Searching for a unique device identifier often becomes a necessity when registering on specialized portals, warranty service, or linking corporate accounts. Tablet ID can be hidden under different names depending on the manufacturer and version of the operating system, which confuses inexperienced users. Understanding the difference between IMEI, serial number and Android ID is critical for the correct completion of the task.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods for finding the treasured numbers, starting from the standard settings menu and ending with the use of engineering codes. Android provides flexible diagnostic tools, which many gadget owners even know about They have no idea. You can find the information you need in a couple of minutes without installing third-party software.
Differences between types of identifiers
Before you start searching, you need to clearly understand what kind of code is required from you. The term "ID" is collective and in different situations implies completely different sets of characters. Confusion here is unacceptable, since entering an incorrect number can lead to registration refusal or activation error.
Most often, an identifier means one of three parameters. IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique equipment number assigned to each device with a cellular communication module. It is used by operators to identify the device on the network and block stolen gadgets.
If the tablet works only via Wi-Fi, it does not have an IMEI, but it does have SSID or MAC address network adapter. The third option is Android ID, a software identifier generated by the operating system during the first setup. It is used by application developers and Google services to link a device to an account.
⚠️ Attention: Serial number (S/N) and IMEI are different things, although some service centers may use them interchangeably. Always check with support what kind of data format they need.
For clarity, consider the main differences in the table below:
| ID type | Where it is used | Availability of SIM card |
|---|---|---|
| IMEI | Cellular networks, warranty, blocking | Required |
| Android ID | Applications, Google services, advertising | Not required |
| Serial number (S/N) | Warranty, factory registration | Not required |
| MAC address | Wi-Fi routers, access filtering | Not required |
Searching for information through the settings menu
The easiest and safest way to find out the necessary data is to use the standard interface of the operating system. Tablet manufacturers, such as Samsung, Xiaomi or Lenovomay organize the menu structure slightly differently, but the general principle remains the same for all versions. Android.
You will need to go to the Settings section and scroll the list to the very bottom. Typically, the information you are looking for is hidden in item About tablet or About device. In some shells, this section may be called System or General information.
After entering the section, you will see basic information: model, firmware version and device name. To see the full data, you often need to click on an additional button or line. Look for the inscription Status, General information or just tap on the model name several times.
If the "About tablet" item is not immediately visible, use the search bar at the top of the settings menu and enter the word "status" or "imei".
The list that opens will list all available identifiers. Pay attention to the lines IMEI 1 (if there is a SIM slot), Serial number and Device ID. Write down the required numbers or take a screenshot of the screen so as not to confuse the characters when entering.
The interface may differ depending on the OS version. On older devices running Android 6.0 the path may look like Settings → About phone → Status. On modern versions Android 12-14 the path is often shortened to Settings → About tablet, where all data is displayed on the main screen of the section.
☑️ Search algorithm in settings
Using engineering USSD codes
For tablets with cellular support, there is a quick method for obtaining technical data through a set of special commands. This method works directly with the device’s modem and provides information in the diagnostic window, bypassing the graphical settings interface.
Open the standard application Phone or Dialer. Enter the universal code *#06#. Immediately after entering the last hash, a pop-up window with technical data should appear on the screen.
*#06#In the window that appears, you will see the IMEI for each SIM card slot, as well as IMEI SV (software version module). If the tablet supports two SIM cards, two different IMEI numbers will be displayed. The device serial number (S/N) is also often indicated here.
This method is extremely convenient when the touch screen does not work correctly or the settings menu is blocked. However, remember that on tablets without a communication module (Wi-Fi version), this code may not work or generate an error, since there is no hardware to work with cellular operator networks.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use third-party applications to dial codes. Enter the combination only into the standard system dialer to avoid data interception by malware.
Checking the physical markings of the case
If the device does not turn on or the screen is completely broken, the only way to find out the identifier is to inspect the physical case. Manufacturers are required to apply factory markings to each device before releasing it for sale.
Carefully inspect the back cover of the tablet. On most modern models, such as Huawei or Lenovo, the information sticker is located at the bottom of the case. It shows the model, serial number and IMEI.
If the sticker on the case is missing or has worn off over time, check the original packaging. The box always contains a barcode and text information with duplication of all identification numbers. This is the most reliable source of data if the gadget itself is inaccessible.
For some models, for example, older versions Samsung Galaxy Tab with a non-removable cover, information may be hidden under the battery. If the back cover is removable, carefully remove the battery and look for the white label inside the compartment.
What to do if the sticker has worn off?
If the factory sticker is unreadable and the box is lost, try connecting the tablet to your computer via USB. In Windows Device Manager or through utilities such as ADB, you can read the serial number if the drivers are installed correctly.
Viewing data in your Google account
A unique software identifier Android ID is often required to link the device to Google services or to run specific applications. This number is not indicated on the box and is not displayed via a USSD code, but it can be found in the user’s personal account.
Go to the browser on any convenient device and go to the Google device management page. You will need to log in with the same account that is used on the tablet. Follow the path Security → Your devices.
In the list of connected gadgets, find your tablet. By clicking on it, you will see detailed information, including the model, date of last activity and sometimes the software ID. However, it is worth noting that Google does not always display the full Android ID publicly for privacy reasons.
To obtain the Android ID, it is often easier to use third-party utilities, since Google's privacy policy limits direct viewing of this parameter by the user. However, checking the list of devices helps ensure that the tablet is correctly registered in the ecosystem.
If you critically need a 16-digit hexadecimal Android ID, it is better to use a special application from the store Google Play, since it is difficult to see it using system tools without superuser rights.
Using applications for diagnostics
When standard methods do not provide a complete answer or the interface is too confusing, specialized utilities come to the rescue. The store Play Market presents many free applications that collect all available information about hardware and software in one place.
Popular apps such as Device Info HW, AIDA64 or Phone Info SAMprovide comprehensive data. Once installed and launched, such an application automatically scans the system and displays a report.
- 📱 Device Info HW —shows detailed data about the processor, sensors and unique network identifiers.
- 🔍 AIDA64 —a professional diagnostic tool that displays Android ID, IMEI and MAC addresses in the "System" section.
- 🛠️ Phone Info SAM —ideal for Samsung owners, providing access to hidden menus and service codes.
Installing such software takes only a couple of minutes. Launch the application, go to the System or Devicetab. There you will find lines Android ID, Serial Number and other technical parameters in an easy-to-copy format.
Third-party diagnostic utilities are the fastest way to find out the Android ID, which is hidden from the user in the standard system settings.
Using trusted applications is safe if you download them exclusively from the official Google Play store. Avoid dubious apps that require excessive permissions that are not related to hardware diagnostics.
Frequently asked questions and problems
Why does the code *#06# not work on my tablet?
This code only works on devices with a cellular module (LTE/3G). If you have a Wi-Fi-only version of the tablet, it does not physically have an IMEI, so the code will not produce results. In this case, use the settings menu to search for the serial number.
Is it possible to change Android ID without root access?
On standard firmware, it is impossible to change Android ID without superuser rights (Root). This identifier is generated upon first launch and is stored in a protected memory section. Resetting to factory settings in some cases can regenerate it, but this is not guaranteed on new versions of Android.
Where can I find the MAC address for filtering in the router?
The MAC address of the Wi-Fi module is in the menu Settings → About tablet → Status. It can also be viewed in the section Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → Advanced. It has the format XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX.
Is it safe to enter IMEI on third-party devices? websites?
Enter IMEI only on the official websites of manufacturers or trusted warranty verification services. Transferring this number to fraudsters theoretically allows you to clone the device's identity for illegal activities, although in practice this is difficult to implement.