IMEI NUMBER FAQ:
Michael Harbour
January 30, 2024 00:22
eSIM Guide
IMEI NUMBER FAQ: #
Performing an IMEI check is helpful if you need to find your IMEI number. If you’ve owned a cell phone for a while, you might already be familiar with the term, but not everyone knows why it’s essential.
In this article, you’ll learn how to check IMEI and find the IMEI number on your phone. First, though, let’s look at what an IMEI number is.
What is an IMEI Number? #
IMEI is short for International Mobile Equipment Identity. In short, your cell phone’s unique identification number is shared between manufacturers and carriers. An IMEI number is your phone’s tracking ID, so companies know which devices they’ve sent to which carriers.
It contains 15 digits, which are broken down into 3 parts. These are:
- The first 8 digits – the model and origin of the phone, known as the Type Allocation Code
- The following 6 digits. – the manufacturer code
- The final digit – the Luhn check digit (an identification number)
What is the Difference Between IMEI and ICCID? #
Cell phones are associated with plenty of acronyms. As such, confusing them, particularly IMEI and ICCID, can be easy. You’ve got a definition of IMEI above, so here’s a definition of ICCID:
ICCID stands for Integrated Circuit Card Identifier. Where an IMEI number is a unique ID for your phone, an ICCID is a unique ID for your SIM card. It performs the same function as an IMEI number, but finding it is much simpler than an IMEI check.
You’ll find it on the SIM card and the card’s packaging, and you can also find it in your phone’s settings menu. You might need it in the following situations:
- To activate a new SIM card
- To confirm which SIM card is linked to which plan (if you have several)
- You’ve swapped SIM cards between devices and need to remember which goes with which
- You need to quote it to a repair technician if you’re having network issues
It’s fair to say that, for the general public, an IMEI number is more critical than an ICCID.
Why is IMEI Important to You? #
IMEI numbers are related to tracking mobile devices. However, they’re essential for consumers as well as manufacturers.
For example, you’ll want to check IMEI before setting up a secondhand phone. Although an IMEI number itself doesn’t prevent theft of phones, it can be used to block or blacklist a stolen device. The carrier typically does this and prevents the phone from being used, even if the thief uses a new SIM card.
Carriers share blacklisted IMEIs with each other, so they know not to allow new plans on the device. This is why you’re usually asked to do an IMEI check if you’re buying a SIM-only plan from a carrier.
However, you can also use an IMEI unlock checker to see whether your device is genuine. Fake mobile devices will typically use another device’s IMEI number, which will be flagged on a carrier’s system if you try to set up a plan on it.
How I Check IMEI Number? #
If you’re wondering how I check IMEI numbers, the steps vary slightly by device manufacturer. In the old days (when phones had removable batteries), you could do an IMEI check simply by checking inside the phone.
However, that’s no longer possible. Instead, here’s how to find the IMEI number on the phone on 3 significant devices.
IMEI Checker Apple #
- Go to Settings and tap General. Then, tap About.
- Your device’s name should be at the top of the list. Scroll down, and you should find your IMEI number.
Alternatively, you can do an IMEI check by looking in various places on the device. For iPhones 6s to 13, it’s written on the SIM card tray (provided your phone has one). On iPhones 5-6, you can find it engraved on the bottom of the back of the phone. On iPhones 3G to 4s, it’s written on the SIM tray.
Finally, if you don’t have your phone to hand, you can use another device as an IMEI checker, Apple. Do the following:
- Go to the Apple ID website.
- Sign in with your Apple ID.
- Find the Devices section and look for your phone. Click on it, and you’ll find the IMEI number.
How I Check IMEI Number on Samsung? #
To perform an IMEI check on a Samsung device, you have several options:
- Open the Phone app and dial *#06#
- Your device will bring up a screen displaying the IMEI number and other codes.
You can check under the battery if your phone has a removable back cover. It’s written on a white sticker. If you can’t remove the cover, the IMEI will be engraved on the bottom of the back of the device.
Finally, you can look in the settings menu:
- Open the Settings app and tap About Phone.
- At the top should be your device’s model number. The IMEI is located below this.
Google Pixel IMEI Check #
Finding an IMEI number on a Google Pixel is almost identical to the above. You’ll find it on the phone’s box, in its SIM card tray, and the settings menu.
- Open the Settings and tap About Phone.
- Scroll down to find the IMEI number.
Next Generation: eSIM #
As for the iPhone 14, Apple has removed the SIM tray. This is arguably the beginning of the move towards eSIMs, which will only become more prevalent. However, you’ll still need to use an IMEI unlock checker to see if your phone can take an eSIM.
Roamify will soon launch its eSIM service, which will be much quicker and easier than physical SIM cards. What’s more, you can use it alongside the Roamify Team app. You can text and call in one app and set up multiple phone numbers from different countries. All this comes with unlimited texts and high-quality call minutes, too.
So, download the app today to see how it can make communication easier.
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Frequently asked questions
- What will I learn in IMEI NUMBER FAQ:?
- You will learn how eSIM activation works, how to compare data plans, and which setup steps matter most before and during your trip.
- How do I choose the right eSIM plan for Japan?
- Match your plan to trip length, expected daily data use, hotspot needs, and network quality in your destination. Short stays usually need less data, while remote work and video calls need more.
- Where can I buy travel eSIM plans for Japan and Thailand?
- Use the destination links in this guide to go directly to Roamify country pages, compare plan options, and complete checkout before departure.