Do you know what the serial number of a smartphone is? We will describe below how to find out where it is and how to change it.

What is the IMEI of the phone: (from the English International Mobile Equipment Identity) - a unique international code that is assigned to all mobile gadgets. It is a 15-digit number. Have a mob. devices, as well as tablets and satellite devices.

The identifier is assigned to the gadget only by special organizations. Previously, it was discovered by pirate methods that the number can be changed using programs on a PC. However, in some regions, these manipulations are considered a criminal offense.

Now it is not considered possible to reprogram the number, it is securely sewn into the microcircuit at the manufacturing plant and it can only be "opened" with special equipment.

What is it for? The number is required to identify the mob. devices on the network. If the phone simultaneously operates with several SIM cards, then a number is assigned to each. Have it in case of theft of the gadget.

Knowing it, you can lock the device if it is lost. The device is now blacklisted by all network operators. And even if the SIM card is changed, attackers will not be able to use it.

It is also possible to locate its owner by Imei. So, you can easily find a lost device.

If we talk about the structure, then it consists of 14 digits, imei sv - of 16. Using the first numbers, you can determine the device model, as well as the country of origin. The remaining numeric values ​​display the serial number and check digit. Have SV indicates the version of the current software.

Where to find it

The numerical value can be found in different ways:

What can you find out by the IMEI of the phone

On certain sites, you can enter the number and find out the following data:

  • see if the device is under warranty service;
  • gadget model;
  • color;
  • the amount of internal memory;
  • whether the device is stolen / lost;
  • if the gadget is under warranty, the expiration date of the warranty period.

What is IMEI SV

Imei sv - add-on to the name-code used for accounting billing data. SV stands for Software version (version software). Its main difference from having an additional 2 digits.

Components of IMEI8 SV:

  1. TAC is the type of location code. Its length is 8 numbers.
  2. SNR is the serial number. The length of the value is 6 numbers.
  3. SVN - software version number. 2 numbers.

The first part is used to characterize the gadget model and developer. The second determines the serial number of the device, the third is assigned by the developer for the ordering sequence.

SVN number = 99. When flashing a gadget, you need to change it. The first constituent parts of have svn must be equal to the imei number (the same numbers).

By default, imei sv 00. This means that the device is new. Further, when registering in the network, the code will change automatically.

Is it possible to change IMEI

Outdated models of devices were easy to change the number. This was done through a terminal program and by entering a couple of commands. Nowadays, manufacturers have begun to “hide” the number more carefully, so the procedure for changing it becomes more complicated.

The number sewn into the device itself cannot be changed using the program. However, there are still models of gadgets, where you can still change them. This can be done through "hacking" the device and obtaining super user rights, as well as through the developer menu.

The change process is different for each model of the device. There is no universal instruction. Before the direct procedure for changing imei, be sure to clarify how legal your actions are.

IMEI is a unique number that is issued to all mobile equipment at the factory. Typically, this number is represented as a 15-bit decimal number. Every phone, tablet with a mobile phone and a 3g / 4g modem has such a number. In this article, we will show you how to view IMEI on Android phone.

Method number 1. Code * # 06 #.

Probably the easiest and fastest way to see IMEI is * # 06 # code. To use it, open the Calls application and enter this code, as shown in the screenshot below.

After you type * # 06 # on your keyboard, a small pop-up window will appear, which will indicate your IMEI.


Method number 2. Android settings.

You can also see the IMEI of your Android phone in the settings. To do this, open Settings and go to the "About phone" section (in some cases, this section may be called "About the device"). Review the device information that is available in this section of settings. The IMEI number should also be indicated here. In some cases, in order to see the IMEI, you need to open it under the "Status" section.

Many smartphone users have come across the abbreviation IMEI and a long set of numbers. Collided and, most likely, passed by. Indeed, you never know the sets of numbers associated with a mobile device. Should you pay attention to them?

In the case of IMEI, it's probably worth it. The fact is that this number is a unique identifier that is assigned to each smartphone. And it serves several extremely useful purposes. In our article we will tell you how to find out the IMEI of the phone, and what it is for.

