How to find out IMEI on Android: all checking methods

Unique identifier IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a digital “passport” of your smartphone, which is useful for unlocking the device, checking for originality, or restoring it after theft. But where can I find it if the phone doesn’t turn on, there’s no box, and everything in the settings is in English? In this article we have collected all current methods —from standard to little-known ones—that work on Samsung, Xiaomi, Honor, Realme and other brands.

Important: IMEI can consist of 15 digits (for most modern smartphones) or 17 digits (if the checksum is taken into account). Devices that support two SIM cards will have two IMEI one for each slot. Do not confuse it with the serial number (S/N) - these are different data!

If you have lost the box and the phone does not turn on, do not panic: there are ways to find out IMEI even without access to the device itself. Next are detailed instructions with pictures and warnings about fraudulent schemes.

1. How to find out IMEI through Android settings

The easiest way is to look at IMEI in the settings menu. It works on all versions of Android (from 5.0 to 14), regardless of the shell (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS etc.). Instructions:

1. Open the application Settings (gear on the main screen).
2. Scroll down and select About phone (or About device on some models).
3. Click on General information → IMEI (may be called Phone ID).

One or two numbers will be displayed on the screen (for dual-SIM). To copy IMEI, hold your finger on the numbers - the copy menu will appear. Do not share this number. to strangers! Fraudsters can use it to clone a SIM card.

Open "Settings" → "About phone"

Find the "IMEI" or "Phone ID" section

Copy the number (hold your finger on the numbers)

Check with the data on the box (if yes)

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⚠️ Attention: On some Chinese smartphones (for example, Redmi Note 12 or Poco X5) the IMEI section may be hidden behind an additional menu. If not found, try the path: Settings → Advanced → Special features → Device information.

2. Universal code *#06# - works even without a SIM card

This method does not require the Internet or access to settings. Just enter a special command:

1. Open the application Phone (key). call).
2. Enter the combination: *#06#.
3. Press the call button (green handset).

After 1-2 seconds, a window with IMEI will appear on the screen. If you have dual-SIMthere will be two. numbers: IMEI 1 and IMEI 2. This method works even without a SIM card installed or when the screen is locked (if the emergency call mode is turned on).

⚠️ Attention: On some operators (for example, Tele2 or Iota), after entering *#06# an advertisement or an offer to switch to a tariff may appear. Just close the pop-up window - the IMEI will still be displayed.

3. Where to look for IMEI on the box and under the battery

If the phone does not turn on, check:

• 📦 Smartphone box: IMEI is usually indicated on the sticker next to the barcode. Look for the inscription IMEI: or IMEI1/IMEI2.
• 🔋 Under the battery: On older models (before 2018), the IMEI could be printed on a sticker under the battery. Relevant for Samsung Galaxy J-series or Lenovo A-series.
• 📄 Warranty card: In some service centers they put IMEI on the documents.

⚠️ Attention: If the IMEI on the box and in the phone settings do not match, this is a sign:

• Fakes (for example, fake iPhone for Android).
• Replacement of the motherboard (after repair).
• Flashing with data changes (often found on Meizu or ZTE).

What to do if the IMEI on the box and on the phone are different?

If you bought the phone secondhand and found a discrepancy, check it through the service IMEI.info (enter the number in the search) If the device status is “blacklisted” (on the black list), it may be stolen. device. Contact the police with a receipt or a sales contract.

4. How to find the IMEI through your Google account (if the phone is lost)

If the smartphone was stolen or it was lost, but was linked to account. Google, you can try to restore the IMEI through your Find My Device:

1. Go to the website Find My Device (from a computer or another phone).
2. Login using the same account as on the lost device.
3. Select your smartphone from the list (if there are several).
4. Click on the icon ℹ️ (information) - a window with data, including IMEI, will open.

This method works even if the phone is turned off, but requires:

• Active synchronization with Google (settings Security → Find My Device must be enabled).
• Connect to the Internet at least once after setting up the device.

⚠️ Attention: If an attacker reset the phone to factory settings, the data is in Find My Device may disappear. In this case, try contacting the communication store where you bought the device - they may have records with IMEI on the receipt.

5. Checking IMEI through the engineering menu (for advanced)

On some smartphones (especially on MediaTekchips) IMEI can be found in the engineering menu. Caution: wrong actions here can lead to system failure!

Instructions for Xiaomi, Realme, Oppo, Vivo:

1. Open application Phone.
2. Enter the code: ##4636##.
3. In the menu that opens, select Device information.
4. Scroll down to the block IMEI.

