The IMEI identifier is a unique digital code that is assigned to each mobile device during its production. This number serves as a kind of digital passport of the smartphone, allowing telecom operators and manufacturers to identify specific equipment on the global network. For gadget owners, knowing this combination of numbers is critical when blocking a lost device, verifying the authenticity of the device, or restoring access to accounts.

In the operating system Android there are many ways to access this information, even if the screen is broken or the device does not turn on completely. The developers have provided several levels of access to system data, which allows the user to find the necessary code in a variety of situations. Understanding where to look for this data can save valuable time in an emergency.

In this article we will look in detail at all possible methods of obtaining an ID, from simple combinations in the dialer to more complex technical methods via USB debugging. We will also discuss why this number consists of 15 digits and what is hidden behind each group of characters. Regardless of the model of your smartphone, be it budget Xiaomi or flagship Samsung, you will be able to find the necessary information.

Using a universal USSD code

The fastest and most time-tested method is to enter a special command in the calling application. This method works on the vast majority of devices running Android, regardless of the version of the operating system or the manufacturer's shell. You do not need Internet access or a SIM card, since the request is processed at the base phone firmware level.

To complete this procedure, open the standard Phone application that you use to dial numbers. Enter a sequence of characters *#06#. Once you enter the last pound sign, the dialog box will close automatically and a pop-up window with device information will appear on the screen.

⚠️ Attention: On some dual-SIM smartphone models, this window may display two different IMEI codes. This is normal, since each slot has its own unique identifier for registration on the network.

If a long list of numbers is displayed on your screen, pay attention to the first line marked as IMEI or IMEI 1. This is the number most often required for registration in databases or checking the warranty. It is usually not possible to copy it directly from this window, so it is recommended to take a screenshot or rewrite the numbers manually.

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If the code *#06# does not work, try entering it without the hash symbol at the end or check if you have a third-party dialer installed that may block system commands.

Searching for information in system settings

If the phone screen is damaged and the sensor does not respond well to quick presses, or you want to find out the code without using the keyboard, you can go to the settings menu. The path to this information may differ slightly depending on the version Android and custom shell, but the logic remains the same for the entire ecosystem.

Open the “Settings” section and scroll the list to the very bottom. Find "About phone", "About device" or "System". Inside this section, you must select “General Information” or go directly to the “Status” line. This is where all the technical data about your gadget is stored, including the serial number and firmware version.

In the list that opens, find the line IMEI. On modern smartphones with two SIM card slots, two numbers will be indicated. There is often a copy button next to the numbers, which allows you to instantly save the code to the clipboard for later pasting into the browser or instant messenger.

  • 📱 Open “Settings” on the main screen or in the notification shade.
  • 📉 Scroll down to the “About phone” or “System” section.
  • ℹ️ Select the “Status” or “General Information” item.
  • 🔍 Find the IMEI line and copy the value.

It is worth noting that the names of the items may vary on devices from different manufacturers. For example, on Huawei it may be hidden in the “Status” submenu, and on a clean Android (like Pixel) it can be located immediately in the “Advanced” section. If you cannot find the item you need, use the search in the settings by entering the word “IMEI” or “Status”.

📊 Where do you most often look for IMEI?
In the phone settings
Through the code *#06#
On box
I don’t know where to look

Physical markings and documentation

When the device is completely discharged or shows no signs of life, the only source of information is the physical marking. Manufacturers are required to apply a unique code to the device body or on special stickers. This is the main method of identification if software methods are not available.

On modern smartphones, where the battery is non-removable, a sticker with a barcode and numbers is most often located on the back cover. However, if the case is made of glass or metal and does not have factory stickers, look for fine print engravings right on the surface. On older models with a removable battery, this data is located under it, on the inner panel of the case.

Also, do not throw away the original box from the device. On one of its faces there is always a sticker with technical information, including IMEI, serial number and model. This method is reliable, since the information on the box is duplicated from the data hardwired into the phone's memory during assembly.

⚠️ Attention: If you buy a used phone, be sure to check the IMEI on the box, on the case (if there is a sticker) and in the software menu. A discrepancy between the numbers is a sure sign that the device has been repaired or has been restored in a non-original way.

For some models, especially protected or specialized ones, the code may be laser engraved on the end of the device. Carefully inspect the frame of the smartphone in good lighting. Sometimes these numbers are barely noticeable and merge with the color of the case, so you may need a magnifying glass or macro photography on the camera of another phone.

