Each modern smartphone based on the operating system Android has a unique identifier, which is necessary for its registration in cellular networks and identification of the device in operator databases. This code is called IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) and is a sequence of 15 digits. Knowing this number is critical in situations where a device is lost or stolen, as it can be used by law enforcement agencies and telecom operators to block the device, rendering it useless to attackers.
There are several proven methods for obtaining this information, ranging from universal engineering codes to physical inspection of the case or packaging. Users often need to know this data not only to protect against theft, but also when reselling a gadget, warranty service, or verifying the authenticity of the device before purchasing it in person. Access to this data is open to every owner, and the procedure for obtaining it does not require special technical skills or root access.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the possible ways to find out what key combination is on your Android phone for which is the fastest solution. We will also look at alternative options through the system menu, physical stickers and special applications so that you can choose the most convenient method for your specific situation and smartphone model.
Using a universal USSD combination
The fastest and most reliable way to find out IMEI on any device running Android is use of a special service team. This method works on the vast majority of phones, regardless of the manufacturer, version of the operating system or installed shell. You do not need to connect to the Internet or have an active SIM card in the slot, since the request is processed at the level of the modem's basic software.
To complete the procedure, you need to open the standard “Phone” or “Dialer” application, which is usually located on the main screen or in the quick access panel. Enter the following sequence of characters on the numeric keypad: *#06#. As soon as you enter the last character (pound), a pop-up window with device information will automatically appear on the screen. There is no need to press the call button - the system responds instantly.
In the window that opens, you will see one or more lines with numbers. If your smartphone supports dual SIM cards, two different numbers will be displayed: the first for the first slot (IMEI 1) and the second for the second slot (IMEI 2). A number IMEI: first for the first slot (IMEI 1) and second for the second slot (IMEI 2). The number may also be displayed IMEI SVmay also be displayed, which contains information about the device software version, and a serial number SN. Write down this data or take a screenshot of the screen for safety.
⚠️ Attention: On some custom firmware or heavily modified versions Android (for example, in Chinese builds without Google services), the pop-up window may not appear automatically. In this case, after entering the code, try pressing the call button, although in 99% of cases this is not required.
If you plan to sell the phone, take a high-quality photo of the screen with the entered code *#06# in advance - this will increase buyer confidence and confirm that the device is not on the black list.
Searching for information in system settings
If for some reason the phone screen is broken, the sensor does not respond to input, or you simply prefer to navigate through the menu, you can find out IMEI through the system settings section. The path to this information may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer of your gadget (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and others), but the general logic of the menu structure remains the same for the entire ecosystem Android.
In the classic version of the operating system, you need to go to the main menu and select Settings. Next, scroll the list down to the About the phone or Systemsection. Inside this section, look for subsection General information or immediately Status. This is where all the technical data about your device is stored, including the firmware version, memory size and, of course, identification codes.
On devices with proprietary shells, the path may be as follows:
- 📱 For Xiaomi (MIUI/HyperOS): Settings → About phone → General information → Status.
- 📱 For Samsung (One UI): Settings → Phone information → Software information (sometimes IMEI is hidden behind the "More details" button).
- 📱 For Huawei/Honor (EMUI): Settings → System → About phone → Status.
In some cases, especially on older versions Android (up to version 10), the pouvait number can be hidden behind an additional menu. If you don't see the numbers right away, look for a "SIM Card Status" button or similar. By clicking on it, you will receive detailed information about each active SIM card, including those assigned to them. data-i="76">Compare numbers with box IMEI.
☑️ Checking data in settings
Physical stickers and body markings
When the phone is turned off, locked, or completely faulty, software search methods become unavailable. In such situations, physical marking of the device comes to the rescue. Manufacturers are required to put a unique identifier IMEI on the body of the gadget or on a special label that is located on the visible part of the device. This is a requirement of international communication standards.
On modern smartphones with a non-removable back cover, information is most often duplicated on the factory sticker located on the back panel. However, for reasons of aesthetics, many brands (Apple, Samsung, Google Pixel) have stopped placing full data on the case, leaving only the logo and model there. In this case, the only physical source remains the original packaging.
The smartphone box is the most reliable data archive. There is always a white sticker with barcodes on one of the sides of the cardboard packaging. This sticker clearly states:
- 📦 Device model and color.
- 📦 Serial number (SN).
- 📦 Number IMEI (for dual-SIM models there will be two).
- 📦 Barcode for scanning at the checkout.
Keep the phone box at least during the warranty period. This will not only help you quickly find out if the device is lost, but will also significantly simplify the warranty repair procedure at an authorized service center, since employees often check the numbers on the box and in the database. IMEI in case of loss of the device, but it will also significantly simplify the warranty repair procedure at an authorized service center, since employees often check the numbers on the box and in the database.
⚠️ Attention: Never throw away the box immediately after purchase if you are not sure of the reliability of the device. When buying a used phone, checking the IMEI on the box, in the settings and through the code *#06# is a mandatory procedure to identify re-taped cables or stolen gadgets.
What to do if the sticker has been erased?
If the factory sticker on the case has erased or been removed, but there is no box, you can try to find the data in your account Google. Go to the google.com/android/find page from your computer - information about linked devices, including their identifiers, is often displayed there.
Checking through the engineering menu and ADB
For advanced users and repair specialists, there are more in-depth diagnostic methods that allow you to obtain not only IMEIbut also other service information about the radio module. The engineering menu is a hidden section of the system intended for testing equipment. Access to it may be limited on some models, but it’s worth a try if standard methods don’t work.
