settings menu for a regular user, this option is often hidden. Smartphone manufacturers such as Xiaomi, Huawei or Google Pixeldo not always display this information prominently in the “About Phone” section. However, there are several ways to get to the treasured numbers without using a computer.
The easiest method for advanced users is to use the engineering menu or special codes, although on modern versions of Android access to them is often limited for security reasons. A more reliable way is to install a lightweight application from the store Google Playthat reads system parameters.
- 📱 Download an application like "Device ID" or "Android Device ID" from the official store.
- 🔍 Launch the app and find the field with the name Android ID.
- 📋 Copy the value by clicking on the copy icon next to the numbers.
- ⚙️ Check the resulting string against the expected format (16 hexadecimal characters).
Some shells, such as MIUI or OneUI, may provide access to extended information through the “SIM Card Status” or “General” menu information", but this depends on the specific firmware version. In pure Android, this information is almost always hidden from the user's eye in standard menus.
If you don't want to install unnecessary applications, you can use the built-in debugging capabilities, but this will require enabling developer mode. This is a more complex path, but it does not require downloading additional software. Remember that enabling USB debugging opens up additional options for managing the device, so be careful.
Obtaining data through developer mode and ADB
For those who prefer not to install third-party software, there is a method of obtaining Android ID through a computer and a utility ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method is considered the most professional and guarantees receiving accurate data directly from the system.
First you need to activate the developer mode. To do this, go to Settings → About phone and click 7 times on the “Build number” item. After the message “You have become a developer” appears in the settings menu, a new section “For Developers” will appear.
In this section you need to activate the switch USB debugging. Then connect your smartphone to your computer with a cable. On the computer where ADB is installed, you need to enter the command in the terminal or command line.
adb shell settings get secure android_idAfter entering the command, the system will return a string that is your Android ID. This method works on most devices running Android 4.0 and above. It is especially useful if the smartphone screen is broken and you cannot install the application to view the ID.
⚠️ Attention: When you connect to the PC for the first time, a request for debugging permission will appear on the smartphone screen. Be sure to confirm it, otherwise the ADB command will not work and will return an error.
Using the command line has the advantage that you can automate data collection from multiple devices at the same time. This is often used by system administrators when setting up a corporate fleet. The command accesses directly the protected settings table secure, where this value is stored.
Differences between Android ID and IMEI and serial number
Confusion between different device identifiers is a common problem. Users often believe that Android ID, IMEI and serial number are the same thing, but technically they are completely different entities with different purposes and origins.
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique number of the hardware itself, more specifically, the communication module. It is “hardwired” into the modem’s memory at the factory and does not change when flashing or resetting the settings. By IMEI, telecom operators identify the device on the network.
Serial number (Serial Number) is also assigned by the hardware manufacturer. It is unique for each physical instance of the device and is used for warranty service. In contrast, Android ID is a software entity.
| Characteristics | Android ID | IMEI | Serial number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Binding type | Software (OS) | Hardware (Modem) | Hardware (Factory) |
| Change | Changes when reset | Constant | Permanent |
| Access | Requires rights/applications | On the body/in the menu | On the box/in the menu |
| Purpose | Installation identification | Network and blocking | Warranty and accounting |
Understanding these differences is critical when solving problems with account blocking or license binding. If you sell your phone and reset the settings, the new owner will receive a device with the same IMEI, but with a completely new Android ID.
The Android ID changes when you reset the settings, while the IMEI and serial number remain the same throughout the life of the device.
The role of the ID in security and applications
Why do you need this number at all if you have IMEI? The main application of Android ID is to identify a device within the ecosystem of Google applications and services. Developers use it to save progress in games, link paid software licenses and analytics.
Unlike the old days, when applications could freely read IMEI, modern versions of Android (starting from 10 and above) have strictly limited access to hardware identifiers for third-party apps. This is done for user privacy purposes. Therefore, Android ID has become the main way for applications to understand which device they are running on.
However, there are nuances here too. Google recommends developers to use Advertising ID for advertising purposes, which the user can reset in the settings. But for technical linking of an account to a device, Android ID remains the de facto standard. It allows the server to understand that the login was made from the same phone, even if the SIM card has changed.
- 🔐 Used to generate unique data encryption keys on the device.
- 🎮 Saves progress in games when reinstalling the application (without resetting the phone).
- 📊 Helps analytical systems count unique application installations.
- 🛡️ Used in fraud protection systems (Fraud Detection).
It is worth noting that on devices without Google services (for example, some models Huawei or custom firmware), the Android ID value may be generated differently or alternative ones may be used identification methods. This is important to consider when developing cross-platforms.
⚠️ Attention: Never give your Android ID to suspicious services that promise “unlocking” or “hacking.” This number itself does not provide access to manage the phone, but can be used to clone sessions in vulnerable applications.
Problems with duplicates and ID reset
Although the Android ID was intended as a unique number, in rare cases collisions may occur, especially on devices from the same manufacturer with identical stock firmware, released in the same batch. In early versions of the operating system, there were bugs when the same value was generated when first turned on.
Modern versions of Android use more reliable random number generation algorithms (Secure Random), which reduces the probability of a coincidence to zero. However, if you are doing development, always consider handling potential duplicates on the server side.
The ID reset occurs automatically when the command is run Wipe Data / Factory Reset. This is normal system behavior. After rebooting and initial setup, Android generates a new random sequence. This means that applications tied to the old ID may require re-authorization.
Is it possible to change the Android ID without resetting the settings?
Theoretically, yes, but this requires root access. Using special Magisk modules or applications like BuildProp Editor, you can change the value in the system build.prop file or through the settings database. However, this may interfere with the functioning of banking applications and Google Pay services.
If you notice that the Android ID changes on its own without your intervention, this may indicate a serious glitch in the file system or the action of malware trying to hide its activity. In such cases, it is recommended to check the device with an antivirus.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Android ID of another person by phone number?
No, this is not possible. Android ID is stored locally on the device and is not transmitted to the phone book or telecom operator in clear text. You can recognize it only by having physical access to an unlocked device or an application installed on it with the appropriate permissions.
Does changing the SIM card affect the Android ID value?
No, replacing the SIM card does not affect this identifier in any way. Android ID is tied to the installation of the operating system on a specific device, and not to the subscriber number or telecom operator. You can change SIM cards endlessly, and the number will remain the same until you reset the settings.
Why do different IDs appear in different applications?
Most likely, you are confusing Android ID with Advertising ID (advertising identifier) or Instance ID. The Advertising ID can be reset in Google Settings and is specifically designed to be changed. The real Android ID (Secure Settings) must be the same for all applications that have permission to read it.
Will the Android ID disappear when updating the system over the air (OTA)?
No, a regular update of the Android version (for example, from 13 to 14) does not affect the section with user data and security settings. Android ID will be saved. It changes only when the data section is completely formatted (Factory Reset).
Where exactly in the application code is this number requested?
In Java or Kotlin code, this usually looks like a call: Settings.Secure.getString(getContentResolver(), Settings.Secure.ANDROID_ID). This is an access to the protected space of system settings, requiring standard application rights, without the need to obtain Root access.