Imei phone what numbers mean. Something about IMEI. Identify the phone by IMEI.

What is an IMEI code, why is it needed and, most importantly, to whom? Many have not even heard of him. Someone heard, but does not know. Someone has vague ideas ... According to the definition posted on the Wikipedia resource, IMEI   (eng. Cell phones of GSM, WCDMA and IBEN networks, as well as in some satellite phones firmware *#06# on keyboard)...

What is an IMEI code, why is it needed and, most importantly, to whom?

Many have not even heard of him. Someone heard, but does not know. Someone has vague ideas ...

According to the definition posted on the Wikipedia resource, IMEI   (English International Mobile Equipment Identity - an international identifier for mobile equipment) - a number (usually 15-bit in decimal), unique to each device that uses it. Applied in cell phones   GSM, WCDMA and IBEN networks, as well as some satellite phones   . IMEI is assigned by phone during manufacturing at the factory. It serves to identify the device on the network and is stored in the firmware of the device. As a rule, IMEI is indicated in four places: in the device itself (in most cases, it can be displayed on the screen by dialing *#06# on the keyboard), under the battery, on the packaging and in the warranty card. IMEI plays the role of the serial number of the device and is broadcast during authorization on the network. Also, IMEI is used to track devices, activate hidden functions   and blocking stolen phones at the operator level cellular communications, which does not allow further use of such a device in the network of this operator, but does not interfere with its use in other networks. The model and origin of the phone are described by the first 8 digits of IMEI (the so-called TAC). The remainder is the serial number with a check number at the end. Phones that support simultaneous work with two SIM-cards are assigned two IMEI numbers. Manufacturers are constantly improving methods of protecting software from changing IMEI. In modern devices, IMEI is stored in once programmable   memory zone and cannot be changed by software (except for phones with MTK chipset). In some countries, changing IMEI is a criminal offense.

In conclusion, a useful tip:

Copy the serial number of the device and the IMEI code on paper. Put this cheat sheet with documents that you do not need every day (birth certificates, marriage certificates, education certificates), so as not to lose everything at once. You can find the IMEI code by typing a combination *#06# . In the event of the loss of your gadget, this cheat sheet will serve you well in the search, including through checkimei. ru.


  What is IMEI, what are IMEI, how can I determine a mobile phone by IMEI.

IMEI - International Mobile Equipment Identifier

  (international identifier of mobile equipment), a number (usually 15 digits) that is unique to each released mobile phone. It is installed at the factory during manufacture and serves to identify the device in the GSM network (its analogue is the MAC address of the Ethernet network card).

If no one has "digged" in your phone yet, then you can be sure that he has a factory IMEI.

Typically, you can see it by typing *#06# .

Usually, the same number is visible on the label under the phone’s battery (and on the phone’s packing box).

There may be a discrepancy between the internal and “label” IMEIs in several cases: the phone was changed (broken), it was “changed”, etc.

IMEI example: 4 4 7 4 0 2 - 5 1 - 5 4 3 7 6 5 - 0

  \u003d Type Approval Code - approved code of the type sample, phone model (first 2 digits - country code).

FAC \u003d Final Assembly Code:

(01.02 \u003d AEG)
(07.40 \u003d Motorola)
(10.20 \u003d Nokia)
(30 \u003d Ericsson)
(40,41,44 \u003d Siemens)
(50 \u003d Bosch)
(51 \u003d Sony, Siemens, Ericsson)
(60 \u003d Alcatel)
(61 \u003d Ericsson)
(65 \u003d AEG)
(70 \u003d Sagem)
(75 \u003d Dancall)
(80 \u003d Philips)
(85 \u003d Panasonic)

SNR \u003d Serial Number.

SP \u003d Spare - spare, almost always \u003d 0.

IMEI - quick reference

Abbreviation   IMEI   stands for   International Mobile Equipment Identifier, which means "international identifier of mobile equipment." In other words, IMEI   - This is a unique serial number of each GSM format telephone, which is automatically transmitted by the device to the operator’s network when connected. That is, if in your stolen cellular telephone   someone will insert their SIM card and make at least one call, power structures through the telecom operator can find out who the SIM card is issued for and remove the phone. However, before this, he can gather dust in the windows of a store for months.

