IMEI stands for International Mobile Station Equipment Identity and this number is very important in tracking down your phone or blocking the networks on your phone when you lose your phone or its stolen. Even the police require the IMEI number to restrict the phone from accessing the local networks or to blacklist the IMEI number.
Notably, an IMEI number is associated with a SIM slot which means dual SIM smartphones or normal feature phones will have two IMEI numbers. Similarly, tablets with cellular connectivity support will also have an IMEI number. This unique number is the identity of your smartphone, you can use the IMEI number to prove that it’s your phone. In this article, we have listed a few simple steps to check IMEI number of your mobile phone.
How to check IMEI number on Android mobile phone or Apple iPhone or any feature phone
USSD codes are the best and simple method of finding the IMEI number of a phone of any brand like Samsung, Mi, Realme, OPPO, Vivo, OnePlus and Apple. The best part about this method is that it works on almost all mobile phones since it’s a universal USSD code for all feature phones and smartphones. Here’s how to check IMEI number with the help of a USSD code.
First, you need to head to the dial app on your phone.
Now, you have to Dial *#06# on your phone.
The moment you hit the hash button you can see the IMEI number appearing on the screen.
You can note down the number or you can take a screenshot and save it in your Google drive which can be accessed by your email ID.
Alternate method: How to check IMEI number on Apple iPhone
For iPhone users, the company has made it’s very easy by engraving the IMEI number on the rear panel of the phone, but do note that on iPhone 5 series have this option. Apple stopped engraving IMEI numbers on the rear panel with the launch of iPhone 6 series. Earlier Apple user to print IMEI number on the SIM tray of iPhone 4s. The new
iPhone users can use the following steps to find the IMEI number on your phones.
Head to the setting app.
Select general from the list and tap on About.
In the About section, you can find all the important details about your iPhone including the IMEI number.
Alternate method: How to check IMEI number on your Android device
You can use the USSD code method, but in case you forgot the USSD code you can use this simple method to find out the IMEI number on your Android smartphone.
First, you have to head to the Setting app.
Then select the About option and scroll down to Status option.
Select the Status option and you can witness the IMEI number on the display.
Feature phone users can simply use the USSD code or they can check the IMEI number by removing the battery as the company print a sticker inside the phone. You can take out the battery to check the IMEI number. Do note that the IMEI numbers are also written on the retail box and bill as well.
How to know whether the IMEI number is unlocked or not?
The process is fairly simple for both iPhones and Android devices. To start with iPhone, you can simply know is your phone is unlocked by going to Settings > General > About. There you will see a No SIM Restrictions message next to the Carrier Lock. This means your iPhone is unlocked. For Android, all you need to do is find the IMEI number by following the above-mentioned steps and then search for an IMEI tracker online. From there, you can check whether your Android phone is unlocked or not.
How to check the IMEI activation date?
You can easily check for the activation date using the IMEI number. If you have a Realme smartphone, you can use the company’s Phone Check service to get all the information about the phone including the activation date and more. OPPO also provides a similar service. However, if you want to check your Android smartphone activation, you can head to the IMEI checker website to know all the details about its activation, warranty, and more.
Is it possible to change the IMEI number of a mobile phone?
No, a normal person cannot change the IMEI number of a mobile phone. The IMEI number is the unique number given to your phone, which is allocated by GSMA and bodies authorized by it. The government of India has made it clear that tampering of the IMEI numbers is a punishable offence. Furthermore, if you are caught tampering with the IMEI number, you can land in jail for up to 3 years.
