Each smartphone based on Android has a unique identifier - IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity). This 15-digit code is needed to activate the device on a mobile network, block it if lost, check for originality, and even unlock it after a reset. But how can you find it if the phone doesn’t turn on, there’s no box, and nothing is clear in the settings?

In this article we will examine all possible ways viewing IMEI on Android —from standard (via the menu or USSD code) to emergency (if the smartphone does not respond to buttons). Special instructions are provided for popular brands: Samsung, Xiaomi, Honor/Huawei, Realme and others. You will also learn what to do if the IMEI is missing or displayed incorrectly.

What is IMEI and why do you need it

IMEI (from English International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique number of your phone, which is assigned at the production stage. It consists of 15 digits and is divided into 4 parts:

  • 🔢 Allocation type (first 2 digits) - encodes the country of origin.
  • 📱 Device model (next 6 digits) - series identifier smartphone.
  • 🔄 Serial number (6 more digits) - unique for each instance.
  • 🔐 Control number (last) - checks the correctness of the entire code.

IMEI is used for:

  • 📶 Connecting to a mobile network (without it the SIM card will not work).
  • 🔒 Blocking the phone if it is stolen (the operator can blacklist the IMEI).
  • 🛠️ Checks for originality (by IMEI you can find out if it’s a clone).
  • 🔄 Recovery after a reset (some firmware requires IMEI for activation).
⚠️ Attention: On smartphones with two SIM cards (Dual SIM) will be two IMEI —one for each slot. Both codes are important for the correct operation of the network.

Method 1: Find out IMEI via USSD code (*#06#)

The fastest and most universal method is use service code. It works on any Android smartphone, regardless of the model and firmware version, even if the phone is locked with a pattern.

Instructions:

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

After 1-2 seconds, a window with one or two IMEI numbers will appear on the screen (if you have Dual SIM). You can copy them manually or take a screenshot.

💡

If the code *#06# does not work, try dialing it in Emergency call (on the locked screen).

Method 2: View IMEI in settings Android

If the phone is turned on and you have access to the menu, the IMEI can be found in the settings. The path may differ slightly depending on the version Android and shell (MIUI, One UI, EMUI etc.), but the general logic is the same.

General algorithm:

  1. Open Settings (gear in the application menu).
  2. Go to section About phone (or About device).
  3. Find item General information, Software information or Status.
  4. Tap on IMEI or IMEI information.

Examples for popular brands:

Brand Path to IMEI
Samsung (One UI) Settings → About phone → Software information → Status
Xiaomi (MIUI) Settings → About phone → All characteristics → Status IMEI
Honor/Huawei (EMUI) Settings → About phone → Status → IMEI
Realme/Oppo (ColorOS) Settings → About phone → Status → IMEI
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, LineageOS or custom) the item with IMEI may be missing. In this case, use other methods.

Method 3: Find IMEI on the box or under the battery

If the phone does not turn on or is locked, you can find out the IMEI without access to the systemTo do this, check:

  • 📦 Smartphone box — usually IMEI is indicated on a sticker along with the serial number (S/N).
  • 🔋 Slot under the battery — on older models (before 2018) IMEI was printed on a sticker under the battery.
  • 📄 Warranty card —sometimes duplicated there.
  • 💳 SIM card tray —on some models Samsung i Apple IMEI is engraved on tray.

Location examples:

Where to look for IMEI on popular models

  • Samsung Galaxy S23: sticker on the box and in the settings (not under the battery).
  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: IMEI on the box and in the menu: Settings → About phone non-removable (as on most modern smartphones), proceed to the next method. Settings → About phone.
  • Honor 90: Duplicated on the SIM card tray (in small print).
  • Google Pixel 7: only on the box and in the settings (no physical sticker).

If there is no box and the battery is not removable (as on most modern smartphones), proceed to the next method.