Entering the engineering menu is done through a set of special codes that differ for different processors. For devices based on MediaTek the combination often works ##3646633##, and for processors Qualcomm — ##4636##. Once in the menu, you need to go to the tab Connectivity or CDS Information, where the required data will be displayed in the line IMEI .
Another professional tool is the use of USB debugging and console utility ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method requires connecting your phone to your computer and installing drivers. After setting up the connection, enter the following instruction on the PC command line:
adb shell service call iphonesubinfo 1The result of executing the command will be the output of a Unicode encoded string containing your IMEI. This method is especially useful if the phone's touch screen is completely disabled, but the system boots and USB debugging was previously enabled. It allows you to read data directly from system services, bypassing the graphical interface.
| Access method | Necessary conditions | Complexity | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| USSD code *#06# | Dialer working screen | Low | High |
| Android settings | Working interface | Low | High |
| Box/Sticker | Physical access | Low | Absolute |
| ADB command | PC, cable, debugging | High | High |
Engineering menu and ADB are tools for complex cases. For the average user, the combination *#06# or the sticker on the box are sufficient and the safest methods.
Why you need to know IMEI and how to use it
Many smartphone owners perceive IMEI simply as a set of numbers, without thinking about its real purpose. However, this code is a kind of “passport” of your device in the world of cellular communications. Telecom operators use it to authorize a phone on the network, and law enforcement agencies use it to track and block stolen equipment. Understanding the functions of this number will help you more effectively protect your property.
The main function IMEI is the ability to block the device at the operator level. If your phone is stolen, you can contact the police and your telecom operator by providing this number. The operator will blacklist it, and the phone will stop connecting to the network even after replacing the SIM card. For a thief, such a device turns into a kind of Wi-Fi tablet without the ability to make calls, which sharply reduces its market value.
In addition, verification IMEI is necessary when buying a used smartphone. There are special online services and databases (both official and third-party) that allow you to use this number to find out:
- 🔍 Whether the phone is wanted or blacklisted.
- 🔍 Official warranty status and activation date.
- 🔍 Originality of the device (not whether it is refurbished or counterfeit).
Knowledge IMEI may also be required when registering a device in some government systems (for example, in the product labeling system in certain countries) or when taking out insurance against breakdown and theft. Insurance companies often require this number to be recorded in the contract to identify the subject of insurance.
⚠️ Attention: Never publish your full IMEI number publicly on social networks or forums. Attackers can use this data to clone an ID or forge documents, which will create problems when trying to block a real phone in the future.
Frequent problems and ways to solve them
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users sometimes encounter situations where they need to know IMEI standard methods do not work. This may be caused by software glitches, corrupted system files, or hardware failures of the radio module. Understanding the causes of such errors will help you correctly diagnose the problem and choose the right solution.
One of the common problems is the display of zeros or the inscription “Null” instead of the real number when entering the code *#06#. This is an alarming signal that most often indicates that the device firmware was installed incorrectly, or there was a failure in the NVRAM section where the modem calibration data is stored. In this case, the phone may not see the network or have a weak signal.
If you are faced with the fact that the field IMEI is empty or filled with zeros, try the following steps:
- Perform a full factory reset (Hard Reset), after saving important data.
- Check for system updates in the settings menu.
- If the problem is not resolved, you may need to flash the device and restore the EFS/NVRAM partition via a computer.
In case of physical damage, for example, after being dropped or exposed to water, the phone may no longer detect SIM cards, and, as a result, the IMEI may not be displayed in the menu. This indicates possible damage to the antenna cable or the modem itself on the motherboard. Here software methods are powerless, and diagnostics will be required at a service center.
Before visiting the service center, be sure to write down the IMEI from the box. It will be easier for a technician to restore data in the phone’s memory if he has a reference number for verification and recording in service sections.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Is it possible to change IMEI on Android legally?
No, change IMEI is illegal in most countries of the world, including Russia, EU countries and the USA. This number is strictly tied to the equipment at the factory. Software number substitution (the so-called “change IMEI”) is only possible on devices with root access and special utilities, but this violates the communications law, voids the warranty and can lead to blocking of the device by the operator.
What to do if the phone shows two different IMEIs for one SIM card?
This is not possible for one slot. If you see two numbers, it means your phone is dual-SIM. Each slot (SIM 1 and SIM 2) has its own unique IMEI. When registering on the network, the number that corresponds to the slot with the active SIM card is used. If the numbers in one slot change chaotically, this is a sign of a serious software failure.
Where can I find the IMEI if the phone screen is completely broken and does not show an image?
In this case, the only way is to find the original box from the device or check the sticker on the back cover (if there is one). You can also try connecting your phone to your computer and using ADB commands if USB debugging was enabled before the crash. As a last resort, the data can be stored in the personal account of the telecom operator if the phone was previously registered on the network.
Does IMEI differ from the serial number?
Yes, these are completely different identifiers. IMEI assigned to the cellular communication module and is needed to work in GSM/LTE networks. The serial number (SN) is assigned to the entire device by the manufacturer for warehouse accounting and warranty service. One phone has one serial number, but there may be two IMEIs (for two SIM cards).
Will a phone work without an IMEI?
No, the phone will not be able to make calls, send SMS or use the mobile data without a registered one IMEI. The cellular network simply will not allow a device without an identifier. However, functions that do not require a SIM card (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, launching applications, camera) will work properly if the operating system loads correctly.