Each mobile gadget running on an operating system Androidhas a unique digital identifier known as IMEI. This code consists of 15 digits and serves as a kind of “passport” for the device, allowing it to be distinguished from millions of other phones on the network. Knowing where to find and how to check this number is critically important for smartphone owners, as it is necessary to block a lost gadget, check the warranty, or confirm the originality of the device.
Often users are faced with the need to verify the data indicated on the box, in the system settings and on the device itself. Inconsistency This data may indicate that the smartphone was assembled from different parts, has been repaired with the replacement of the motherboard or is completely fake. In the era of a developed market for refurbished equipment and replicas, the ability to quickly access the factory identifier is becoming an essential skill.
There are several proven methods for obtaining this information, ranging from universal USSD commands that work on any phone to in-depth analysis through the engineering menu. In this article, we will analyze each method in detail, explain how to interpret the data received, and provide tools for independently checking the status of your device in global databases.
Universal method: combination of codes for verification
The fastest and most reliable way to find out the equipment ID is to use a special engineering team. This method works on 99% of all devices running Android, regardless of manufacturer, model or firmware version. You don't need to install third-party applications or have access to the Internet - just open the Phone or Dialer application, through which you make regular calls.
To activate the request, you need to type the following sequence of characters on the numeric keypad: *#06#. Once you enter the last pound sign, the dialog box will automatically close and a pop-up window with device information will instantly appear on the screen. On modern smartphones with support for two SIM cards, you will see two separate codes IMEI 1 and IMEI 2corresponding to each slot, as well as a code IMEI SV (Software Version), which indicates the software version of the radio module.
⚠️ Attention: On some custom firmware or in rare cases on devices of Chinese brands The pop-up window may not appear immediately. If nothing happens after entering the code, try pressing the call button (green handset), although this is not usually required for this command. Also make sure that the number hiding mode is not activated in the dialer, although it rarely affects system USSD requests.
The resulting numbers must be carefully check with the data printed on the original packaging (usually on a sticker with a barcode) and on the back cover of the device (if it is non-removable or is marked accordingly). Any discrepancy of even one figure should alert the buyer, especially when purchasing used equipment. This method is good in its simplicity, but it only shows what the software shell “sees,” so other tools may be required for in-depth diagnostics.
Search for IMEI through the Android system settings
If for some reason using the code is impossible or inconvenient (for example, the screen in the keyboard area is broken, but the touchscreen works in other areas), information can be found in the settings menu. The path to this data may differ slightly depending on shells manufacturer (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS, etc.), but the logic remains the same. Typically, information about the status of the device and its legal information is hidden in the lower sections of the menu.
To find the data, follow the path: Settings → About phone → Status (or "General Information"). In some versions Android you first need to click on “All Specifications” or “MIUI/Skin Version” several times to activate the advanced menu, but most often you just need to open the “About Phone” section. This is where a complete summary of the software and hardware of your gadget is stored.
If you have a smartphone with two SIM cards, both IMEI codes will be displayed in this menu. Write them both down, since when blocking a lost phone through an operator, you often need to indicate which slot was active or block both identifiers for reliability.
The advantage of this method is that not only the number itself is often displayed here, but also additional technical information, such as the device serial number (Serial Number), MAC addresses of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules, as well as the current status SIM cards This makes the “About Phone” section an excellent place for a comprehensive check before purchasing, when you have physical access to the device in the hands of the seller.
Physical marking and documentation of the device
Do not forget about the most traditional identification methods, which do not depend on the performance of the operating system. If the phone is turned off, discharged or is in a “bricked” state (does not boot), the only source of truthful information is physical tags. Manufacturers are required to apply a unique code to the device body to ensure its traceability even with completely non-functional software.
On modern smartphones with a non-removable battery, the marking is usually located on the back panel of the case. However, due to the desire for minimalism and seamless design, manufacturers often remove inscriptions from the visible part of the case. In this case, the only place where the original IMEI is guaranteed to be preserved is the factory one. It always has a sticker with a barcode and a set of numbers printed in a typographical way. packing box. It always has a sticker with a barcode and a set of numbers printed in a typographical way.
It is also worth looking at the warranty card or receipt, if they are preserved. In authorized service centers, during initial activation or repair, employees often enter or drive in the IMEI of the device into the accompanying documents. This creates an additional layer of verification: if the number on the box matches the number on the warranty card and on the receipt from the store, the likelihood that this is an honest product increases significantly.
☑️ Checking the physical marking
Authentication through online services
Just knowing the number is not enough - it is important to understand what it means and whether it is valid. After you have received a 15-digit code using any of the methods described above, it is recommended to run it through specialized databases. This will allow you to find out the device model, production date, warranty status and, most importantly, whether the device is included in black lists lost or stolen phones.
