What Is an IMEI Number? Why It Matters for Mobile Users ?

There are many features of modern smartphones that most of us never think about or even know exist. However, they carry out important functions to ensure the device works correctly, remains secure, and provides us with the usability we have come to expect.

One of the least-known features is the allocation of a unique identifier that every device has. This identifier, known as the International Mobile Equipment Identity, or IMEI, acts like a fingerprint for your device and makes it distinct from the billions of other devices in circulation worldwide.

The IMEI is composed of a 15-digit code, which you may never need to interact with. However, it plays a pivotal role in protecting your device and ensuring that you are covered for matters such as warranty claims.

Because of how important your device’s IMEI is, we have outlined everything you need to know about it, including where and how to find it, so that you will never be caught off guard.

What Is an IMEI Number?

As mentioned, an IMEI is a unique identifier given to every GSM, WCDMA, and iDEN mobile device. Unlike a SIM card, which identifies the mobile account of a phone, or a phone number, which identifies the person to whom the device belongs, the IMEI identifies only the physical device.

To do this, the IMEI number is permanently programmed into the device’s chipset during the manufacturing process. As such, one cannot easily change a device’s IMEI number, and most attempts to do this are futile. This is specifically done so that devices cannot be used for unintended purposes and then be hidden under the identification number of another device.

Because the IMEI is issued and imprinted during the manufacturing process, this number is also globally recognised irrespective of where a phone is made or sold. This helps network operators determine what phones are being used and where, which allows them to better meet the demand for specific devices in particular areas.

Why Is the IMEI Number Important?

There are three main purposes that the IMEI achieves: warranty reference, carrier compatibility, and security.

Warranty Reference

The first and most common use of the IMEI is if a device malfunctions or breaks while still under warranty. As most devices are sold with a warranty period that covers any manufacturer faults or breakage within a specific period, the IMEI is used by manufacturers to ensure that a device subject to a warranty claim is the same one that was sold with that warranty.

This allows repair centres and manufacturers the ability to mitigate fraud that occurs when an active warranty is claimed for a different device. It also ensures you can prove your right to a claim by showing that your device is covered by the active warranty.

Carrier Compatibility

Aside from assisting in identifying your device for warranties, your IMEI can also be used to check if your device will be compatible with different carriers. This is particularly important if you are planning to travel abroad and use a local SIM card.

Security

The primary function of an IMEI is to provide your device with enhanced security. If you misplace your device or it is stolen, you can report it to your carrier and quote the IMEI of your device. Your carrier can then blacklist the device, which will make it inoperable on any network, even if a new SIM card is inserted.

This security measure helps deter criminals by ensuring that a stolen phone becomes inaccessible, thereby protecting all your data stored on it. In an age where we rely on our phones more and more, this is imperative to securing our personal information.

How to Find Your IMEI Number
There are three primary methods to find your device’s IMEI number. The first and most commonly used method is to dial the *#06# USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) code using your device’s call function. When doing so, your IMEI and other information, such as device serial number, will appear on the screen. For dual SIM devices, the IMEI number for each SIM slot will appear.

A more laborious method is to navigate through your device’s settings and find the section containing information about your phone. Whether you use Android or iOS, this is commonly found under a label called “About Phone,” although the exact name and path may vary depending on the device.

Finally, your device’s IMEI may be printed on a sticker placed on the back of your device, on the SIM tray, or on the box your device arrived in.

Everyday Scenarios Where IMEI Matters

Paying attention to the IMEI of a device can have multiple beneficial uses. Chief among these is when purchasing a second-hand device. When doing so, you can search the IMEI of the phone you want to buy against a list of those that are blacklisted. By doing this, you can avoid purchasing a stolen or compromised device.

Knowing your IMEI can also help you if your device is stolen or misplaced, as having the unique number will allow you to report it to your carrier and have it blacklisted. Without supplying this number, your carrier may only block your SIM card and leave your device and all its sensitive information open to other parties.

Finally, as mentioned, you can use your IMEI number to determine your device’s compatibility with international carriers. By providing your IMEI, you can see if your device is locked to a specific carrier or will work by inserting a local SIM card when travelling.

Why IMEI Still Matters

Although the hope is that we will never require our IMEI because we won’t need to submit a warranty claim or block a stolen phone, it is still important to know it because it is actively used by telecommunication and government agencies.

Telecommunication Operators

Telecommunication operators often use a list of blacklisted IMEI to block lost or stolen devices from connecting to their networks. Without access to mobile networks, these phones become useless. This helps deter the theft and illicit sale of stolen devices as they are commonly inoperable at the network level.

Government Agencies

Aside from mobile network operators restricting access to their networks, IMEIs are commonly used by government agencies, primarily for tracking possible criminals and tracing potential fraud.

Common Myths About IMEI Numbers

Some myths about IMEI identifiers have surfaced over the years:

Untraceable

Chief among these myths is that, if you can change your IMEI, your phone will become untraceable. However, this myth is flawed in two ways.
Firstly, changing an IMEI is a technical process that requires advanced skills. Even then, attempting it may lead to a bricked (or blocked) device.

Secondly, while an IMEI number is a primary source to identify a phone, it is not the only method. As such, even if the IMEI is changed, a device can still be traced using things like its serial number.

Real-Time Protection

Another common myth is that your IMEI number grants real-time protection for your device. Some people believe that gambling using an operator, especially in a region where gambling is illegal or operates in a grey area of the law, requires linking your IMEI to your player account.
However, any of the sites mentioned in a resource like the live casino guide on KuwaitCasino.com secure player accounts by relying on login, KYC (Know Your Customer), geolocation, and payment verification. While device “fingerprinting” might track things like OS, IP, cookies, and hardware IDs, it does not usually track the raw IMEI.

In short, IMEIs are seldom (if ever) used by specific apps and are only used by telecommunication and government agencies as discussed.

Data Sharing

The final popular myth is that sharing your IMEI will grant others access to private information about you, such as your name, address, or contact number. Considering the IMEI relates only to the physical component of your device, this is false. Sharing this number will reveal no personally identifiable information about you.

Conclusion

Despite being just a 15-digit code, your IMEI is one of the primary protectors of your device. As it is a unique identifier, you should ensure that you know how to find it and store it safely in case you ever need it for scenarios like blacklisting your phone if it’s ever stolen or claiming a warranty.