General information

The IMEI is assigned to the phone during manufacturing at the factory. It serves to identify the device on the network and is stored in the firmware of the device. As a rule, IMEI is indicated in four places: in the device itself (in most cases it can be displayed on the screen by dialing *#06# on the keyboard), under the battery, on the packaging and in the warranty card. IMEI plays the role of the serial number of the device and is transmitted on the air during authorization on the network. IMEI is also used to track devices and block stolen phones at the operator level cellular communication, which does not allow further use of such a device in the network of this operator, but does not prevent its use in other networks. The GSM backbone stores the IMEI in EIR.

Unlike ESN and MEID used in CDMA and other networks, IMEI is used only to identify the device and does not have a permanent relationship with the subscriber. Instead, it uses the IMSI number stored on the SIM card, which can be inserted into almost any other device. However, there are special systems that allow one phone to use only one specific SIM card.

The model and origin of the phone are described by the first 8 digits of the IMEI (so-called TAC). The rest - serial number with a check number at the end. Dual SIM phones are assigned two IMEI numbers.

Change IMEI

Manufacturers are constantly improving protection methods software device from changing IMEI. In a number of modern devices, IMEI is stored in a one-time programmable memory area and cannot be changed. software tools.

In some countries, for example, in Latvia, Great Britain, the Republic of Belarus, changing IMEI is a criminally punishable act. There is also a precedent for attempting to prosecute IMEI change in Russia.

Structure of IMEI and IMEISV

The IMEI (14 decimal digits plus a check digit) contains information about the origin, model and serial number of the device. The first 8 digits make up the model and place of origin of the device, and are known as TAC (Type Approval Code). The rest is the serial number of the device determined by the manufacturer, with a check digit calculated according to the Luhn algorithm at the end. Until 2003, this figure had to be equal to 0. Later, this rule was canceled.

IMEISV (International Mobile Terminal Identity and Software Version number) consists of 16 digits and provides a unique identification of each mobile phone and compliance with the version of the software installed in the mobile phone, authorized by the operator. The software version determines the services available to the mobile device, as well as the ability to perform speech coding and therefore given parameter is quite important.

As of 2004, the IMEI format is AA-BBBBBB-CCCCCC-D, although it may not always be displayed that way. The IMEISV uses two digits of the software version instead of a single check digit, so the IMEISV looks like AA-BBBBBB-CCCCCC-EE.

Before the TAC was only 6 digits, the remaining 2 digits were the Final Assembly Location Code (FAC). From January 1 to April 1, there was a transition period during which all FAC codes were equal to the digits 00. The FAC ceased to exist, and TAC was expanded to 8 digits.

The first two digits of the TAC are the officially registered RBI code. RBI is always decimal, i.e. it is less than 0xA0, which makes it easy to distinguish between IMEI and MEID, the beginning of which is equal to or greater than 0xA0.

For example, consider IMEI 35-209900-176148-1 or IMEISV 35-209900-176148-23:

TAC: 35-2099 - British Telecommunications Harmonization Board (BABT) code and model number 2099 (Alcatel one touch 332) FAC: 00 - this code means that the phone was made during the transition period when the FAC was abolished. During the existence of the FAC, the following codes were used, among other things: 67 - USA, 19 or 40 - Great Britain, 78 or 20 - Germany, 10 or 70 - Finland, 30 - Korea, 80 - China, 04 - Vietnam SNR: 176148 - serial number of the device CD: 1 - check number SVN: 23 is the version number of the software that is installed on the phone. The number 99 is reserved.

The new style IMEI looks a bit different: 49-015420-323751 (German Nokia 3110 classic) and has an 8-digit TAC (49-015420).

The new mobile equipment identifier MEID, which operates in CDMA networks, uses the same basic format as IMEI.

Check number calculation

Method 1.
To calculate the last IMEI numbers necessary:

1. Add up all the numbers in odd positions; 2. Replace the numbers in even places according to the formula and add them: 0=0 1=2 2=4 3=6 4=8 5=1 6=3 7=5 8=7 9=9 3. Add the result to the resulting number , obtained in paragraph 1.; 4. If the resulting number is zero or a multiple of 10, then the IMEI checksum is 0. Otherwise, the checksum is the number that must be added to the result to get the next larger "round" number.