Verification through a Google account

Owners of Android devices have the opportunity to remotely find out the IMEI of their phone if they are logged into their Google account and synchronization is enabled. This is a great way for those who have lost their phone or simply want to check data without access to the gadget itself.

Go to the official website of the Google Find My Device service from any computer or other smartphone. Log in using the same Google account that was used on the device you are looking for. If the phone was online at least once after turning it on, it will appear in the list of devices.

After selecting a specific device in the service interface, often at the bottom of the screen or in an additional menu with information (the “i” icon), you can see detailed technical data. The exact identifier will be indicated there, which coincides with the factory one.

What to do if the phone is not displayed in Google?

If the device is not visible in the list, it means that it either never connected to the Internet with this account, or the account was completely deleted from the device before the connection was lost. In this case, the method will not work.

It is important to understand that for this method to work, the device must have been online at least briefly after being lost or disconnected. If your phone has been in airplane mode or turned off since the last sync, your data may not be updated. However, this is one of the most convenient methods for remote identification.

Using ADB and computer diagnostics

For advanced users who need to access data on a phone with a broken screen, the method of using USB debugging is suitable. If the “USB Debugging” mode was previously activated on the device, you can extract the IMEI through a computer using the platform ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

First, connect the smartphone to the PC via a USB cable. Make sure that the drivers for your device and the ADB utility itself are installed on your computer. Open a command line or terminal in the platform tools folder and enter the command to test the connection:

adb devices

If the device is detected, use the following command to obtain the identifier directly from the system:

adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 1

The result of the command will be an encoded string where you will need to find a 15-digit number. This is your IMEI. This method is universal and works even when the touch screen is completely unresponsive, but the system boots.

Method Access to the screen is required Internet required Difficulty
USSD code *#06# Yes (for dialing) No Low
Android settings Yes No Low
Sticker/Box No No Low
Google Find My Device No Yes (previously) Average
ADB Commands No No High
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Using ADB is the only way to get IMEI without access to the screen if USB debugging has not been enabled in advance.

Structure and decoding of the code

The IMEI number (International Mobile Equipment Identity) consists of 15 digits in the format AA-BBBBBB-CCCCCC-D. Understanding the structure of this code helps you better navigate the technical characteristics of the device and understand what information it carries.

The first 8 digits are known as TAC (Type Allocation Code). They indicate the device model and its origin. Using these numbers, you can determine the manufacturer, for example Sony, Nokia or Apple, as well as the specific model. The next 6 digits are the serial number of the device, unique for each instance of this model.

The last, 15th digit, is the control one. It is calculated using the Luhn algorithm based on the previous 14 digits and serves to check the correctness of the entire number. If, when entering the code into the database, the checksum does not match, the system will report an error, which helps to avoid typos during registration.

  • 🔢 TAC (8 digits): Identifies the model and manufacturer.
  • 🆔 Serial number (6 digits): Unique number of a specific device.
  • ✅ Check digit (1 digit): Checking the correctness of the input.

In devices with support for two SIM cards, the concept of IMEI-SV is often used, where another digit of the software version is added, but is used for basic identification in networks standard 15-digit format. Knowledge of this structure is useful when manually checking codes for authenticity through online services.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to change IMEI on Android?

Technically, it is possible to change IMEI using special software and root access, but in most countries this action is illegal. Telecom operators can block a device with a changed identifier, and this also deprives you of the warranty and the possibility of legal recovery if stolen.

What to do if the IMEI is not readable (Null/Unknown)?

If “Null” or “Unknown” is displayed in the settings instead of numbers, this indicates damage to the software (NVRAM) or problems with the motherboard. In this case, the phone may not see the network. A flashing with restoration of the EFS/NVRAM backup copy or repair at a service center is required.

Why do you need IMEI when buying a used phone?

Using IMEI you can check whether the device is listed in the databases of stolen phones, whether it is blocked by the operator for non-payment of bills and whether it is original. This is a mandatory step before buying a smartphone in person, allowing you to avoid purchasing a “brick.”

Does the IMEI on the box and in the phone match?

Yes, on an original, unopened device, the IMEI numbers on the box, on the sticker (if any) and in the software menu must match completely. A discrepancy of even one digit indicates that the box was changed, the phone was opened, or it was restored using a homemade method.

Is it possible to find out IMEI by phone number?

It is impossible for an ordinary user to find out IMEI only by phone number. This information is stored by telecom operators, but they do not have the right to disclose it to third parties without a request from law enforcement agencies as part of a criminal case.