You can find out the IMEI of your phone by typing * # 06 # on the keyboard. At the same time, a 15-digit number will be displayed on the screen, which must be remembered or written down. Also,   IMEI   indicated on the box under the barcode and under the battery on the phone. Therefore, when buying a hundredths, it is always recommended to compare these numbers so as not to get into trouble.

There is a possibility that   IMEI   can change with special programs. However, mobile phone manufacturers are improving their products each time, which is why changing the serial number is becoming more difficult and the possibility of finding another phone with the same IMEI is unlikely.

So if you have   mobile phone stolen, in your application to law enforcement you will have to indicate it IMEI. Then this data should be sent to telecom operators so that they check if anyone is using another stolen phone.

Theoretically, everything is very simple, but in fact much more complicated ...

1. There is such an organization located in Ireland (Dublin), which   maintains an IMEI blacklist   all over Europe. To "connect" to this base, investment in software is required in the amount of 1 million dollars.

2. If the mobile operator of Russia will connect   to this base then will automatically disconnected   from your network, those subscribers whose phones were imported to Russia through gray channels, as well as those phones that are considered missing.
That is, for example, if MTS   connects to this database, then it will block order in his network   1 million subscribers, which hypothetically can go to Beeline or Megaphone. Therefore, you need to connect this database to all operators at the same time.

3. If track IMEI locally, i.e. only in Russia, there is equipment for this, but again, it is necessary for all operators to conclude an agreement that they will do all this simultaneously. Which is also quite complicated.

4. Operators do not want to do this, because believe that tracking theft is police functionswhich must be dealt with by law enforcement agencies. Those. by analogy with cars: if a company has set an anti-theft alarm for you, this does not mean that if the car is stolen, this company will look for it.

5. Also, it is believed that all this venture is not worth a damn egg, because   flashing IMEI   on an industrial scale, it costs about 500-700 rubles.

There are only two ways to achieve this from operators:

1.   Globally: Issue an order from the GSM Association, requiring all operators within the Association to do so.
2. Locally: Issue an order from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs obliging operators to perform police functions.

Determining the model of a GSM phone by its serial number (IMEI):

The first 6 digits of the IMEI number

Phone model

Motorola MicroTAC Select 3000e GSM1900

Nokia 5190 GSM1900

Alcatel One Touch Pocket

Alcatel One Touch Gum DB

Mitsubishi Trium Astral

Vodafone EB-3811 GSM900

Motorola PT9s (Flare Flip)

Siemens S4 Power

Panasonic G500 GSM900

Motorola SlimLite

Motorola 8850 (e-Plus)

Motorola International 8900

Philips Twist GSM900

Motorola StarTAC 130

Motorola cd928 gsm900 / gsm1800

Siemens S8 PCN GSM1800

Siemens S10 active

Motorola d520 GSM900

Philips Diga GSM900

Siemens C10 GSM900

Motorola StarTac 130

Panasonic EB-G520

Motorola 2000 (D368)

Philips Savvy DB

Nokia 3210 GSM900 / 1800

Nokia 3210 GSM900 / 1800

Motorola Timeport L7089

Siemens C25 Power

Philips Savvy DB

AEG Executive GSM900

Telital GM410 / GSM900

Sony CMD-C1 / GSM900

Nokia1611 GSM-900

Nokia 2110 GSM900

Ericsson GF768 GSM900

Ericsson GF688 GSM900

Nokia 6110 GSM900

Nokia 6110 GSM 900

Ericsson GA628 GSM900

Nokia 9110 communicator GSM900

Nokia 6150 GSM 900/1800

Ericsson a1018s / GSM900 / 1800

Based on materials from www.gsmtelefon.ru sites

Example IMEI displayed on the phone screen

General information

IMEI is assigned by phone during manufacturing at the factory. It serves to identify the device on the network and is stored in the firmware of the device. As a rule, IMEI is indicated in four places: in the device itself (in most cases, it can be displayed on the screen by dialing *#06#   on the keyboard), under the battery, on the packaging and in the warranty card. IMEI plays the role of the serial number of the device and is broadcast during authorization on the network. IMEI is also used to track devices and block stolen phones at the level of a mobile operator, which does not allow further use of such a device in the network of this operator, but does not interfere with its use in other networks. The GSM backbone stores the IMEI in the EIR.