What is IMEI

IMEI (from English International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit international identifier for mobile gadgets. In fact, this is a serial number that is determined by the operator when the phone gets in touch. The IMEI number is deciphered as follows:

Please note that a dual-SIM phone will be marked with two IMEI numbers for each SIM card slot.

What is the IMEI of the phone for:

  1. Using IMEI, you can get full information about the device at the stage of purchase, correlating the identifier that is contained in the gadget system with the one that is applied to the body of the mobile phone.
  2. A stolen or lost phone can be recognized via IMEI and returned to the owner.
  3. When calling from a phone, the telecom operator determines the IMEI and, accordingly, calculates the location of the gadget. Therefore, through IMEI, you can monitor your mobile phone or find a lost phone.
  4. Having found out the IMEI, the operator can block the phone if it falls into the hands of intruders.
  5. IMEI code is a manufacturer's guarantee in terms of build quality and safety for the user.

How to find out the IMEI code of the phone

In order to determine the identifier of a mobile device, there are 4 simple methods available to any user:

Method 1. Via a number combination on the keyboard

Open the numeric keypad on your phone and dial * # 06 #. After that, the screen will display IMEI.


Method 2. View inside the phone case

If your phone has a removable battery, you can find the IMEI number by removing the back cover of the mobile phone and removing the battery. All information about the phone will be placed under it, including the number or IMEI numbers.


Method 3. Look at the packaging.

The sticker with the IMEI number is located on the box with the phone. In addition, the identifier is stamped on the device's warranty card upon purchase. It is very important that the IMEI numbers on the package and on the coupon exactly match.

Method 4. View in phone settings

The IMEI number must be entered in the information list, which can be accessed through the gadget menu:

  • Open the settings;
  • Find the section "About phone";
  • Click on the item "General information";
  • Go to the item "IMEI code data".

Why Fly

As you can see from the illustrations, when preparing the material on how to find IMEI, the products of the British company Fly helped us. We chose smartphones of this brand for availability, performance and reliability, which is confirmed by grateful user reviews

Some people have a question “ how to find out the imei of the phone?», « how to watch imei? " or " how to check imei of phone? ". In this short post I will tell you how to find out imei and how it is useful in stealing your phone.

How to identify the imei of a cell phone?

So, in order to find out the IMEI of your mobile phone, dial without quotes on the phone "* # 06 #" - an asterisk, hash, zero, six, hash. After that, the 15-digit IMEI number will automatically appear on the phone screen.

What is the serial number for if the phone is stolen?

If your phone is stolen, you can contact your service provider with a request to block your phone. This is where IMEI is needed, i.e. they will block at the imei number you specified. After blocking, even if the attacker changes the SIM card, the phone cannot be used. Therefore, just in case, write down the serial number of your phone somewhere.

To tell the truth, I do not think that the telephone will not be possible to use. I believe that there are craftsmen who reflash mobile phones, after which they "come to life".

And yet, in the list of popular requests, I saw the request “find a phone by imei for free”. I must say right away that this is impossible! Only the police can track the location of the phone. I tried to drive the query into the search. I opened the first site I came across, on it, under various pretexts (download one of the programs), they populate an archive with a virus. So, they stole the phone - to the police.

What is an IMEI code, what is it for and, most importantly, to whom? Many have not even heard of him. Someone has heard, but does not know. Someone has vague ideas ... According to the definition posted on the resource "Wikipedia", IMEI(English cell phones of GSM, WCDMA and IBEN networks, as well as in some satellite phones firmware *#06# on keyboard)...

What is an IMEI code, what is it for and, most importantly, to whom?

Many have not even heard of him. Someone has heard, but does not know. Someone has vague ideas ...

According to the definition posted on the Wikipedia resource, IMEI(English International Mobile Equipment Identity - international identifier of mobile equipment) is a number (usually 15-digit in decimal notation), unique for each device using it. Applied in cell phones GSM, WCDMA and IBEN networks, as well as in some satellite phones... The IMEI is assigned to the phone during manufacture at the factory. It serves to identify the device on the network and is stored in the device's firmware. As a rule, IMEI is indicated in four places: in the device itself (in most cases it can be displayed 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 over the air when authorizing in the network. Also, IMEI is used to track devices, activate hidden functions 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 interfere with its use in other networks. The phone model and origin are described by the first 8 digits of the IMEI (so called TAC). The rest is the serial number with a check number at the end. Phones that support simultaneous operation of two SIM cards are assigned two IMEI numbers. Manufacturers are constantly improving methods of protecting software from changing IMEI. In modern devices, IMEI is stored in once programmable memory zone and cannot be changed by software (except phones with MTK chipset). In some countries, it is a criminal offense to change IMEI.