Method for calculating Check Digit by example:
Below we will try to calculate the CD control number for IMEI=3 5 41 90 02 38 96 44 3 . To do this, we need to perform the following operations with our IMEI code:

1. Add all numbers in odd positions 3,4,9,0,3,9,4: 3+4+9+0+3+9+4 = 32 2. Replace numbers in even places 5,1,0, 2,8,6,4 according to the formula 0=>0, 1=>2, 2=>4, 3=>6, 4=>8, 5=>1, 6=>3, 7=>5, 8 =>7, 9=>9: 5,1,0,2,8,6,4 => 1,2,0,4,7,3,8 and add them: 1+2+0+4+7 +3+8 = 25 3. To the resulting number 25 add the result 32 obtained in step 1. 25 + 32 = 57 4. "If the resulting number is equal to zero or a multiple of 10, then the IMEI checksum is 0" - this is not the case... Otherwise (=our) the checksum is equal to the number that needs to be added to the result, to get the next larger "round" number (i.e. the next whole ten). Next whole ten = 60. Add 3 to the result of 57 to get the nearest larger “round” number 60. Answer: Check number = 3

Method 2.
1) Double the values ​​of the numbers in even positions (5,1,0,2,8,6,4).
2) Add together doubled numbers in even positions and odd positions, while "decomposing" the numbers in even positions into component numbers (for example, 14 should be represented as 1 and 4). Got 57
3) If the final number ends in 0, then CD = 0. Otherwise, CD is equal to the number that must be added to the result obtained in step 2 to get the next whole ten. The next ten after 57 is 60, 60-57 we get 3. The total control number is 3
PHP code to check IMEI

Function corectdigit2($text)(
switch ($text) (
case "0": return "0"; break;
case "1": return "2"; break;
case "2": return "4"; break;
case "3": return "6"; break;
case "4": return "8"; break;
case "5": return "1"; break; // 5*2=10, 1+0=1
case "6": return "3"; break; // 6*2=12, 1+2=3
case "7": return "5"; break; // 7*2=14, 1+4=5
case "8": return "7"; break; // 8*2=16, 1+6=7
case "9": return "9"; break; // 9*2=18, 1+8=9
};
}
function getimeicd($text)(
$one = $text+$text+$text+$text+$text+$text+$text;
$two = corectdigit2($text)+corectdigit2($text)+corectdigit2($text)+corectdigit2($text)+corectdigit2($text)+corectdigit2($text)+corectdigit2($text);
$three = $one+$two;
$four = (substr($three,0,strlen($three)-1)+1)*10;
$five = $four-$three;
if($five==10)($five=0;)
return $five;
}

Use in satellite communications

see also

Notes

Links

• How to register the IMEI of a phone imported from abroad in Ukraine?

Online IDs

IMEI (short for the English phrase International Mobile Equipment Identity - international mobile equipment identifier) ​​is a number that is unique for each phone. Used in mobile as well as some satellite phones.

In simpler terms, IMEI is a unique identification number for each phone or smartphone. It consists of 14 decimal digits and one check digit. The code contains information about the serial number of the device, its model and origin. So, the first 8 digits are called TAC (Type Approval Code) and speak about the device model and its place of origin. The rest of the IMEI is the serial number of the device, which is determined by the manufacturer using the so-called Luna algorithm, with a check digit assigned at the end.

There is IMEISV (from the English International Mobile Terminal Identity and Software Version number), which already consists of 16 digits. In addition to providing a unique identification for each phone, it allows you to match the software version authorized by the operator. In turn, the services available directly for this device depend on the software.

In 2002, information was prepared by representatives of major foreign mobile operators, which said that the IMEI could be changed using simple software. Today, changing IMEI is much more difficult, as mobile equipment manufacturers are improving the protection system. Some companies claim that it is simply impossible to change the IMEI in their devices. It is noteworthy that in some countries changing the IMEI is a criminal offense.

IMEI is listed in several places. The easiest way to find it is to type *#06# on the keyboard (supported by most manufacturers):

We have hidden the main numbers of the number.

