Every Android device has a unique International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. You might need this number when dealing with your carrier or device manufacturer. There are a couple of ways to find this—here are both.
What is An IMEI?
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. In other words, it’s a unique identifier for your exact phone. Every mobile phone out there today has one, and every single one is unique. Just like people—no two are the same. Doesn’t that make your phone’s IMEI feel special?
IMEI numbers are 14-16 digits long, with the majority consisting of 14 digits and a final verifying digit. IMEIs are used by carriers and manufacturers alike for tracking purposes. For example, if you send your phone in for repair, this is how you’ll know that you’re getting your phone back (and not some other phone).
IMEIs are broken down using an 11-222222-333333-4 format, where the first and second sections define the make and model, and the third is specific to that particular handset. The fourth, as stated above, verifies that the IMEI complies with the allocation and approval guidelines.
Now that we have that bit of history out of the way, here’s how to find yours.
The Simplest Way: Type *#06# Into the Dialer
Since there is a slew of different manufacturers with a variety of different skins out there, the IMEI may be hard to find in the settings menu. So the easiest thing to do is fire up the dialer and type the following:
*#06#
As soon as the final # is entered, the IMEI information should pop up. Could it be any easier?
