What is an IMEI number?
Every mobile phone has an IMEI Number, whether it is made by Samsung or Apple, an Android or iOS device. Put simply an IMEI number works similarly to a numberplate on a car, it’s a unique reference to your mobile phone device that allows your phone specifically to be identified.
What does IMEI stand for?
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It is a unique number that is assigned to every mobile phone and can be used to identify a specific device. It is typically used by telecommunications providers to identify and authenticate devices that connect to their networks.
What does IMEI number look like?
What can an IMEI number tell you about a device?
Like a numberplate an IMEI can tell you much more about it’s associated device than just the make/model. For example, it can show you, or enquiring parties the following:
- Device type
- Device model
- Model number
- Network
- Country it was built in
- Memory size
- Warranty information
- Date of purchase
Do all mobile phones have an IMEI number?
Generally speaking, yes, although be aware that some counterfeits will not have an IMEI and should be avoided.
Is there a way to check if a phone is stolen using an IMEI number?
There is indeed, the best commercial version that we use at loveit coverit is: https://www.mobicode.co.uk/check/
For a free option, with less features you can use: https://www.imei.info/
(We are not affiliated and do not endorse either of these websites)
When a phone is stolen or lost we require it to be reported to the phone supplier for blacklisting, they do this using the IMEI number. This means the phone can not be used, resold, or otherwise involved in criminal activity. This not only protects you and your device, but also ensures claims made are legitimate.
Why do we need an IMEI number for mobile phone insurance?
When a phone is stolen or lost we require it to be reported to the phone supplier for blacklisting, they do this using the IMEI number. This means the phone can not be used, resold, or otherwise involved in criminal activity. This not only protects you and your device, but also ensures claims made are legitimate.
Should I keep my IMEI number secret?
Yes you should, as with most digital devices mobile phones can be hacked and the IMEI is the key to doing this, or again like a car the IMEI can be cloned and used to replace another blacklisted phone’s IMEI number.
How do you find out an IMEI number?
There are a couple of ways you can view the IMEI of a device. Whether it’s an Android device, iOS, or another operating system. The easiest way is to enter a specific set of characters using your phone’s keypad, this should work on every device type and is our preferred way of finding an IMEI number:
Finding the IMEI on all mobile devices
- Open your phone’s keypad
- Enter the characters *#06#
- Your phone will either display your IMEI or you can push call (green phone) to view
- When displayed likely you will see a few barcodes and numbers, the one you’ll most likely be required to provide is IMEI1 which is the primary IMEI number for your mobile phone.
The second way to find a phone’s IMEI is:
Finding the IMEI on an Apple device
- Navigate to the “Settings” section on your phone
- Choose “General”
- Choose “About”
- Scroll down until you see your IMEI number
Finding the IMEI on a Samsung device
- Go to the “Settings”
- Choose “About Phone” or “About Device”
- You should see your IMEI displayed on your screen
Finding the IMEI on Android
- Go to “Settings” app
- Scroll down and choose “About Phone”
- Scroll down until you see your IMEI number
That’s our rough guide to IMEI numbers complete, we hope it should answer most questions our customers will ask about IMEI’s, if you have any suggestions please drop us a message.
How to find your IMEI number on Android