In conclusion, a useful tip:

Write down the serial number of the device and the IMEI code on paper. Put this cheat sheet with documents that you do not need every day (birth certificates, marriage certificates, education crusts), so as not to lose everything at once. IMEI code can be found by dialing the combination *#06# ... If you lose your gadget, this cheat sheet will serve you well in your search, including through checkimei. ru.

IMEI(International Mobile Equipment Identity) stands for “International Mobile Equipment Identity”, it is a unique number that is assigned to each mobile phone, as well as some satellite phones. It is usually printed in the battery compartment of the device. It can also be displayed by entering the sequence from the keyboard *#06# ... You cannot change the IMEI of a modern phone without reprogramming the microcircuits or replacing them, since this identifier is usually hardwired into the ROM microcircuit.

The IMEI identifier is used in GSM networks to identify devices operating in the network, and therefore it can be used to track a stolen cell phone and block its access to the network. For example, if the owner of a stolen phone reports the theft to his mobile operator and asks to add the device to the “black list” by the IMEI number, then for this and some other networks the phone will become absolutely useless, and it does not matter if the SIM card installed in phone.

IMEI is used only to identify the device from which the network is connected; it does not in any way apply to the owner of the device. The owner is determined using another number - IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity - international subscriber identifier), which is stored in the SIM card. In theory, the IMSI identifier can be forged and used with any phones, but in many cellular networks there is protection, for example, this identifier is sent during a communication session very rarely in order to avoid interception.

The IMEI is usually 15 digits long. The first eight digits are the TAC identifier, with the first two digits in this TAC code indicating the country. The next six digits indicate the serial number of the device, and the last, 15th digit is the control one, with its help it is checked that all the digits are correct according to the Luna algorithm.

The Luna algorithm is used to check the checksum of the IMEI identifier, it allows you to identify all single errors and almost all variants of permutations of neighboring numbers. The only exceptions are the numbers 9 and 0 located in adjacent positions, their permutation by the algorithm is not detected (for example, if you rearrange the adjacent numbers 90 and 09, it will not be detected).

Consider an example of checking the correctness of the 15-digit IMEI 359223015426526:

1. We discard the rightmost check digit - there will be 14 digits left: 35922301542652
2. Counting from right to left, we sum up all the numbers located in even positions - the second, fourth, sixth, etc. –3 5 9 2 2 3 0 1 5 4 2 6 5 2
3+9+2+0+5+2+5 = 26
3. All numbers less than five, located in odd positions, should be multiplied by two and added together, and if the number is more than four, then when multiplying by two, the number nine should be subtracted from the result:
5*2-9+2*2+3*2+1*2+4*2+6*2-9+2*2 = 28
4. Let's summarize the obtained results: 26 + 28 = 54
5. The resulting number is divided modulo ten: 54 mod 10 = 4
6. If the result is zero, then the result is zero, if the resulting number is greater than zero, then we subtract this number from ten: 10 - 4 = 6.

In this example, we got the number 6, which is equal to the check number, therefore the IMEI digits of the identifier are correct.

General information

The IMEI is assigned to the phone during manufacture at the factory. It serves to identify the device on the network and is stored in the device's firmware. As a rule, IMEI is indicated in four places: in the device itself (in most cases it can be displayed 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 over the air during authorization in the network. Also, IMEI is used to track devices and block stolen phones at the level of a cellular operator, which does not allow the use of such a device in the network of this operator in the future, but does not interfere with its use in other networks. The GSM backbone stores the IMEI in the EIR.

