Unique identifiers of a smartphone are its “passport data”, which are useful when blocking the device, restoring access to an account, checking its originality, or contacting a service support. But where to look for them? Depending on the task, you may need IMEI (for telecom operators), serial number (for warranty service) or Android ID (for developers and some applications).

In this article we will analyze all the current methods of obtaining identifiers - from standard settings menus to hidden engineering codes and commands via a computer. We will pay special attention to the nuances for popular brands: Samsung, Xiaomi, Honor and others. And if your phone does not turn on or is locked, you will find a solution for this situation as well.

What is an Android phone ID and why do you need it?

The general term “phone ID” often means several types of identifiers. Let's look at the main ones:

  • 📱 IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) —a unique 15-digit code that is assigned to each mobile device. Used by operators for identification on the network, as well as for blocking the phone if lost.
  • 🔢 Serial Number (S/N) - factory identifier by which the manufacturer tracks the batch and production date. Needed for warranty repairs.
  • 🤖 Android ID —a 64-bit identifier generated by the system when it is first turned on. Used by applications for linking licenses and analytics (for example, in games).
  • 📊 MAC address —identifier of network interfaces (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth). May be needed for setting up routers or debugging connections.

When may a phone ID be required?

  • 🔒 Device blocking through the operator in case of theft (IMEI required).
  • 🛠️ Warranty repair — service center will ask for a serial number.
  • 🎮 Restoring purchases in games (Android ID required).
  • 🔄 Data Transfer between devices (for example, via Samsung Smart Switch).
  • 📡 Setting network filters on a router (MAC address).
⚠️ Attention: Some manufacturers (for example, Apple) use the code instead of IMEI MEID for devices with CDMA support. On Android smartphones, MEID is rare, but may be displayed in the information about it. modems Qualcomm.

Method 1: Through Android settings (without additional tools)

The easiest method is to look at the identifiers in the standard settings menu. Suitable for all modern versions of Android (from Android 8.0 Oreo to Android 15).

Instructions:

  1. Open application Settings (gear on the main screen or in the application menu).
  2. Go to the section O phone (on some firmware - About device or Phone information).
  3. Click on item General information or Device information.
  4. Scroll down to the blocks IMEI, Serial number and Model number.

Smartphones with dual SIM cards will display two IMEIs (one for each slot). data-i="86">they are designated as Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra they are designated as IMEI (Slot 1) i IMEI (Slot 2).

Item "About phone" in the settings menu|Section "General information" or "Information about device"|Blocks with IMEI and serial number|The presence of two IMEIs for Dual-SIM models-->

⚠️ Attention: On some custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) the path to the identifiers may differ. If you do not find the section About phone, use the search in the settings (magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner).
Brand Path to IMEI/serial number Features
Samsung Settings → About phone → Information about the phone IMEI is duplicated on the sticker under the battery (if removable)
Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco Settings → About phone → All characteristics The serial number may be hidden behind the item Status SIM cards
Honor/Huawei Settings → About phone → Device information On older models, IMEI is displayed only for the active SIM card
Google Pixel Settings → System → About phone Android ID can be found via Settings → Google → Google Services → Advertising

Method 2: Through engineering USSD codes

If the phone is turned on, but access to settings is limited (for example, due to a broken screen), you can use data-i="110">. They work even without a SIM card. service codes. They work even without a SIM card.

Basic commands:

  • 📞 *#06# —shows IMEI (or two IMEIs for Dual-SIM) Works on 99% of devices.
  • 🔢 ##4636## —opens. testing menu, where in the section Device information you can see IMEI, serial number and MAC addresses.
  • 📡 ##232338## - displays the Wi-Fi MAC address (on some firmware).

How to enter codes:

  1. Open the application Phone (dial pad).
  2. Enter the combination (for example, *#06#) and press the call button.
  3. IMEI will be displayed as pop-up window or in the testing menu.

On devices with Android 12+, some engineering codes may be blocked by the manufacturer. In this case, use alternative methods (for example, through the settings or the box).