There are many resources for such a check. The official and most reliable source is the manufacturer’s website (for example, Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi), where you can check the warranty status by serial number or IMEI. However, aggregators are often used to generally check the “cleanliness” of devices. The table below shows the main parameters that you should pay attention to when analyzing the report:
| Verification parameter | What does it mean | Normal value |
|---|---|---|
| Device model | Compliance with the declared device | Exactly matches the name |
| Blocking status | Is it on the blacklist | Clean / Not Blacklisted |
| Date of production | Device age | Corresponds to the date of purchase |
| Country of sale | Region of origin | Coincides with the firmware version |
| Model Match | Confirms that the board inside matches the case | Yes / Match |
| Blacklist Status | Important for working with operators | Clear |
| Warranty Status | Active Is there a manufacturer's warranty? | Active / Expired |
| Sim-Lock | Is it locked to the operator? | Unlocked |
The use of online services is especially important when purchasing equipment second-hand or on ad sites. If the seller refuses to name the IMEI before the meeting or the data in the report does not coincide with reality (for example, an iPhone is indicated, but the IMEI shows a push-button Nokia), the deal is better stop. It is also worth considering that operator databases are not updated instantly, so a freshly stolen device may not yet be on the wanted list.
What is a “ref” or “refab”?
"Refurbished" is a device that was returned by the previous owner or had a defect, then refurbished at a factory or certified laboratory. These phones often sell for less than new ones. Checking IMEI helps to distinguish a high-quality factory refabricated product from a homemade assembly by showing the history of activations and repairs.
Engineering menu and hidden tests
For more advanced users who want to access hidden diagnostic functions, there is an engineering menu Android. This is a powerful tool that allows you to test various components of a smartphone, including the radio module, screen, speakers and sensors. This menu is also entered through special combinations, which may differ depending on the device processor (MediaTek, Qualcomm, Samsung).
The most common commands for entering the engineering menu:
- 📱 For devices on database MediaTek:
##3646633##or#15963# - 🔧 For devices Samsung:
#0#(test menu) or*#1234#(software version) - 📡 Universal command for the information menu:
##4636##
In the section Telephony or Phone Info engineering menu you can see not only the IMEI, but also the signal level in dBm, connection type (LTE/5G), preferred network settings and other technical statistics. Here, the function of resetting the radio module or switching between operating modes is often available, which can be useful when network loss. However, you should be extremely careful: changing unknown parameters in the engineering menu can lead to unstable operation of the phone or complete loss of connection.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and available commands in the engineering menu may vary depending on the version of Android and the manufacturer's policy. Some brands (for example, Huawei or new Xiaomi models) may block access to these menus in global firmware versions. Do not change settings that you do not understand, especially items related to calibrating antennas or resetting NVRAM.
The Engineering Menu is a powerful diagnostic tool, but for a simple IMEI check, the standard code *#06# is sufficient. Use advanced functions only if you are confident in your actions.
Applications for checking and saving data
Although system methods are preferable, there are many applications in the Google Play Market that duplicate this function and often offer additional features. Utilities such as "Device Info HW", "CPU-Z" or specialized "IMEI Checker" can be useful if the phone's standard menu is damaged or hidden. They read information directly from system files Android.
The main advantage of specialized applications is the ability to not only see the number, but also save it to the cloud, send it to yourself by email, or take a screenshot with a watermark of the verification date. This creates independent proof of the state of the device at a specific point in time. In addition, some applications can check authenticity components, comparing data about the processor and memory with a database of known characteristics.
However, when installing third-party software, you should be vigilant. Many free apps are full of ads or may ask for excessive permissions. For the simple task of viewing IMEI, it is better to use time-tested, highly rated utilities or make do with the built-in tools of the system. Remember that any application that has access to telephony can theoretically read your data, so trust only reputable developers.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to change IMEI on Android legally?
Changing (flashing) IMEI on most devices is illegal in many countries, as this violates the rules for identifying equipment in communication networks. This is technically possible on some older models or devices with an unlocked bootloader and root access through special utilities (for example, Xposed modules or engineering cables), but this will void the warranty, may lead to operator locking of the device and carries legal risks.
What to do if the IMEI is not readable or equal 000000000000000?
If you see zeros or “Unknown” instead of a number, this indicates a serious software error, damage to the NVRAM/NVM partition in the phone’s memory, or a hardware malfunction of the motherboard. In this case, the phone most likely will not catch the network. The device needs to be flashed with restoration of the EFS/NVRAM backup (if any) or repaired at a service center.
Does changing the SIM card affect the IMEI display?
No, the IMEI identifier itself is “hardwired” into the device and does not depend on the installed SIM card. However, in dual-SIM phones, when one of the cards is removed, the second IMEI may no longer be displayed in some menus, since the system does not see the physical presence of the module in the slot. The first IMEI (main) is usually always visible.
How to check the IMEI if the phone screen is broken and does not work?
If the sensor does not respond, but there is an image, you can try connecting a USB keyboard via an OTG adapter and dialing the code *#06#. If the image is completely missing, the only way is to remove the SIM tray (on some models the number is printed on the tray) or disassemble the device to find the sticker on the board, or read the data through a computer by connecting the phone in ADB mode (if debugging was enabled previously).