Modern operating system-based smartphones Android are complex computing systems, each of which has a unique digital “passport”. Users are often faced with the need to find out this data when registering in banking applications, setting up corporate systems, or when trying to unlock the device after resetting the settings.
The concept of "ID Android" is a general term that can hide completely different identifiers depending on the specific task. This may be IMEI for identification in cellular networks, serial number for warranty service or Google Service Framework ID for linking to a Google ecosystem account.
Localization of this data in the system is not always obvious, since smartphone manufacturers often modify the standard paths in the settings menu. In this article, we will look in detail at where exactly in the file structure and interface the key identifiers of your device are stored, as well as what tools will help you access them if standard methods do not work.
Types of identifiers and their purpose in the system
Before looking for a specific string of characters, you need to clearly understand which identifier is required in your situation. An error in selecting the ID type may result in the support service being unable to verify the device, or the application refusing to launch due to security inconsistencies.
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit number that is assigned to the communication module. It is tightly tied to hardware and is used by telecom operators to block stolen phones in global databases. This number cannot be changed programmatically on most modern devices without violating the law.
In contrast, Android ID (or SSAID) is a 64-bit hexadecimal number that is generated when the system first boots. It is unique for each application-user-device combination. If you delete all application data or do a full factory reset (Wipe Data), this ID will change.
⚠️ Attention: Never give your Google Service Framework ID (GSF ID) to strangers. This key is used to synchronize notifications and often appears in fraud schemes when trying to remotely link your account to someone else's device.
The third important parameter is Serial Number. It is assigned by the equipment manufacturer (for example, Samsung, Xiaomi or Google) at the factory and serves as the main argument when contacting the service center. Unlike IMEI, the serial number can be duplicated in different regions for different models, but within the same batch it is unique.
Searching for basic data through the settings interface
The easiest and safest way to find out device identifiers is to use the graphical interface of the operating system. However, the path to this information may differ radically depending on the version Android and the installed manufacturer's shell.
In "pure" Android (versions 10 and higher), manufacturers try to hide technical details from the average user in order to avoid accidental changes. Therefore, the data is often hidden deep in the menu. You need to go to section Settings → About phone. This is where the main summary information is usually located.
If you do not see the required fields right away, try finding the item Status or General information. On devices Samsung with a shell One UI the path looks different: Settings → Phone information → Software information or simply Phone information, where the IMEI and serial number are displayed in large font.
- 📱 To search for IMEI, most often just scroll down the "About phone" page down to the "SIM card status" block.
- 🔍 The serial number (S/N) can be hidden under the "Advanced" button in the same menu.
- 🆔 Android ID is not displayed directly in the settings, it can only be seen in the "For Developers" menu or through third-party utilities.
It is worth noting that on dual-SIM devices two values will be indicated IMEI: IMEI 1 for the first slot and IMEI 2 for the second. When registering a device in some systems, you need to specify both numbers, so be careful when rewriting data.
Using the engineering menu and USSD commands
When access to settings is limited (for example, the phone is locked or does not boot to the desktop), special service codes come to the rescue. These commands allow you to call up a hidden engineering menu, where technical information is displayed in real time.
The most universal method is to enter a code into the Phone application. Dial the combination *#06# and press the call button. A pop-up window will instantly appear on the screen with all the main identifiers: IMEI of both slots, serial number and, in some cases, the MAC address of the Wi-Fi module.
For processor-based devices MediaTek there is an extended engineering menu called by code ##3646633## or ##4636## (universal Android testing code). In the section Phone Information you can get detailed information about the signal and network identification.
*#06#However, manufacturers often block access to deep settings of the engineering menu in the latest firmware versions for security reasons. If entering the code does not cause a reaction or the message “Access code is invalid” appears, then this function is disabled by the shell manufacturer.
If the pop-up window with IMEI overlaps other important data, try taking a screenshot of the screen (if the phone is unlocked) or carefully rewrite the numbers, since the window can close with any touch.
Obtaining the ID through a computer and debugging by USB
For advanced users and repair specialists, the most complete source of information is connecting a smartphone to a PC using the toolkit ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method allows you to retrieve even data that is hidden from the user in the interface.
You must first activate developer mode. Go to Settings → About phone and click 7 times in a row on the item Build number. After the message “You have become a developer” appears, go to the new menu For developers and turn on the toggle switch Debugging USB.
