ICCID, IMSI and sim serial number explained (2024)

The ICCID is the SIM card serial number. It’s a unique 19 or 20 digit number that’s usually printed on the plastic card that holds the SIM. The long sequence of numbers can be broken up to tell you more about the card.

The first two digits identify the industry sector. For telecommunications, whether it’s a standard mobile SIM or an IoT SIM card, this code is 89. The next 2 or 3 digits reflect the country of issue, for the UK this number is 44.

The following digits identify the mobile network code, sometimes referred to as the MNC. This is a number between one and four digits in length and it identifies the network that issued your SIM card.

The rest of the digits on the SIM card are a unique identifier of that particular card.

These are followed by a checksum digit calculated from the preceding digits, using the Luhn algorithm.

ICCID, IMSI and sim serial number explained (2024)

FAQs

ICCID, IMSI and sim serial number explained? ›

ICCID is the number that identifies the SIM card. IMSI uniquely identifies all Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) mobile phone subscribers. IMEI is a unique number that signifies the type of mobile device or hardware.

What is the difference between SIM Iccid and IMSI? ›

What Is the Difference between IMSI, ICCID and IMEI Numbers? An IMSI identifies the user in the GSM and is a portion of the SIM profile, but it doesn't identify the SIM card itself. The Integrated Circuit Card ID (ICCID number) identifies the actual SIM card itself and not necessarily the user.

What is the breakdown of the SIM card number? ›

Finding and Decoding the ICCID Number

The SIM card ICCID code is typically made up of 18 to 22 visible characters and follows this format: MMCC-IINN-NNNN-NNNN-NN C(X). This code consists of groupings that represent various identifiers and codes, which makes each SIM card unique.

How do I decode my Iccid? ›

What do ICCID numbers stand for? The format for ICCID Number is MMCC IINN NNNN NNNN NN C x. MM – most SIM Cards have the same first two digits – 89. CC – county code, or MCC (Mobile County Code), used to identify a mobile subscriber's county of origin.

How do I read my SIM serial number? ›

Go to your Android phone's settings menu, then select 'About phone' or 'About device'. From there, choose 'Status' or 'Phone status', and you should see an option for 'SIM status' or 'SIM card status'. Your SIM card number will be listed there, and you can simply copy it or write it down for reference.

What can an IMSI number tell you? ›

It identifies your carrier network within the country. The first 5 digits identify GSM carrier in a country where the phone originates from. This is the European standard. All other digits identify the user and are allocated by mobile operators.

What is an IMSI number used for? ›

The international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI; /ˈɪmziː/) is a number that uniquely identifies every user of a cellular network.

How to identify a SIM network? ›

For Android Phones: Open the Mobile Settings App. Click on Network and Internet and Tap on Cellular Networks. From available networks you can know the SIM card company.

What are the 16 digits on a SIM card? ›

The ICCID is a globally unique serial number—a one-of-a-kind signature that identifies the SIM card itself.

What information is contained on a SIM card? ›

Data that SIM cards contain include user identity, location and phone number, network authorization data, personal security keys, contact lists and stored text messages. SIM cards allow a mobile user to use this data and the features that come with them.

What is Iccid operator code? ›

The ICCID number on a SIM card is as important as the IMEI number for a mobile device. ICCID is stored under the SIM card's memory and helps mobile network operators determine the network to connect. Without ICCID, a mobile network provider can't identify and register a subscriber to the right network.

What is the difference between Iccid and serial number? ›

The IMEI (International Mobile Station Equipment Identity) is an international "Serial number" for your phone (device itself) to properly identify it on the carriers network. ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card Identifier) identifies each SIM internationally.

What is the spark SIM card number? ›

Your ICCID number is between the first two digits (89) and the last digit. It's a 16-digit number beginning with 64. This is your Spark SIM card number.

What is the PUK code for unlock? ›

A PUK, sometimes known as a network unlocking code (NUC) or personal unlocking code (PUC), is a unique sequence of eight digits that your network must supply, as long as you fulfil certain criteria. A PUK is required when you want to unlock a phone.

Is Iccid and SIM number the same? ›

The ICCID is a globally unique serial number—a one-of-a-kind signature that identifies the SIM card itself. It stands for Integrated Circuit Card ID, a 19- or 20-digit number that's typically printed on the back of a SIM card. The ICCID isn't the only identification number visible on most SIM cards.

Is an IMSI a phone number? ›

The International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) is another unique identification number assigned to a specific SIM card. Unlike the MSISDN, IMSI is not directly associated with a phone number.

Is IMSI tied to SIM? ›

IMSIs are used in any network that connects with another and are stored on the SIM card. Traditional SIMs contain a single IMSI, provided by the selected network operator. The IMSI is installed onto the SIM during manufacture and ties the SIM to the operator's network (the home network).

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