Unlike the ESN and MEID used in CDMA and other networks, IMEI is used only to identify the device and does not have a permanent relationship with the subscriber. Instead, IMSI is used, which is stored on the SIM card, which can be inserted into almost any other device. However, there are special systems that allow one phone to use only one specific SIM card.

The model and origin of the phone are described by the first 8 digits of IMEI (the so-called TAC). The remainder is the serial number with a check number at the end. Phones that support simultaneous work with two SIM-cards are assigned two IMEI numbers.

Change IMEI

Manufacturers are constantly improving methods to protect the device software from changing IMEI. In a number of modern devices, IMEI is stored in a one-time programmable memory zone and cannot be changed by software.

In some countries, such as Latvia, the UK, and the Republic of Belarus, changing IMEI is a criminal offense. There is also a precedent for attempting criminal prosecution for changing IMEI in Russia.

Structure IMEI and IMEISV

IMEI (14 decimal digits plus check digit) contains information about the origin, model and serial number of the device. The first 8 digits make up the model and place of origin of the device, and are known as TAC (Type Approval Code). The rest is the serial number of the device determined by the manufacturer, with the check digit calculated at the end of the algorithm according to the Moon algorithm. Until 2003, this figure must have been equal to 0. Later, this rule was canceled.

IMEISV (International Mobile Terminal Identity and Software Version number) consists of 16 digits and provides unique identification of each mobile phone and compliance with the version of software installed in the mobile phone authorized by the operator. The software version depends on the services available for the mobile device, as well as the ability to perform voice coding, and therefore this parameter is very important.

As of 2004, the IMEI format is AA-BBBBBBB-CCCCCC-Dalthough it may not always be displayed this way. IMEISV uses two digits of the software version instead of one check number, so IMEISV looks like AA-BBBBBBB-CCCCCC-EE.

Until 2002, TAC consisted of only 6 digits, the remaining 2 digits constituted the final assembly location code (FAC). From January 1, 2003 until April 1, 2004, a transition period passed, during which all FAC codes were equal to the numbers 00. In 2004, the FAC ceased to exist, and the TAC was expanded to 8 digits.

The first two digits of the TAC are the officially registered RBI code. RBI is always decimal, that is, it is less than 0xA0, which makes it easy to distinguish IMEI from MEID, the beginning of which is equal to or greater than 0xA0.

For example, consider IMEI 35-209900-176148-1 or IMEISV 35-209900-176148-23:

Tac: 35-2099 - UK Telecommunication Harmonization Council Code (BABT) and Model Number 2099 (Alcatel One Touch 332) Fac: 00 - this code means that the phone was made during the transition period when the FAC was abolished. During the existence of the FAC, the following codes were also used: 67 - USA, 19 or 40 - Great Britain, 78 or 20 - Germany, 10 or 70 - Finland, 30 - Korea, 80 - China, 04 - Vietnam SNR: 176148 - serial number of the device CD: 1 - control number Svn: 23 - The version number of the software that is installed on the phone. The number 99 is reserved.

The new style IMEI looks a little different: 49-015420-323751 (German Nokia 3110 classic) and have an 8-digit TAC (49-015420).

The new MEID mobile equipment identifier operating in CDMA networks uses the same basic format as IMEI.

Control number calculation

Method 1
  To calculate the last digit of IMEI you need:

1. Add all the numbers in odd positions; 2. Replace the numbers on even places according to the formula and add them: 0 \u003d 0 1 \u003d 2 2 \u003d 4 3 \u003d 6 4 \u003d 8 5 \u003d 1 6 \u003d 3 7 \u003d 5 8 \u003d 7 9 \u003d 9 3. Add the result to the resulting number obtained in claim 1 .; 4. If the resulting number is zero or a multiple of 10, then the IMEI checksum is 0. Otherwise, the checksum is equal to the number that must be added to the result to get the closest larger round number.