Why is IMEI needed?

• IMEI is used to identify the device on the network.

• IMEI is the serial number of the phone.

• The IMEI can be used to track the phone and block stolen devices at the carrier level. True, in the latter case, you cannot use the device only within one operator.

• WITH using IMEI you can find out if the device is stolen.

Select a vehicle type below.

Mobile phone, smartphone or tablet

On the nameplate

If the battery and rear panel removed, below them is the nameplate. The nameplate shows the model , IMEI and serial number .

If the battery and rear panel not removed, nameplate is affixed to back panel. The nameplate shows the model , IMEI and serial number .

There is also a similar plate on the box from the device.

In settings

Open menu > Settings > About device to view the model ,

IMEI and serial number. On some IMEI models and serial number are located in the "Status" item.

Through a special code

Open the Phone app and dial the code *#06# to view IMEI . Some models also have a serial number.

Watch

Turn the clock face down. There is a nameplate on the bottom. You can see the model and serial number on the label.

The plate is quite small, it is better to use a magnifying glass.

On the menu

Go to Menu > Settings > Gear Info (About) > Model Number to view the model .

Camera Gear

On the nameplate

Turn the camera upside down. There is a nameplate on the bottom. You can see the model and serial number on the label.

The plate is quite small, it is better to use a magnifying glass.

Virtual reality glasses

On the nameplate

Remove the cap from the glasses. There is a nameplate on the front. You can see the model and serial number on the label.

The plate is quite small, it is better to use a magnifying glass.

TV

On the rear panel, on the nameplate

Turn the TV screen away from you. There is a nameplate on the rear panel. You can see the model and serial number on the label.

On the menu

Go to Menu > Support > Contact Samsung to view the model

and serial number (only on TVs H, J, K, M, N, Q, LS-series)

Fridge

Inside the fridge compartment, on the rating plate

Open the refrigerator compartment door. On the side, usually on the left side, is the nameplate. You can see the model and serial number on the label.

Washing machine

Behind the hatch door, on the factory sticker

Open the hatch door. There is a factory sticker on the hinge or above the seal, where you can see the model and serial number

On the rear panel, on the nameplate

Turn the car with the sunroof away from you. On the rear panel is a nameplate where you can see the model and serial number.

Vacuum cleaner

Turn the vacuum cleaner upside down or stand it upright. On the bottom of the case is a nameplate where you can see the model and serial number.

Air conditioner

On the indoor unit, on the nameplate

On the bottom or on the left side of the indoor unit there is a nameplate where you can see:

a - Model
b - serial number

Microwave

On the rear panel, on the nameplate

Turn the microwave oven door away from you. On the rear panel is a nameplate where you can see the model and serial number.

hob

Turn the hob over. On the bottom is a nameplate where you can see the model and serial number.

Laptop

On the bottom of the housing, on the rating plate

Turn over the laptop. On the bottom of the case is a nameplate where you can see the model and serial number.

If the nameplate has been removed

The duplicate plate is located on the complete hard disk drive (HDD). Most laptops have a cover labeled "HDD Memory" on the bottom of the case. If you remove it, you will have access to the hard drive. Remove HDD, on the reverse side there is a plate with the laptop model.

Monitor

On the rear panel, on the nameplate

Turn the monitor with the screen facing away from you. There is a nameplate on the rear panel. You can see the model and serial number on the label.

Camera

On the bottom, on the rating plate

Turn the camera over. There is a nameplate on the bottom. You can see the model and serial number on the label.

The IMEI code is assigned to all mobile devices. It is used to identify devices, but is most convenient for finding a missing digital technology. You can find out Phone IMEI in several ways. The code has 15 digits, their sequence and division into groups also has a certain meaning.

What is the phone's IMEI

The IMEI code is assigned to the device at the factory during production. The combination of numbers is recorded both on the device itself and in its memory, it is listed in the manufacturer's company. As soon as the phone is turned on for the first time with a SIM card installed, the IMEI is registered in the operator's network to identify a particular device. At the same time, no data about the owner or the SIM card is saved, it is important to recognize the phone itself.