Method 4: Viewing IMEI through Engineering Mode (for advanced)

On some smartphones (especially on MediaTek and older Qualcomm) IMEI can be viewed via engineering menu. This method is suitable if the standard methods do not work, but requires caution - do not change the settings in this menu unless necessary!

Instructions for MediaTek:

  1. Open the application Phone.
  2. Enter the code: ##36446337## (or ##4636##).
  3. Go to the tab Information or CDS Information.
  4. Find items IMEI1 and IMEI2 (for Dual SIM).

For Qualcomm Snapdragon:

  1. Enter code: ##4636##.
  2. Select Usage statistics → Phone information.
  3. Scroll down to blocks IMEI SV or IMEI.
⚠️ Attention: Not all manufacturers allow access to the engineering menu. On Samsung and Google Pixel these codes can be blocked.

Method 5: Find out IMEI through a computer. (ADB or Google Account)

If the phone is turned on, but the screen does not work (for example, it is broken), IMEI can be pulled out through ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or linked Google Account.

Method 1: Via ADB (enabled debugging required USB):

  1. Connect your smartphone to the PC via USB.
  2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux).
  3. Enter the command: 
    adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 3
  4. IMEI will be displayed in the response (look for a line with numbers).

Method 2: Through Google Account (if the phone was synchronized):

  1. Go to page Find device (required authorization).
  2. Select your smartphone from the list.
  3. IMEI will be listed in the device information (not on all models).

USB debugging is enabled Settings → For developers|Installed ADB drivers on PC|USB cable is working and supports data transfer|Smartphone is unlocked (if the screen works)

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What to do if IMEI is missing or incorrect

Sometimes zeros are displayed instead of IMEI (000000000000000), error (Invalid IMEI) or the field is empty. This may mean:

  • 🔧 Firmware reset — IMEI was erased after an incorrect update or reset.
  • 🛠️ Hardware failure — the communication module is damaged (antenna, modem).
  • 📵 Software glitch —an error in the operation of the shell (a reboot will help).
  • 🚨 Clone or fake —the device is not original.

Solutions:

  1. Reboot the phone - sometimes the IMEI appears after a reboot.
  2. Update the firmware via official software (Samsung Smart Switch, Xiaomi PC Suite etc.).
  3. If the IMEI disappeared after the firmware, restore it via Engineering Mode (requires root access).
  4. Contact a service center - if the problem is hardware, repairs will be required.
IMEI cannot be changed legally - this violates the laws of most countries. Restoration is possible only if it was lost due to a failure, and not intentionally deleted.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about IMEI on Android

Is it possible to find out IMEI if the phone is turned off and there is no box?

Yes, if you have access to Google Accountto which the smartphone is linked. Go to page Find device —IMEI may be displayed there. Also try to look at the sticker under the battery (if the battery is removable) or on the SIM card tray.

Why do I have two IMEIs if I use one SIM card?

Modern smartphones often support Dual SIM (two SIM cards), even if you only use one. Therefore, the device has two IMEIs - one for each slot. The second IMEI will be inactive, but is displayed in the settings.

Is it possible to track the location of the phone using IMEI?

No, IMEI is not a GPS tracker. It is only needed to identify the device in the operator’s network. You can track your location only through Google Account (if geolocation is enabled) or a telecom operator (at the request of law enforcement agencies).

What happens if IMEI goes black list?

If the operator or law enforcement agencies blacklist IMEI (for example, in case of theft), the phone stops picking up the mobile network in the country. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other functions will remain working, but calls and mobile data will be blocked.

How to check if the IMEI is original?

Check IMEI on official services:

  • For Samsung: support site (section "Authentication").
  • For Xiaomi: enter IMEI on the page mi.com/verify.
  • Universal service: imei.info (will show the model and country of manufacture).

If the data does not match your phone, it is a fake or a clone.

Via the code *#06#|In the phone settings|On the box or sticker|Via the engineering menu|I don’t know what IMEI is

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