How to Know IMEI Number – Complete Guide for All Devices (Android, iPhone, Feature Phones)

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

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📌 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.

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🔒 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

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🧭 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.

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📱 2. Check IMEI in Phone Settings

For Android:

1. Go to Settings > About Phone
2. Tap on Status
3. Find IMEI Information

For iPhone:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to General > About
3. Scroll down to find IMEI (and MEID/ESN if applicable)

🔒 You can copy the IMEI directly from here.

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📦 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

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🧾 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.

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🔐 5. Check Apple ID (iPhone Users)

Even without your iPhone, you can find IMEI using your Apple ID.

Steps:

1. Visit https://appleid.apple.com
2. Log in with your Apple ID
3. Go to Devices
4. Click your iPhone → see IMEI and Serial Number

✅ Helpful if your iPhone is lost/stolen.

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📲 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

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🧭 7. Via Google Account (For Android Phones)

If your Android phone is lost:

1. Visit https://myaccount.google.com
2. Go to Security > Your Devices
3. Select your phone
4. Click “Find a Lost Device” → View IMEI on details page

✅ Google keeps IMEI tied to your device for security and recovery.

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🔄 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).

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🧪 How to Verify IMEI Validity

✅ Use IMEI Checker Websites:

• https://www.imei.info
• https://www.imei24.com
• https://checkcoverage.apple.com (For iPhones)

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.

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🚫 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.

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📲 How to Block or Register IMEI in India (CEIR)

If your phone is lost/stolen, you can block the IMEI to prevent misuse:

Steps:

1. File an FIR (First Information Report)
2. Visit: https://www.ceir.gov.in
3. Choose “Block Lost/Stolen Mobile”
4. Upload FIR copy, ID proof, and enter both IMEIs
5. Submit and receive confirmation

Once blocked, the phone cannot be used on any Indian network.

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🔐 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

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❓ 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.

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🏁 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.

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