Calculation procedure for Check Digit using an example:
  Below we will try to calculate the CD control number for IMEI \u003d 3 5 41 90 02 38 96 44 3 . To do this, we need to perform the following operations with our IMEI code:

1. Add all the numbers in the odd positions 3,4,9,0,3,9,4: 3 + 4 + 9 + 0 + 3 + 9 + 4 \u003d 32 2. Replace the numbers in even places 5.1.0, 2,8,6,4 by the formula 0 \u003d\u003e 0, 1 \u003d\u003e 2, 2 \u003d\u003e 4, 3 \u003d\u003e 6, 4 \u003d\u003e 8, 5 \u003d\u003e 1, 6 \u003d\u003e 3, 7 \u003d\u003e 5, 8 \u003d\u003e 7, 9 \u003d\u003e 9: 5,1,0,2,8,6,4 \u003d\u003e 1,2,0,4,7,3,8 and add them: 1 + 2 + 0 + 4 + 7 + 3 + 8 \u003d 25 3. To the resulting number 25 add the result 32, obtained in paragraph 1. 25 + 32 \u003d 57 4. "If the received number is zero or a multiple of 10, then the IMEI checksum is 0" - this is not this case ... Otherwise (\u003d our) case, the checksum is equal to the number that needs to be added to the result, to get the closest big round number (i.e., the next whole ten). Next dozen \u003d 60. You need to add 3 to result 57 to get the closest bigger round number 60. Answer: Check number \u003d 3

Method 2
  1) Double the numbers in even positions (5.1.0.2.8.6.4).
2) Add together double numbers in even positions and odd positions, while “decomposing” numbers in even positions into component numbers (for example, 14 should be represented as 1 and 4). Got 57
  3) If the final number ends with 0, then CD \u003d 0. Otherwise, CD is equal to the number that must be added to the result obtained in step 2 to get the next whole ten. The next ten after 57 is 60, 60-57 we get 3. Total control number is 3

What is IMEI and what is it for?

IMEI is the international identifier for mobile equipment specified in software   phone. This function is necessary to uniquely associate the phone with a GSM network.

Discover IMEI phone   You can by dialing * # 06 # on the phone. After that, you will see a 15-digit number. This is the IMEI number of your phone. Also, this number is duplicated on the phone box.

  What information does IMEI provide?

1.   The first 6 digits are the phone model code, with the first two digits being the country code of the manufacturer.

2.   The next 2 digits are the final assembly country code.

3.   Numbers 9 to 14 are the serial number of the phone.

4.   The last digit is an optional identifier.

  What is IMEI for?

The IMEI number is designed to uniquely identify the phone. Even provided that the SIM card has been changed on the phone, it can be found by this number. Cell phone operators   with the help of certain programs they can find out the location of the switched on device with an accuracy of several hundred meters.

Many of you probably know that any mobile phone has its own unique identifier of equipment, the so-called IMEI number. Apple's iPhone mobile phones are no exception; each one also has its own unique identification number - IMEI.

Most users will probably never even need this number, however, there are situations when you need to know if you have your iPhone. For example, to check if it is blocked by mobile operators.

Briefly about what IMEI is and why it is needed, as well as details about where to look and how to learn IMEI iPhone phone   in several different ways we will tell you in this article.

The article, unexpectedly for us, turned out to be quite large, since we tried to describe all the methods in detail, with pictures and screenshots, so for faster and more convenient orientation, we made content with quick links.

What is IMEI

First, it’s worth briefly telling you what an IMEI number is, why it is needed and how it is used.

IMEI   (International Mobile Equipment Identifier) \u200b\u200b- an international identifier for mobile equipment that is unique to each device that uses it. It applies to all mobile phonesoperating in cellular networks of GSM, CDMA and IDEN standards, as well as in some satellite phones. Any modern phone, smartphone and even a tablet with a 3G / 4G module (that is, any one that supports working with a SIM card) has its own, unique “have”.

This number is assigned to each device with the ability to work in the above networks at the factory and stored in the gadget's memory, and it is used to identify your device in the networks mobile communications. IMEI is always a 15-digit number.

Thus, according to the rules, there cannot be two mobile devices   with the same IMEI, although such situations occur in the case of illegal change of this number (criminally punished in many countries), but it is rather difficult for a simple user to do this.

