How to view IMEI on Android: a complete guide

Each smartphone based on Android has a unique passport number, which is called in the technical documentation IMEI. This identifier consists of 15 digits and is assigned to the device at the factory, allowing telecom operators and service centers to accurately identify a specific device among millions of others. Knowing this code is critically important when purchasing used equipment, applying for a warranty, blocking a lost gadget, or checking the authenticity of the device through official manufacturer databases.

Users are often faced with the need to find these numbers when the standard box is lost and the phone itself is locked or does not turn on. Fortunately, the operating system Android provides several built-in tools for accessing this information, regardless of the model of your smartphone - be it budget Xiaomi or flagship Samsung. In this article, we will analyze in detail all possible methods, from simple USSD commands to in-depth analysis of system logs, so that you can easily obtain the necessary data.

Sometimes there are situations when the software interface does not display the number correctly due to a firmware failure or damage to system files. In such cases, understanding the physical location of the marking or using alternative verification methods becomes the only chance to save the situation. We will also discuss how IMEI differs from a serial number and why they should not be confused when contacting support.

The fastest way through the engineering menu

The most universal method, which works on 99% of devices running Android, is to use a special service command. You don't need internet access or a Google account, just open the Phone app (dialer), which is installed by default. This method is ideal when the screen is broken, but the sensor responds to touches, or when the settings menu is not available.

Enter the following sequence of characters on the keyboard: *#06#. As soon as you type the last hash mark, the system will automatically intercept your input and open a pop-up window with technical information. A 15-digit code will instantly be displayed on the screen, and in dual-SIM devices you will see two different numbers corresponding to each slot SIM card.

Please note that on some custom firmware or in specific regions this command may be blocked by the telecom operator or changed by the manufacturer. If nothing happens after entering, try typing the code again, making sure that you did not press the call button. It is also worth remembering that copying numbers from this window with a long press is not possible on all versions Androidso it is better to immediately take a photo of the screen or rewrite the data manually.

⚠️ Attention: Do not try to enter other engineering codes found on the Internet without understanding their purpose. Some combinations may reset network settings or put the phone into debug mode, which will require additional time to restore functionality.

Search numbers through system settings

For those who prefer a visual interface and are afraid of making mistakes when entering characters, the standard settings menu is the most secure and detailed source of information. The menu structure may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer's shell (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS), but the logic of data arrangement remains the same for the entire ecosystem Android.

The action algorithm usually looks like this: open the main menu and find the gear icon. Next, go to the section, which may be called “About phone”, “System” or “About device”. Inside this item, look for the subsection “Status”, “General information” or immediately “IMEI”. Here you will find not only the numbers themselves, but also the network status, signal strength and baseband version.

On modern versions of the operating system, starting from Android 10 and higher, privacy policies have become stricter. Now applications and some settings sections may have limited access to the full number. In such cases, the system may show a truncated version or require additional confirmation of access rights. However, in the basic "About phone" section, complete information usually remains available to the device owner.

• 📱 Open Settings and scroll down to About phone.
• 🔍 Click on line Status or General information to reveal details.
• 🔢 Find the field IMEI —there is often a copy to clipboard button nearby exchange.
• 📶 For dual-SIM models, check the tab IMEI (SIM 1) i IMEI (SIM 2).

Physical markings on the case and packaging

If the smartphone is completely dead, does not turn on, or the screen is so broken that the image cannot be read, the only option is to look for the factory markings. Manufacturers are required to apply a unique identifier to the device body or to a special sticker that is attached to the back cover or tray. This requirement of communication regulators applies in most countries of the world. SIM cards. This requirement of communications regulators applies in most countries of the world.

In modern all-in-one smartphones, where the battery is not removable, information is most often duplicated on the SIM card tray. Remove the tray using a paper clip and inspect it carefully: sometimes microscopic engraving is applied directly to the metal of the plastic. If it is empty, turn the phone over and examine the back panel - on some models, especially rugged or budget ones, the text is laser-etched directly onto the case.

The most reliable source is the original box from the device. On one of the sides of the cardboard package there is always a white label with a barcode, which indicates the model, color, memory capacity and, of course, IMEI. Keep the box at least during the warranty period, since service centers often require its presentation along with a receipt to confirm the right to free repairs.

Looking place	Availability	Reliability	Note
Back cover	High	High	Often erased over time
SIM tray	Medium	High	Requires tray removal
Packaging	Depends on storage	Maximum	Same as data in the system
Warranty card	Depends on the seller	High	To be completed upon purchase

⚠️ Attention: When buying a used phone, be sure to check the number on the box, on the case and in the menu (via *#06#). If the numbers do not match, the device could be assembled from spare parts (“Frankenstein”) or have a criminal past.

What to do if the sticker on the box has come off?