Code assigned specific device forever. It is officially impossible to replace it, however, some scammers change it programmatically. Therefore, IMEI is stored not only in the phone's memory, but also printed on it. In Russia and the CIS countries, forging or replacing the IMEI code is a criminal offense.

Why is it needed

The IMEI code is used in various cases:

• Revealing complete information about the device upon purchase, especially if the phone is used;
• Recognition of stolen or lost phone, search for the owner;
• Device location search;
• Forced blocking of the phone through a mobile operator if it fell into the hands of thieves;
• Proof of quality assurance from the manufacturer.

The IMEI code base is kept by the government law enforcement agencies of most countries.

How to find IMEI

Depending on the situation, you can find out the current IMEI code from a particular phone in different ways.

Entering a USSD command

Since the code is stored in the memory of any phone, you can enter the USSD request * # 006 #, press the call button. In the response message, IMEI is displayed on the device screen.

In phone settings

On modern smartphones basic information is contained in the settings.

Android

Enter the desired settings section on devices with an operating Android system can be done as follows:

1. Enter the "Settings" section;
2. Go to the "About phone" menu;
3. Item "Device indicators".

Displayed here general information about the smartphone, including IMEI.

iPhone

The algorithm for Apple mobile products is as follows:

On the phone itself

On devices of different generations, the IMEI code is printed in different places:

Finding it is quite simple, the combination is marked with the name IMEI.

On the phone box

The code is located next to the barcode assigned to the device. When buying, you can check the combinations on the battery and the box for additional authentication of the smartphone.

On the warranty card

According to established standards, in communication stores and licensed stores, IMEI fits into the warranty card.

On iTunes

The iTunes settings section, opened from the phone, contains information about the IMEI. If the login is made from a computer synchronized with a smartphone, the necessary information will be displayed in the program settings.

AT&T account

This company is engaged in the supply of locked phones from the United States. You can also order a block removal service from them or find out the IMEI code.

IMEI number structure

The meaning of the code numbers:

• The first 6 digits are encoding according to the international standard;
• The next 2 are the generally accepted code of the state where the device was manufactured;
• Another 6 digits - a unique serial number of the phone;
• The last digit is the control number of the device.

If the device involves the installation of 2 SIM cards, the device is assigned 2 codes.

How to check the authenticity of IMEI

The combination is authenticated using a check digit. Additionally, you can use one of the databases of IMEI numbers.

Information in databases

Bases with IMEI numbers provide free services to search for registered device information. Unfortunately, it is impossible to find a missing phone in this way. Among the popular bases in Russia can be noted.

IMEI ( International Mobile Equipment Identity) is the identifier of the radio module installed in the mobile device (phone, tablet, smart watch etc.). Do not confuse not the phone, it just so happened that the radio modules are part of the phone. Now everyone thinks that IMEI is a phone identifier, no it is not. But if you have a phone with two SIM cards ami, then by dialing *#06# you will receive information about two IMEI numbers of your phone. This is information about the assigned radio module number, since there are two of them, and there will be two IMEI numbers. As a rule, two IMEI numbers do not differ much in the same device. IMEI is assigned to radio modules of the standard GSM, WCDMA and IDEN. These are networked devices. 2G, 3G, 4G, LTE.

IMEI what is it for?

Despite the fact that there is a lot of information about IMEI on the Internet, it is not complete and it is difficult to understand why IMEI is used, we will try to tell it more simply.

Why was IMEI invented

With the advent of mobile devices, the question arose of how to identify a subscriber who uses the network. There is a SIM card but it is removable. The police and other government agencies responsible for security were interested in resolving this issue. It was invented to assign to a device that uses mobile network individual number by which you can uniquely identify the device even when changing the sim card.

Why does my phone have two IMEI numbers

You will see two IMEI numbers if your phone has two radio modules and two SIM card slots. Since the IMEI is tied to the radio module, you will see IMEI1 and IMEI2.

Why mobile operators supported the introduction of IMEI

Mobile operators willingly supported this initiative in some countries due to government requirements, in others themselves, as they also benefit from it.