Through the settings|Via code *#06#|On the box/under the battery|I didn’t know about IMEI-->

Method 3: On the box or under the battery

If the phone does not turn on or is locked, identifiers can be found on physical media:

  • 📦 Box from phone — IMEI and serial number are usually indicated on a sticker with a barcode (often under the lid of the box).
  • 🔋 Under the battery —on older models with a removable battery (for example, Samsung Galaxy J5 2016), the IMEI is duplicated on the sticker.
  • 📄 Warranty card —the serial number and IMEI can be written down in the documents.

How to check the authenticity of the IMEI on the box?

Compare the code on the box with what is displayed on the screen after entering *#06#. If they do not match, the device could be reflashed, restored after theft, or is a fake.

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

This is an alarm! Possible reasons:

1. The phone was restored after theft (IMEI could have been changed by scammers).

2. The device is a replica (clone of the original model).

3. The manufacturer replaced the motherboard under warranty, but did not update the data on the box.

Recommendations:

- Check the phone through the service IMEI.info (enter the code on the website).

- Contact the official brand support to check serial number.

- If you bought it secondhand, demand a refund or contact the police (if you suspect theft).

Method 4: Through a computer (ADB and Fastboot)

For advanced users or if the phone does not respond to touches, you can get identifiers via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or Fastboot. You will need:

  • 🖥️ Computer with installed drivers Android SDK.
  • 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
  • 🔧 Enabled USB debugging on the phone (if it turns on).

Instructions for ADB (if the phone turns on):

  1. Connect the phone to the PC and enable debugging (pop-up window on the screen smartphone).
  2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and enter:
adb shell getprop ro.boot.serialno

For IMEI:

adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 3

Instructions for Fastboot (if the phone does not turn on, but boots into Fastboot Mode):

  1. Hold button Power + Volume Down to enter Fastboot.
  2. Connect your phone to the PC and enter:
fastboot oem get_imei

or

fastboot getvar all
adb shell dumpsys iphonesubinfo —in the output, find the line Device ID (this is IMEI).-->
⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Huawei s processors Kirin) ADB commands to obtain IMEI may be blocked by the manufacturer. In this case, only physical access to the sticker or box will help.

Method 5: Through a Google account (for locked devices)

If the phone is locked with a pattern or PIN code, but is connected to your account Google, you can try to find the IMEI through the company's services:

  1. Go to the page Manage your Google account (log in).
  2. Select the section Security → Your devices.
  3. Find the blocked phone in the list and click on it.
  4. The device information may display the IMEI or serial number (not on all models).

An alternative is to use Google Find My Device:

  1. Open device search page.
  2. Select a locked phone from list.
  3. IMEI is sometimes displayed in the device information (depending on the model and version of Android).

Method limitations:

  • ❌ IMEI is not displayed for all devices (depending on the manufacturer's policy).
  • ❌ The serial number is almost never displayed is shown in your Google account.
  • ❌ If the phone is disconnected from the network, the data may not be updated.
💡

The method through a Google account only works if the phone was previously linked to this account and had access to the Internet. For new or reset devices, the method is useless.

Method 6: Through specialized applications

There are utilities that collect all information about the device in one place. Popular options: Google Play There are utilities that collect all information about the device in one place. Popular options:

  • 📱 CPU-Z —shows IMEI, serial number, motherboard model and other technical data.
  • 🔍 AIDA64 —detailed information about hardware and software, including all identifiers.
  • 🛠️ Device ID —specialized application for displaying IMEI, Android ID, MAC addresses and other IDs.

How to use (for example CPU-Z):

  1. Install the application from Google Play.
  2. Open it and go to the tab Device (or Device).
  3. Scroll to block IMEI or Serial Number.

Application advantages:

  • ✅ Convenient interface with grouping of all data.
  • ✅ Ability to copy identifiers to the clipboard.
  • ✅ Additional information (for example, processor temperature, kernel version).
⚠️ Attention: Avoid applications with suspicious permissions (for example, access to SMS or contacts) only to display IMEI. Enough rights to access device information (READ_PHONE_STATE).

Method 7: For developers - obtain Android ID

Android ID (or SSAID) is a unique identifier that is generated when the device is first started and is saved until the settings are reset. It is often requested by developers to link licenses or analytics.