If the label is lost, but the box remains, try looking for the purchase receipt. In large chain stores, electronic receipts often indicate the IMEI of the device sold. Also, the data can be saved in the personal account of the telecom operator if the phone was registered when purchased in installments.

Verification through Google account and manufacturer services

In the era of cloud technologies, your smartphone automatically synchronizes key data with company servers. If you have synchronization enabled and remember your login details, you can find out IMEI remotely, even if the device itself is not at hand. This is especially true in situations of theft or loss of a gadget.

For users of clean Android or smartphones Google Pixel there is a “Find My Device” service. By going to the official website of the service from your computer and logging in using your Google account, you will see a list of linked devices. When you click on a specific smartphone, the information block often displays the model and a unique identifier required for blocking.

Manufacturers with their own ecosystems offer similar tools. For example, owners can use the portal, and users can use the service. The personal account of these services displays the full technical specification of the linked equipment. This is also a convenient way to check whether the phone is listed as stolen through international databases if you are planning a purchase. Samsung can use the portal Find My Mobile, and users Xiaomi - service Mi Cloud. The personal account of these services displays the full technical specification of the linked equipment. This is also a convenient way to check if the phone is listed as stolen through international databases if you are planning a purchase.

• 🌐 Go to the website google.com/android/find or the manufacturer's portal.
• 🔐 Log in using the same email, as on the phone.
• 📍 Select the desired device from the list in the sidebar.
• ℹ️ Examine the device card - it should be indicated there IMEI.

Viewing information in the “About phone” menu for advanced users

The standard settings menu sometimes hides detailed information that is only available through the section for developers or special diagnostic menus. If you need to find out not only the main IMEI, but also the modem firmware version or network blocking status, you should delve into the system settings.

To access extended data, first activate developer mode. To do this, go to Settings → About phone and quickly click 7 times on the “Build number” item. After the message “You have become a developer” appears, return to the main settings menu, where a new section “For Developers” will appear.

Inside this section, find the item “USB Debugging” or “Usage Statistics”. Although direct IMEI output is rare there, these menus allow you to check whether the system sees the modem correctly. If in the standard menu the number is displayed as “Null” or a set of zeros, but here the modem is detected, the problem is most likely software, and resetting the network settings can help.

adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 1

For the most technically savvy users, it is possible to obtain information through the debug bridge ADB (Android Debug Bridge). By connecting your phone to your computer and running the command above in the terminal, you will receive a direct response from the radio module. This method works even if the phone screen is not functioning, but USB debugging is enabled.

⚠️ Attention: Menu interfaces may change with Android version updates. If you do not find the described items, use the settings search by entering the word “Status” or “IMEI” in the search bar at the top of the settings screen.

What to do if the IMEI is not displayed or is equal to zero

The situation when the IMEI field is displayed zeros (000000000000000) or dashes are critical. This means that the operating system Android lost communication with the communication module or the data in non-volatile memory was damaged. Without a valid IMEI, the phone will not be able to register in the operator’s network, and calls will not be possible.

Most often, this problem occurs after unsuccessful flashing of the device, the use of unofficial patches, or a physical shock that damaged the soldering of the modem. In rare cases, this may be the result of a virus attack that damaged the system partition NVRAMwhere the calibration data of the radio module is stored.

First of all, try performing a full factory reset (Hard Reset). This will delete user data, but may restore the correct operation of system scripts that read the identifier. If the reset does not help, you will need to reflash the device with restoring the EFS partition (for Samsung) or NVRAM (for MediaTek/Qualcomm), which is best left to the service center specialists.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to change IMEI on Android legally?

No, changing IMEI is prohibited by the laws of most countries, since this number is used to identify the device in communication networks and combat theft. Software substitution of the number is technically possible (root access), but this will void the warranty and can lead to blocking of the device by the operator.

What is the difference between IMEI and serial number (S/N)?

IMEI It identifies the communication module and is used by operators to access the network. Serial number (S/N) is the internal serial number of the entire device, used by the manufacturer for warranty service and batch accounting. They are not interchangeable.

How to check a phone by IMEI for theft?

There are international databases (for example, GSMA Device Check or national registries like “Honest Sign” in the Russian Federation), where operators enter the numbers of lost and stolen phones. By entering the code on such a site, you will find out the status of the device before purchasing.

Why does a dual-SIM phone have two IMEIs?

Each radio module responsible for working with the SIM card must have a unique identifier for registration on the network. Therefore, in smartphones that support two active SIM cards, two different numbers are assigned: one for slot 1, the second for slot 2.

Will the IMEI be erased when resetting to factory settings?

No, a normal reset (Factory Reset) affects only the user section of the memory. IMEI is stored in a secure system partition, which is not cleared during the standard factory reset procedure.