We have decided on the concept, now let's figure it out, like where is IMEI iPhone   can see.

How to learn IMEI iPhone

In fact, there are a lot of ways. Some of them may be useful in certain situations (when the device itself is not nearby, or when it is not possible to turn it on for some reason), so we decided to list them all. And you use the one that will be the easiest and fastest for you. So, let's begin.

The surest place to watch IMEI iPhone is the information about your device in your smartphone’s settings. To do this, find and open the menu item "About this device". It is very easy to do:

As you can see, everything is simple, but you can see it even faster.

Command to display IMEI

Perhaps the most quick way   discover IMEI on iPhone team   - which you can enter on the dialer screen in the application "Telephone", that is, in the standard iPhone “dialer”. Enter the following code there:

Immediately after entering this command, you will see IMEI directly on the screen of your smartphone.


If you don’t have a phone in your hands right now, but you urgently need it, have a number and you never throw out boxes from your purchases, then the easiest way to find out is to look at it. It is printed on a sticker on its back.



View IMEI via iTunes

Another place where the IMEI code of your iPhone is indicated is information about the phone in the application "ITunes". In order to see it there, follow these steps.

Pretty simple, isn't it? But what if you do not have a device or a box from it? There is an option!

Learn IMEI via iTunes without a phone

The probability, of course, is small, but such a situation may well happen that you need to know if you have your iPhone when you have neither the box, nor the device itself. For example, if you lost your phone, and you threw the box away a long time ago.

However, even in this case, there is a place where you can see the IMEI of your phone using a computer and program "ITunes". True, for this you had to synchronize your iPhone with this computer via iTunes at least once and make a backup.

If you did, then follow these instructions:

So, finding out the IMEI of your Apple smartphone is not a problem even without the physical presence of the phone and the box next to it.

But what if you have a telephone, but for some reason you cannot turn it on? For example, it is locked, or the battery is dead. And even this is not a problem. You can determine if you have one of the methods listed below.

View IMEI on the phone

If the smartphone is at your fingertips, then you can even see it IMEI without including it. The desired number is located on the back of your smartphone. However, this is not true for all iPhone models, but to be precise, for the following:

  • iPhone
  • iPhone SE
  • iPhone 5
  • iPhone 5C
  • iPhone 5s
  • iPhone 6
  • iPhone 6 Plus


If your phone is not on this list, IMEI can still be seen without including iPhone. How? Search elsewhere.

View IMEI in SIM card tray

This is perhaps the last way to find out if you have a popular smartphone in this manual, but in some situations it may be the only working one.

In those iPhone models where the number we need is not engraved on the back of the phone’s case, the IMEI is written in the SIM tray, just get it out and take a closer look (the font is small, people with poor eyesight will need glasses or a magnifying glass).

Owners of one of the following gadget models will be able to find IMEI of their iPhone in this place:

  • iPhone 3G
  • iPhone 3GS
  • iPhone 4
  • iPhone 4s
  • iPhone 6S
  • iPhone 6S Plus
  • iPhone 7
  • iPhone 7 Plus


Perhaps this can stop. At least one of the above methods will certainly help anyone who is trying to find out the IMEI number of their apple smartphone. You can also refer to some other useful articles on our website, for example, if you want or.

Conclusion (or “Why should I know IMEI?”)

In some situations, knowing the IMEI number of your smartphone can be very useful.

For example, when buying a used iPhone, you must first make sure that the number on the device’s box, on the case (or in the SIM tray) and in the phone’s settings match. If this is not the case, then most likely they are trying to sell you a repaired or illegally obtained device.

If it happened that your phone was stolen, then you can always contact your mobile operator (through the police) to block your phone via IMEI. In addition, with due desire and perseverance, if your stolen phone is registered on the network with a new SIM card, the operator will be able to inform the police not only the passport details of the person for whom it is registered, but also its location with an accuracy of several tens of meters , which significantly increases the likelihood of iPhone'a return to its rightful owner.

Did you hear about locked iPhone? By IMEI number, you can check whether the smartphone is tied to any telecom operator (otherwise it will not work for others), and also find out about the warranty on the device.