How to find out Android ID:

  1. Install the application Device ID (from Evozi) from Google Play.
  2. Open it and find the field Android ID (usually at the top of the list).

Alternatively, via ADB:

adb shell settings get secure android_id

Android Features ID:

  • 🔄 Changes after resetting the settings (Factory Reset).
  • 📱 Same for all users on the same device (unlike Advertising ID, which can be reset).
  • 🔒 Some applications (for example, games) may block access if Android ID has changed.
How is Android ID different from Advertising ID?

Android ID is a system identifier that cannot be reset without a full reset. It is used to link data inside the device (for example, saves in games). Advertising ID (or GAID) is an identifier for targeted advertising, which the user can reset in the settings (Settings → Google → Advertising → Reset advertising identifierIt is not tied to hardware and changes more often.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

When searching for identifiers, users often encounter typical problems:

  • 🔍 IMEI is not displayed in the settings - check if the section is hidden by the manufacturer (for example, on some Huawei after sanctions). Try the code *#06#.
  • 📱 The phone does not turn on - look for IMEI on the box or under the battery (if removable). For non-separable models (for example, iPhone or Google Pixel), contact the service center.
  • 🔧 ADB does not see the device - check the drivers, turn it on USB debugging and try another cable (preferably original).
  • 🔢 The serial number on the box and on the phone do not match. - this may indicate a fake or replacement of the motherboard. Check the device via IMEI.info.

If none of the methods worked:

  1. Try to connect the phone to another device via OTG and read the data as an external drive (on some firmware the IMEI is stored in a file /efs/imei/imei).
  2. Contact the brand's service center with a receipt or warranty card - they will be able to extract the data through specialized software.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to change IMEI on Android?

Technically yes, but this illegal in most countries (including Russia) Changing IMEI is prosecuted under the article of fraud (Article 159.6 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), as it is often used. to legalize stolen phones. An exception is the official replacement of IMEI by a service center after repairing the motherboard.

If you are offered to “flash a new IMEI” for money, this is a scam. After such intervention, the phone may lose connection with the network or be blocked by the operator.

What to do if the IMEI is missing. or shows "0"?

This is a sign of a software failure or damage to the partition EFS (where the IMEI is stored). Possible reasons:

  • Unsuccessful firmware or reset.
  • Damage after a fall or moisture.
  • Virus software that modified system files.

Solutions:

  1. Restore the backup copy of the partition EFS (if any).
  2. Flash the phone with the official firmware via Odin (for Samsung) or Fastboot.
  3. Contact the service center - they can restore IMEI using the data from the box.
How to check a phone by IMEI before buying?

Before buying a used phone, be sure to check it history:

  1. Enter IMEI on the website IMEI.info —the model, year of manufacture and status will be displayed there (is it on the black list).
  2. Check IMEI through the operator service (for example, MTS, Beeline they have their own databases of stolen items phones).
  3. Compare the IMEI on the box, in the phone (*#06#) and in the settings - they must match.

If the seller refuses to show the IMEI before purchase, this is reason to be wary.

Is it possible to find a phone by serial number?

No, the serial number itself does not help with geolocation. However, it is needed for:

  • Verifying the authenticity of the device through the manufacturer's official website (for example, Samsung or Xiaomi).
  • Contact support to block the device (along with IMEI).
  • Warranty repairs - without a serial number, the service center may refuse service.

To search for a phone, use Google Find My Device (using your Google account) or manufacturer services (for example, Samsung Find My Mobile).

What is MEID and how does it differ from IMEI?

MEID (Mobile Equipment Identifier) is an analogue of IMEI for networks CDMA (used in the USA, Japan, Korea) Differences:

  • IMEI - 15 digits, MEID - 14 digits (or). 15 with a checksum).
  • IMEI is used in networks GSM/LTE, MEID is used in CDMA.
  • On modern Android smartphones, MEID is rarely found (usually only on older models for the American market).

To find out the MEID, enter *#06# —if the device supports it, the code will be displayed next to the IMEI.