For Samsung (on processors Exynos):

1. Enter the code: *#0011#.
2. Click Menu (three dots) → Back → Service Mode.
3. Go to the tab [2] UE SETTINGS & INFO → [1] SETTINGS → [5] IMEI.

Brand	Code for the engineering menu	Notes
Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco	##4636##	Works on MIUI 12–14
Samsung	*#0011#	Only for Exynos models
Huawei/Honor	##2846579##	May require a password
Realme/Oppo/Vivo	*#808#	Works on ColorOS 7+

6. Alternative methods: receipts, operator accounts, backups

If none of the above methods worked, try:

• 📋 Receipt or contract purchases and sales: In documents from the official store (for example, Svyaznoy or M.VideoIMEI is usually indicated.
• 📱 Operator's personal account: U MTS, Beeline or MegaFon in the “My Devices” section the IMEI of the linked phone can be stored.
• ☁️ Backup copy: If you made a backup via Titanium Backup or Swift Backup, check the files with information about the device (folder /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db).
• 🔧 Service center: If the phone is under warranty, the service center can find the IMEI by serial number.

⚠️ Attention: Some scammers offer to “find out IMEI by phone number” for money. This is a scam! IMEI is not tied to the SIM card number and is not publicly stored in operator databases.

Through the phone settings

Code *#06#

On the smartphone box

Via Google account

Another method-->

7. Why IMEI is needed and how to use it

IMEI is useful in the following situations:

• 🔓 Unlocking phone: If you forgot the pattern key or PIN code, some service centers can reset the lock using IMEI (for example, for Samsung via Samsung Find My Mobile).
• 🛡️ Checking for originality: On the website IMEI.info you can find out the model, year of manufacture and status of the device (is it on the black list).
• 📡 Recovery after theft: When contacting the police, IMEI will help identify the phone if it is found.
• 🔄 Data transfer: Some backup apps (for example, Samsung Smart Switch) request IMEI for synchronization.

Important: Never share your IMEI on public forums or with strangers! Scammers can use it to clone your SIM card or block your device via operator.

If you are selling a phone, cover up the IMEI on the photo of the box before publishing an ad, scammers can use this number to register the device in their name through the operator.

8. Frequent mistakes and myths about IMEI

Let's look at common misconceptions:

• ❌ “IMEI can be changed programmatically”: On modern smartphones (Android 10+), IMEI is registered in modem and does not change without physical intervention (resoldering the chip). data-i="209">work only on old IMEI Changer only work on old ones MTKdevices and break the law.
• ❌ "IMEI and serial number are the same thing": No! assigned by the manufacturer for accounting, and IMEI - for identification in communication networks. They are not interchangeable.S/N) is assigned by the manufacturer for accounting purposes, and IMEI is assigned for identification in communication networks. They are not interchangeable.
• ❌ “The operator can block the phone by IMEI”: Yes, but only at the request of the police (if the device is stolen) or if the device is wanted. Operators do not block IMEI on their own for debts.

⚠️ Attention: If you bought a phone with a “broken” IMEI (for example, 000000000000000 or 490154203237518), this means that:

• The device was restored after a serious breakdown (the motherboard was replaced).
• The phone is blocked by the operator (for example, for non-payment under the contract).
• This is a fake (often found among fake iPhone or clones Xiaomi).

What to do if the IMEI is set to 000...000?

Such a phone will not work with SIM cards. The only way out is to contact a service center to flash the original IMEI (if you have a box with the correct number) or replace the motherboard. Repair cost: from 3,000 to 10,000. rubles depending on the model.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to find out IMEI by phone number?

No, this is not possible. they steal money.

What to do if the IMEI on the box and on the phone do not match?

This is a sign of a fake or replacement motherboard. Check the phone through IMEI.info. If the device status is "blacklisted", contact the police with a receipt.

How to find the IMEI on the phone. phone is turned off?

Look on the box, under the battery (if removable) or in the receipt. If there is nothing, try to find the IMEI in your Google account (Find My Device), if the phone was linked.

Is it possible to restore IMEI after resetting the settings?

IMEI is not erased when resetting. It is stored in a separate chip (modem) and does not depend on the firmware. If after resetting the IMEI becomes 000...000, this is a hardware problem.

Why do operators need IMEI?

Operators use IMEI. to identify devices on the network, block stolen phones and prevent fraud (for example, cloning SIM cards). You can also determine the phone model for traffic charging using IMEI.