Owners of smartphones based on Android are often faced with the need to find out the unique identifier of their device. This code, known as IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity), is a 15-digit number that is assigned to each cellular module at the factory. It serves as a digital passport of the phone, allowing operators and law enforcement agencies to track the device, block it in case of theft, or check the warranty status.
There can be many situations when you need to find this number: from a banal verification of the authenticity of the device before purchasing it in person to the need to unlock the network after changing the operator. It is important to understand that in modern smartphones with support for dual SIM cards there are usually two such numbers, since each slot has its own independent communication module. For dual-SIM devices, it is critical to check the first IMEI (IMEI 1), since it is the main device identifier in global databases.
There are several proven ways to access this information, and they do not require root or complex software. You can use the standard phone book, look into the system settings, or even physically inspect the gadget’s body. In this article, we will analyze each method in detail, explain the difference between IMEI and serial number, and also show how to use advanced tools like ADB to obtain technical data.
Using Universal Engineering Code
The fastest and most reliable method, which works on 99% of mobile devices, is to enter a special combination of characters in the application "Phone." This method is a universal standard GSM and works even on locked screens or devices without a SIM card installed. You do not need to have access to the Internet or the settings menu, just open the dialer.
To complete the procedure, open the application through which you usually make calls and enter the sequence of characters: *#06#. As soon as you enter the last character (hash), a pop-up window with technical information will automatically appear on the screen. The system reads data directly from the modem's non-volatile memory, so the result is displayed instantly.
In the window that opens, you will see lines marked as IMEI. If you have a phone with one slot, there will be one number. In devices with two slots, two values will be displayed: IMEI 1 and IMEI 2. You can often see a line nearby MEID - this is a similar identifier for standard networks CDMA, which is used by some operators in the USA and China. For most tasks in the CIS and Europe, you will need a 15-digit code.
If the code *#06# does not work or the window does not appear, you may have specific firmware or a custom shell installed. In this case, try the method through the system settings.
After the window appears, you usually have the opportunity to copy the number or send it via messages. Be careful when rewriting data manually: one error in the numbers will make the code invalid for checking in the databases.
⚠️ Attention: On some models of smartphones from Chinese brands (Xiaomi, Huawei, Meizu), after entering the code, an extended menu of engineering tests may open. Do not change the settings in this menu if you do not understand their purpose, just copy the number and close the window.
This method is good for its simplicity, but it does not provide information about which SIM card slot is currently active if the settings limit data use for only one number. In such cases, it is better to double-check the data through the system menu.
Search for an identifier in the system settings
If the phone screen is broken and the touchscreen does not respond well to entering characters, or you want to see more detailed technical information, you should consult the settings menu Android. The path to the required data may differ slightly depending on the version of the operating system and the installed shell (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS), but the general logic remains the same.
You need to follow the path: Settings → About phone (or System) → General information. In some versions Android you need to click on the “All specifications” item or tap on the build number several times to activate the developer mode, although the IMEI is usually visible right away. Not only codes are displayed here, but also the status of certificates, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth MAC addresses.
The advantage of this method is that here you can often see which IMEI corresponds to which SIM card if the phone has two active cards installed. The system may label them as "Slot 1" and "Slot 2" or "Primary" and "Secondary". This is useful when registering a device with an operator, where you need to link a specific phone number to a specific IMEI.
The settings interface also allows you to copy the number to the clipboard with a long press, which eliminates the human factor when reprinting. In addition, the serial number device (S/N) is often available here, which differs from the IMEI and is used by service centers to identify a specific instance during warranty service.
It is worth noting that on smartphones with a non-removable battery, this method is the only possible software method if the dialing code does not work. Owners of flagships Samsung or Google Pixel are recommended to periodically check the number in the settings with the number on the box in case the labels are re-glued by unscrupulous sellers.
Physical inspection of the device and packaging
When the phone is turned off, discharged or shows no signs at all life, physical identification methods come to the rescue. Manufacturers are required to apply a unique identifier to the device body and packaging. This is a requirement of international telecommunications standards, which allows you to identify the device without turning on the power.
In modern smartphones with a monolithic body, information is most often placed on the back panel or on the SIM card tray. If your gadget has a removable cover, then look for a sticker under the battery. On the SIM card tray, the number is usually laser-etched or printed in small print; You may need a magnifying glass or good lighting to read it.
The most reliable source is the original box that came with the device. There is always a sticker with barcodes on one of the side faces or on the end. It shows the IMEI, serial number, model and production date. Saving the box is especially important for expensive models, since when sending in repairs under warranty or when selling a used device, the presence of a box and matching numbers is often a prerequisite.
☑️ Check when buying a used one phone
However, you should not rely only on stickers. Fraudsters have learned to re-stick labels and even reflash the software so that it shows the “left” number. Therefore, physical inspection is good as an additional verification method, but not as the only one.
If there is no number on the case (erased over time) and the box is lost, you can only rely on software methods or an account. In extreme cases, when the phone is a “brick” and does not turn on, you can only find out the IMEI by a receipt from the store or an agreement with a telecom operator, where this data is recorded when selling or registering a SIM card.
