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How to Know IMEI Number:- The IMEI number (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit identifier assigned to every mobile device. Whether you’re checking warranty, reporting a stolen phone, or unlocking your device for another network, knowing how to find your IMEI number is essential.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover:
- ✅ What is an IMEI number?
- 🔍 Why is the IMEI important?
- 📱 How to check IMEI on Android, iPhone, keypad phones
- 🧾 How to find IMEI without a phone (lost/stolen)
- 📦 IMEI on phone box, invoice, and Apple ID
- 🛑 IMEI for dual SIM phones
- 🧠 Common mistakes to avoid
- 🔒 How to verify if your IMEI is valid or blacklisted
- 📄 How to register or block your IMEI in India
📌 What Is an IMEI Number?
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit serial number used to uniquely identify mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, and feature phones. Each SIM slot has its own IMEI number. For example:
- Single SIM phone: 1 IMEI
- Dual SIM phone: 2 IMEIs
Example: 356789051234567
🔍 IMEI is like your phone’s fingerprint — unique, traceable, and crucial for device security.
🔒 Why Is the IMEI Number Important?
Here’s what you can do with your IMEI:
- ✅ Check warranty status of your phone
- ✅ Register the phone for network use
- ✅ Report to police if the phone is stolen
- ✅ Block a lost device remotely (CEIR in India)
- ✅ Unlock or relock the phone with the network
- ✅ Track stolen phones via IMEI-based services
- ✅ Verify if a secondhand phone is genuine or blacklisted
🧭 How to Know IMEI Number – All Methods
📲 1. *Dial #06# on the Dial Pad (Works on all phones)
- Open the phone dialer
- Type
*#06#and press call or OK - The IMEI(s) will instantly appear on screen
- Works on Android, iPhone, keypad phones, etc.
✅ Best and fastest method to know your IMEI number.
📱 2. Check IMEI in Phone Settings
For Android:
- Go to Settings > About Phone
- Tap on Status
- Find IMEI Information
For iPhone:
- Open Settings
- Go to General > About
- Scroll down to find IMEI (and MEID/ESN if applicable)
🔒 You can copy the IMEI directly from here.
📦 3. IMEI on Phone’s Original Box or Packaging
If you still have your phone’s box:
- Look on the back or side label
- You’ll find IMEI 1 / IMEI 2
- Also shows serial number, model, color, and manufacturing info
✅ Works even if your phone is lost or stolen
🧾 4. IMEI on the Invoice or Purchase Bill
Check your purchase receipt, invoice, or eBill:
- Most sellers include the IMEI number on it
- Especially in online purchases (Amazon, Flipkart, etc.)
If not listed, you can contact the seller to retrieve it.
🔐 5. Check Apple ID (iPhone Users)
Even without your iPhone, you can find IMEI using your Apple ID.
Steps:
- Visit https://appleid.apple.com
- Log in with your Apple ID
- Go to Devices
- Click your iPhone → see IMEI and Serial Number
✅ Helpful if your iPhone is lost/stolen.
📲 6. SIM Tray, Back Cover, or Battery Compartment (Keypad / Older Phones)
- On older feature phones, remove the battery
- IMEI is printed on a sticker under the battery
- On newer phones, check the SIM tray or back panel
🔍 For iPhones: Some older models have IMEI printed on SIM tray
🧭 7. Via Google Account (For Android Phones)
If your Android phone is lost:
- Visit https://myaccount.google.com
- Go to Security > Your Devices
- Select your phone
- Click “Find a Lost Device” → View IMEI on details page
✅ Google keeps IMEI tied to your device for security and recovery.
🔄 Dual SIM Phones – Which IMEI to Use?
- IMEI 1: Usually for SIM slot 1
- IMEI 2: For SIM slot 2
- Both are valid, and used based on which SIM is active
💡 For blocking a lost phone, both IMEIs should be submitted (especially in India).
🧪 How to Verify IMEI Validity
✅ Use IMEI Checker Websites:
You can see:
- Phone brand and model
- Warranty status
- Blacklist status
- Country of origin
🛑 If a used phone shows “blacklisted” or “invalid IMEI”, do not buy it.
🚫 Is My IMEI Blocked or Blacklisted?
Use CEIR (India Only):
Visit: https://www.ceir.gov.in
- Choose “Check Lost/Stolen Mobile”
- Enter IMEI number
- See if your phone is reported as stolen or blocked
✅ CEIR helps you block stolen phones across all networks in India.
📲 How to Block or Register IMEI in India (CEIR)
If your phone is lost/stolen, you can block the IMEI to prevent misuse:
Steps:
- File an FIR (First Information Report)
- Visit: https://www.ceir.gov.in
- Choose “Block Lost/Stolen Mobile”
- Upload FIR copy, ID proof, and enter both IMEIs
- Submit and receive confirmation
Once blocked, the phone cannot be used on any Indian network.
🔐 Security Tips Regarding IMEI
- Never share your IMEI publicly (can be cloned)
- Note down your IMEI separately for emergencies
- Avoid buying secondhand phones without checking IMEI
- Always verify with official sites before buying/refurbishing devices
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is IMEI the same as serial number?
A: No. Serial number is manufacturer-specific. IMEI is global and network-registered.
Q: Can I track a phone using IMEI?
A: Only government agencies and telecom operators can use IMEI for tracking.
Q: Can I change my IMEI number?
A: It is illegal to change your IMEI in most countries, including India.
Q: What if my phone has no IMEI?
A: Phones without valid IMEI are considered non-compliant and can be banned from networks.
🏁 Final Words – IMEI Is Your Phone’s DNA
Knowing your IMEI number is essential for:
- Phone identification
- Warranty and insurance
- Stolen device reports
- Network registration
- Device unlock and resale
So whether you’re buying a new phone, selling a used one, or recovering a lost device — make sure you always know your IMEI number and keep it safe.