What IMEI Is and How to Find It
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is the international identifier for mobile equipment, unique to each phone. It consists of 15 digits and is used for device identification on a mobile network. All modern smartphones operating on GSM, WCDMA, and IDEN standards have an IMEI, which is assigned at the factory during manufacturing and stored in the firmware.
How to find your phone's IMEI
The easiest way is to dial *#06# on the phone keypad. The IMEI will appear on the screen automatically. You can also find it:
- in the phone settings — under "About Phone" / "Device Information";
- on the device box — next to the barcode;
- on the phone body — under the battery or on the SIM card tray (on some models).
Why IMEI is needed
IMEI is used to identify the phone on the mobile operator’s network. When connecting to the network, the device transmits this number, allowing the operator to:
- track the usage of a specific device;
- block stolen phones;
- prevent fraudulent activity;
- control access to communication services.
Additionally, IMEI is often required when contacting a service center, insurance company, or the police in case of loss or theft of the phone.
Can a phone be blocked by IMEI
Yes, if the device is stolen, it can be blocked through the mobile operator using the IMEI. Once added to the "blacklist," the phone will not be able to connect to the network in any country supporting the international IMEI blocking database (e.g., CEIR). It is important to submit the request as early as possible and provide documents proving ownership of the device.
You can read about how to deal with phone blocking in Northern Cyprus in our article.
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