Checking through a Google account and manufacturer services
Modern ecosystem Android tightly linked to a Google account. If your lost or stolen phone had Internet and synchronization enabled, you can find its IMEI remotely. This is one of the most effective ways for those who have taken care of linking the device in advance.
To do this, go to the page google.com/android/find from any other device (computer or tablet) and log into your account. The Find My Device service will show the location of the gadget, and information about it often displays the model and unique equipment identifier. The exact presence of the IMEI field depends on the version of Android and the manufacturer's policy, but it's worth a try.
In addition, many brands have their own cloud services. For example, users Samsung can find account data Samsung Account on the support site. The owner Xiaomi can check the binding in Mi Cloud. These services often store IMEI, even if the phone itself is now offline, since the data was synchronized earlier.
⚠️ Attention: The interfaces of the Find Device services and personal accounts of manufacturers are periodically updated. The location of menu items may change, so if you don't see the number right away, look in the "Device Information" or "Status" section.
Using cloud services also allows you to remotely lock a device or erase data, which is critical in case of theft. In this case, knowing the IMEI is necessary to write a statement to the police and contact the operator to block the device by hardware.
This method does not work if the phone has never connected to the Internet after the reset or if it has not been logged into a Google account. In such cases, you can only rely on physical packaging or receipts.
Using the ADB command line for experts
For advanced users and developers with access to a computer, there is a way to obtain IMEI through a debug bridge Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires USB Debugging to be enabled in the developer menu on the smartphone itself. It allows you to extract information directly from the system, bypassing the graphical interface.
First you need to connect the phone to the PC with a cable and open the terminal (command line) on the computer. Make sure that the drivers are installed and the device is detected by the adb devicescommand. If everything is correct, you will see the device serial number in the list.
To get the IMEI, enter the following command:
adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 1In response, the system will respond with a hexadecimal encoded string that will need to be decoded, or, in newer versions of Android, you can use the command:
adb shell dumpsys iphonesubinfoIn the output of this command, look for lines Device ID or IMEI. This method is good because it shows “raw” data that is difficult for ordinary users to falsify programmatically. It is often used by service center specialists for diagnostics.
Why ADB commands may not work?
ADB commands may not work if USB debugging is not enabled on the phone, if the screen is locked and the computer is not authorized, or if custom ROMs are used that block access to telemetry data.
Usage ADB also allows you to check the IMEI for each slot separately by asking the specific modem for information. This is useful when diagnosing problems with signal reception in one of the slots of dual-SIM devices.
Remember that for this method to work, the phone must be at least partially functional and respond to commands. If the device “hangs” on the screensaver or in the bootloop, this method will not help.
Difference table: IMEI, Serial number and MAC address
Often users confuse different device identifiers. Understanding the difference between the two will help you avoid mistakes when filling out warranty forms or police reports. Below is a comparative table of the main technical identifiers.
| Parameter | Purpose | Format | Can it be changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMEI | Identification of the communication module in networks GSM/LTE | 15 digits | Theoretically, yes, illegal |
| Serial number (S/N) | Identification of a specific instance by the factory | Letters and numbers (varies) | No |
| MAC address | Identification of network interfaces (Wi-Fi, BT) | 6 pairs of characters (XX:XX:XX...) | Yes (software) |
| ICCID | Unique number of the SIM card itself | 19-20 digits | No (hardwired into SIM) |
As can be seen from the table, IMEI is tied specifically to the hardware of the phone, responsible for communication. Serial number is the passport of the entire device. MAC address refers to network adapters and can change (for example, the MAC randomization function in Android 10+ for protection). A ICCID is your SIM card number, which changes when you change the operator or card, in contrast to the unchanged IMEI of the phone.
Knowledge of these differences is important when diagnosing problems. If the operator says "IMEI is blocked", the problem is with the phone. If “ICCID is not active,” there is a problem with the SIM card or tariff.
IMEI is the identifier of the equipment (modem), not the SIM card or user. When selling a phone, the IMEI remains with the device, and the SIM card is taken by the new owner.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to change the IMEI on Android and is it legal?
Technically, it is possible to change the IMEI on some models with root access and special utilities, however in most countries (including the Russian Federation, EU countries and the USA) this action is illegal. Changing the ID is equivalent to forgery of documents or theft of identification data. In addition, inept flashing can permanently disable the modem.
What should I do if the IMEI of my phone matches the phone of another person?
This is an alarming signal. Most likely, you were sold a counterfeit device (a “Chinese copy” of the flagship), where the IMEI was cloned by software. This may also mean that the phone is listed as stolen. It is recommended to check the device through authentication services and, if cloning is confirmed, contact the seller or the police.
Where can I find the IMEI if the phone screen is completely broken and does not show an image?
If the touchscreen does not work, but there is an image, connect a USB mouse. If there is no image at all, look for the number on the original box, under the battery (if removable) or on the SIM card tray. Also, the number could be saved in the personal account of your mobile operator if the phone was ever connected to the network with this SIM card.
Does resetting to factory settings (Hard Reset) affect IMEI?
No, a normal reset of settings through the menu or buttons (Wipe Data/Factory Reset) does not affect the memory section where it is stored IMEI. This number is written to a protected area of NVRAM. However, if you decide to flash your phone with custom firmware or do a downgrade, there is a risk of losing IMEI if you do not back up the EFS/NVRAM partition.