Connect the device to the computer with a cable and open a command line or terminal in the folder with ADB installed. Enter the following command to obtain a complete system properties dump containing all IDs:
adb shell getpropIn the output of this command, look for the lines [ro.serialno] (serial number), [ro.boot.serialno] and [gsm.version.baseband]. To get a specific Android ID, use the command adb shell settings get secure android_id. This method works even if the phone screen is broken, the main thing is that the system boots and the drivers are installed.
| Identifier type | ADB command | Where it is used |
|---|---|---|
| Android ID | settings get secure android_id |
Linking accounts, games |
| Serial number | getprop | grep serialno |
Warranty, service |
| IMEI (slot 1) | service call iphonesubinfo 1 |
Cellular operators |
| MAC address Wi-Fi | ip link show wlan0 |
Settings routers |
⚠️ Attention: ADB commands require confirmation on the phone screen the first time you connect. If the display does not work, use an OTG cable and connect a computer mouse to click "Allow" blindly or focusing on the position of the buttons.
☑️ Preparing to work with ADB
Physical marking and documentation of the device
If software methods are not available due to smartphone failure, the only source of truth remains physical markings. Manufacturers are required to apply basic identifiers to the device body or packaging in accordance with international standards.
On modern smartphones with a built-in battery, the data sticker is most often located on the back cover under the factory film or directly on the box. Pay attention to the barcode: next to it the IMEI and S/N are usually duplicated in text form.
In some models, for example, old series Samsung or LG, information can be found under the removable battery. All the necessary codes are printed on a sticker hidden by the battery. It is also worth checking the SIM card tray - on some devices (for example iPhone or certain models Meizu) IMEI is laser engraved on the tray frame itself.
What to do if the sticker has worn off?
If the factory sticker unreadable, try shining a bright flashlight at an acute angle on the back cover. Sometimes the data is duplicated by laser engraving directly under the plastic or glass, which is visible only in certain lighting.
Keep the box from the device at least during the warranty period. If it is necessary to return the product to the store or repair it under warranty, the absence of a box with a matching IMEI may become a formal basis for refusal of service, despite the fact that the device itself is in good order.
The specifics of Google Service Framework ID (GSF)
Deserves special mention Google Service Framework ID. This is a unique identifier that is generated by Google Play services the first time you log into your account on a specific device. It is critical for the operation of Push notifications and contact synchronization.
Ordinary users rarely need to know this number, but it becomes important when synchronization fails or when transferring data to a new device when old notifications do not arrive. You can find it out only through third-party applications, since it is not displayed in standard settings.
It is recommended to use proven utilities from the store Play Market, such as "Device ID" or "Android Device ID". After installation, the application will show a list of all identifiers, including the GSF ID, which often needs to be entered in hexadecimal format.
Resetting this identifier is only possible through a complete reset of the phone (Factory Reset). Simply clearing the Google services cache will not generate a new GSF ID; the system will remember the old value and restore it the next time you log in to your account.
GSF ID changes only when you completely reset the device to factory settings. A normal reboot or account deletion does not affect this setting.
⚠️ Attention: Menu interfaces and item locations may vary depending on the Android version and custom firmware (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS). If you do not find an item along the described path, use the search in the settings by entering the word "Status" or "About device".
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to change IMEI on Android legally?
No, changing IMEI on most modern smartphones is impossible without using a complex engineering equipment and violations of the laws of many countries. IMEI substitution is regarded as fraud and can lead to the device being blocked by the telecom operator forever.
Why does Android ID change after a system update?
Normally, Android ID should not change during a regular software update (OTA). If this happens, it means that there was a failure during the update process that caused the data section to be reset, or an action was performed that the system regarded as primary initialization.
Where can I find the device ID for the game Pokémon GO or other applications?
Games usually require an Android ID or Advertising ID. Advertising ID can be reset in settings: Settings → Google → Advertising → Reset advertising ID. This will create a new ID for advertising networks without affecting system parameters.
What to do if all methods show different serial numbers?
The discrepancy between the serial number in the settings, on the box and in the engineering menu may indicate that the device has a replaced motherboard or is refurbished with incorrectly flashed data. In this case, you should contact the seller.
Is Android ID stored in the Google cloud?
Yes, when synchronization is enabled, the main device identifiers (model, serial number) are displayed in your Google account in the "Security" → "Your devices" section. However, a complete technical dump, including GSF ID, is not publicly available for the account.