Mobile operators benefit from the use of IMEI, on the one hand, in the event of some illegal actions, they cannot be accused of inaction. On the other hand, operators, also at the request of the owner of the phone, in case of theft, can block the device by IMEI. Of course not all mobile operators in the world they support the exchange of information and if, for example, in the USA the phone is blocked by IMEI, then in Mexico it will work. Also, if you bought a locked phone and can prove the legitimacy of the purchase, the operator can disable the lock, but you need to pay for this service from $ 10 (for example, in the USA)

How to decrypt IMEI

Decrypting IMEI is easy, but in most cases it is not necessary. But in some countries, by checking the IMEI, you can find out if the phone is blacklisted and blocked.

IMEI decoding example 869493026608130

86 - the code of the organization that, according to the manufacturer, entered into the unified register information about the device in which the radio module is installed. 86 - TAF China registrar. Now we know who entered the device into the registry.

Country code in IMEI

Many people think that the first digits are the country code. This is an erroneous opinion, the first two digits of the IMEI code of the organization that entered the information in the registry. Manufacturer mobile device can apply to any organization.

Codes of organizations registering IMEI

Code	Registrar Organization IMEI	Origin
00	TestIMEI	Nations with 2-digit CCs
01	PTCRB	United States
02 — 09	TestIMEI	Nations with 3-digit CCs
10	DECT devices
30	Iridium	United States (satellite phones)
33	DGPT	France
35	Comreg	Ireland
44	BABT	United Kingdom
45	NTA	Denmark
49	BZT/BAPT	Germany
50	BZT ETS	Germany
51	Cetecom ICT	Germany
52	Cetecom	Germany
53	TÜV	Germany
54	Phoenix Test Lab	Germany
86	TAF	China
91	MSAI	India
98	BABT	United Kingdom
99	GHA	For multi RAT 3GPP2/3GPP

Device code (phone model)

949302 — The next six digits are the device code. The manufacturer declares that he plans to produce, for example, a new iPhone model 20 and asks for a code. These phones will be equipped with radio modules in which IMEI information is stored. 949302 device code, it will be clear from it that this is iPhone20, in our example it is huawei phone. Depending on the number of phones produced, technical characteristics, several codes can be assigned to one model.

As a rule, manufacturers enter all the information about the device in which the radio module is installed. This allows you to identify the device as accurately as possible. From our example IMEI, you can find out the following information about the phone. The site https://www.imei.info/ was used to check IMEI

IMEI info: Model:Y6 PRO TIT-U02 (TIT-U02) Brand:HUAWEIIMEI: TAC: 869493 FAC: 02 SNR: 660813 CD: 0

smartphone
Design:	classic
Released:	2015
Dual SIM:
SIM card size:	micro sim
GSM:	900 1800 1900
HSDPA:	850 900 1900 2100 HSPA+
Dimensions (H/L/W):	143.1 x 71.8 x 9.7 mm, vol. 99 cm³
display:	LCD IPS Color (16M) 720x1280px (5.0″) 294ppi
touchscreen:
Weight:	160g
battery:	LiPo 4000 mAh
Built-in memory:	16 GB
memory card:	microSD max. 128GB
RAM Memory:	2GB
OS:	Android 5.1 Lollipop
Chipset:	MediaTek MT6735P
CPU #1 freq.:	1300.0 MHz (4-core)
GPU Type:	ARM Mali-T720 MP2

You can also find detailed specifications devices, down to the resolution of the camera, the number of pixels, what are installed, audio and video codecs and a lot of other information.

86949302 - this combination is called TAC (Type Approval Code). Registrar code + code assigned to the phone. Until 2004, this number was called TAC+FAC (869493+02). FAC was an identifier in which country the device was manufactured. But since 2004 it has not been used, although some manufacturers continue to indicate information, but very often it is not correct.

660813 - serial number of the radio module, not the phone. SNR (Serial Number Radio module)

Why the serial number in IMEI does not match the serial number of the phone

You might think why the IMEI serial number does not match the serial number of the phone. And it's just that the serial number of the radio module is entered in the IMEI. And the phone has its own serial number.

IMEI Checksum

0 is the checksum of the IMEI number, C (control) the use of a checksum allows you to more reliably detect fakes. Check sum calculated by the Luhn algorithm.