What is the IMEI number?

The IMEI number is mysterious, ambiguous numbers, stamped around different parts of the phone. IMEI is often used to identify phones, but also makes some people wonder whether it can be used to monitor and perform nefarious activities. This article will tell you exactly what it is, how it works and how to find it on your phone.

What is the IMEI number?

The IMEI number for the International Mobile station Equipment Identity (translated as "Worldwide Mobile Device Identification Number") is a number that is used to identify a device that uses a land mobile network. This is the network you use when making calls on your mobile phone or accessing Internet connection provided by a mobile provider through a data plan. It is called "ground" because it uses a planet-side, non-satellite antenna, to connect.

Because the IMEI standard is used for ground mobile network devices, ie 3G / 4G tablets, laptops with PCMCIA wireless Internet cards and other mobile devices are also tagged with the this number. If you have a dual SIM phone, you will see two IMEI numbers for each SIM slot.

Purpose of IMEI number

The IMEI number has a primary purpose of identifying mobile devices. The secondary purpose is to prevent theft. If a mobile device can be recognized in a general way, the thief cannot change the SIM card on the phone. The IMEI number is hard coded into device hardware, making it nearly impossible to change them without damaging the device.

When the provider knows a device has been stolen, they can put that IMEI code on the blacklist and lock it from the network. Then tell other mobile networks to do the same.

Can the government use IMEI numbers to track users?

The short answer is yes. However, it depends on many factors. If they can't add a name or a personal identification number to your IMEI number, they won't know who owns this phone. This is often a problem with prepaid customers. Since they did not sign a wireless service provider, there is no way to add an ID card to the IMEI number.

If you have a contract with a mobile service provider, the government may use a search warrant to access your IMEI information, track the number and location. So, even when exchanging on SIM card with a prepaid, you can still be monitored.

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Government is not the only organization you need to worry about. Hackers can track you by IMEI number. However, both of these situations do not happen to ordinary citizens.

Do all phones have IMEI numbers?

Because fake phones are not implemented according to regulations, they often lack IMEI numbers. In 2010 India encountered problems with these devices and they tried to fight problems for years. The answer to this question is "No, some devices do not have an IMEI number, but they are often illegal".

Is your IMEI number valid?

A fake phone number has a fake IMEI number. The easiest way to check the validity of an IMEI manually is to use the Luhn formula to verify the identification code. If you want an easier way to check IMEI is to use online test sites like IMEI.Info.

How to find the IMEI number on the phone

See the Instructions for finding IMEI and Serial Number on Android and iOS devices to check your IMEI number.

How to check the IMEI number

Now that you have your IMEI number, check that it is a valid IMEI number. There are many websites for you to enter the IMEI number such as imei.info to see the list of exact specifications and device information. Another site is imeipro.info, which allows you to use your IMEI number to check if your phone is listed / reported as lost or stolen, in case of buying an old phone.

See more:

1. Instructions for checking the origin of Android and iOS phones
2. The secrets about IMEI and cell phone tracking are lost