Unlike ESN and MEID used in CDMA and other networks, IMEI is used only to identify the device and is not permanently related to the subscriber. Instead, it uses an IMSI number stored on a SIM card that 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 phone model and origin are described by the first 8 digits of the IMEI (so called TAC). The rest is the serial number with a check number at the end. Phones supporting simultaneous work with two SIM-cards are assigned two IMEI numbers.

Change IMEI

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

In some countries, for example in Latvia, Great Britain, the Republic of Belarus, changing the IMEI is a criminal offense. There is also a precedent of attempted criminal prosecution for changing the IMEI in Russia.

IMEI and IMEISV structure

IMEI (14 decimal digits plus 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 the TAC (Type Approval Code). The rest is the manufacturer-defined serial number of the device, with the check digit calculated by the Luna algorithm at the end. Until 2003, this figure must have been zero. Later, this rule was canceled.

IMEISV (International Mobile Terminal Identity and Software Version number) consists of 16 digits and provides unique identification of each mobile phone and matches the version of the software installed on the mobile phone that is authorized by the operator. The software version depends on the services available for the mobile device, as well as the ability to perform speech coding, and therefore this parameter is very important.

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

Before TAC consisted of only 6 digits, the remaining 2 digits were the final assembly 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 the TAC was expanded to 8 digits.

The first two digits of the TAC are the officially registered RBI code. RBI is always decimal, that is, it is less than 0xA0, which makes it easy to distinguish IMEI from 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 Council for the Harmonization of Telecommunications (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 also used: 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 installed on the phone. Digit 99 is reserved.

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

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

Calculation of the check number

Method 1.
To calculate the last digit of IMEI you need:

1. Add all 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 clause 1 .; 4. If the received number is zero or a multiple of 10, then the IMEI check number is 0. Otherwise check sum is equal to the number that needs to be added to the result to get the nearest larger "round" number.

Check Digit calculation method by example:
Below we will try to calculate the CD check 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 the numbers in odd positions 3,4,9,0,3,9,4: 3 + 4 + 9 + 0 + 3 + 9 + 4 = 32 2. Replace the 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 paragraph 1. 25 + 32 = 57 4. "If the received number is zero or a multiple of 10, then the IMEI check number is 0" - this is not this case ... Otherwise (= our) case, the checksum is equal to the number that needs to be added to the result, to get the nearest larger "round" number (ie the next whole ten). The next whole ten = 60. To the result 57, add 3 to get the nearest larger "round" number 60. Answer: Check number = 3

Method 2.
1) Double the values ​​of the digits at the even positions (5,1,0,2,8,6,4).
2) Add together the doubled numbers in even positions and odd positions, while “expanding” the numbers in even positions into their constituent numbers (for example, 14 should be represented as 1 and 4). Received 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 check 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 (edit)

Links

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

What is IMEI number? This is a unique code to identify each mobile phone. It is often used to identify mobile devices in an operator's network. Sometimes "have" is used to track down stolen or lost devices. We propose to consider the ways to find out the IMEI code, as well as its purpose.

Find out the number using a mobile phone

The IMEI code is indicated inside all devices. Changing the unique number is fraught with criminal prosecution in many countries. To determine the code, use a special key combination - * # 06 #. By its structure, you can understand that this is the most common USSD command. The only difference is that there is no need to press the call button after you have typed the last pound in the combination.

After sending a request, a unique identification number will be displayed on the display of the mobile device. If two SIM cards are installed on the gadget at the same time, on the display you will see two numbers at once for each card, respectively. The number of digits in this code is fifteen. In devices running on iOS, Android and Windows Background you can check the number in the same way. In some cases, along with the code-name, a special barcode is displayed, in which it is encrypted.

Sometimes phone owners think that the presence of the number inside indicates that they are not fake, but the original. But in reality, such a code is indicated on all mobile phones, even if they are made in illegal workshops.

If you have a smartphone running on the Android operating system, you can see the code of your device directly in the menu. It is enough to go to the settings, select the section "About the device", in which there is a special item for the state of the phone. The parameter list contains code-name. If the phone operates on two SIM cards, then two tabs will be displayed at once with information on both cards and phone modules.

Other options for determining the identification number

You can find out the code "have" if you look under the phone battery. It is enough to take off back panel gadget, pull out battery and look at the sticker that is contained inside. If the device works on two cards, two "have" for each SIM are indicated at once. The same stickers are found on gadget boxes. This is important in situations where you need to deal with the theft of a mobile phone and write a statement to the police.

Checking the device by IMEI number

You can check the code online for more information on mobile phone... For example, it helps to recognize the name of a specific model, to determine a number of hidden information of a service nature. For this purpose, special information bases are used in the network. What are they needed for?

As mentioned above, IMEI codes used to find a phone that has been stolen or lost. However, mobile operators tend to ignore this feature. Therefore, the network creates special information bases about those mobile phones that have been lost. If there was a trouble and you lost your device, enter its IMEI code into such a database to get additional opportunity find him. If you find someone's cell phone on the street, use the information base to find the owner. Of course, the probability of finding them is negligible, because not so many users know about such databases of IMEI codes, but still there is a chance.

Contrary to popular belief, tracking and locating mobile phones is not available. Such services simply do not exist on the web. This is the exclusive prerogative mobile operators, moreover, for such a search you need a request from the police.

Surely you have already heard this abbreviation - IMEI. For most owners of mobile gadgets, IMEI is a kind of phone identifier, something like a serial number, needed, rather, by engineers and developers, but for the layman it is of no value. Let's figure out what IMEI really means, how it can be useful to a common user, and how to find out the IMEI of a phone if necessary.

What is IMEI?

IMEI Is a unique international identifier for any mobile device (phone, smartphone, tablet, and even a USB modem).

IMEI code is assigned to each mobile device and some satellite phones are still in production and are usually 15 digits long. When the device is connected, IMEI is automatically transmitted to the operator's network and serves to identify the device itself. IMEI has nothing to do with either the owner of the device or the SIM card used in it.

It is believed that IMEI cannot be changed or faked, since this code is stored in the mobile phone's ROM chip. However, some “folk craftsmen” have already learned how to do this a long time ago. Moreover, on the Web you can find detailed algorithms to change the IMEI of the phone. But you should be aware that IMEI counterfeiting is illegal. Moreover, in some countries (in Russia - not yet), replacing the IMEI code in the device is a criminal offense.

An uncomplicated key combination ✶ # 06 # will allow you to find out the IMEI code of your phone. It will immediately appear on the screen of the device.

Alternative ways:

  • View IMEI on Android devices can be directly through the menu: "Settings" → "About phone" → "Device identifiers". In addition to IMEI, this tab will also indicate the name of the phone model, its serial number and other useful information.
  • Find out IMEI on iPhone and other Apple devices it is also possible through the main menu: "Settings" → "General" → "About device". As in the case above, this page contains comprehensive information about the phone, including its IMEI, serial number, and more.

In addition, manufacturers also indicate the phone's IMEI on the device itself (look under the battery) and the box (next to the barcode).

Older iPhones (up to iPhone 5) have the IMEI on the SIM tray.

How to find out the IMEI of a stolen phone?

Few people think about looking at the IMEI of their phone in advance and keeping it in a safe place. On the contrary, the question "how to find out the IMEI number of the phone?" rises, as a rule, when the device is no longer on hand - it is stolen or lost. It's good if you still have the packaging from under the device - you can see the IMEI on it. But what if it is not there too? Is it really impossible to find out IMEI now?

Maybe! And this is where Google and Apple come to the rescue of their users!

How can IMEI be useful?

So, we have already learned what a phone IMEI is and how to find it out. How can you benefit from this information?

Through IMEI, you can identify, locate and block a specific device connected to the operator's network. Thus, in theory, if the phone is stolen, it is easy to return it to its rightful owner. But in practice neither cellular operators nor the police are looking for mobile phones by IMEI, citing the lack of the necessary equipment.

Therefore, for an ordinary user, IMEI will rather be useful as a means of additional verification of the purchased phone for its authenticity and the presence of a "criminal past" (stolen or not). This is especially true if you buy a hand-held phone.

There are special services on the Internet through which you can find out Interesting Facts about the phone by its IMEI number: device model, build date, check if the phone is on the “black list” as stolen. Apple gadgets users can get more detailed information: device color, memory size, production date, firmware version when the device was sold, as well as unlock and jailbreak methods).