The IMEI number of an iPhone is a 15 to 17 digit identifier that distinguishes it from all other iPhones, and it can sometimes be useful to find it. This is particularly the case when you want to unlock your phone with your operator. You will see that it is really very simple to recover the iPhone IMEI! We explain.
What is the IMEI number?
The IMEI ou International Mobile Equipment Identity (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique number assigned to each mobile phone. Basically, it is the phone's identity card and allows it to be recognized throughout its life. Each telephone in circulation therefore has its own number IMEI.
From a technical point of view, the IMEI number is made up of 15 digits:
- Type Allocation Code (TAC): 8 digits including 2 digits for the country code of registration of the mobile
- Serial Number (SNR): 6 digits
- Control: 1 digit to control the other 14
What is the IMEI number used for?
This unique identity card for each phone is particularly useful. Indeed, the IMEI code allows your operator to recognize each smartphone connected to its network. Consequently, your operator will be able to authorize or not a phone to connect to its network thanks to the IMEI number.
The IMEI therefore has two main uses:
- Unlock or desimlock a phone : although this is becoming less and less common, it happens that when you buy your smartphone from your operator as part of a contract, it is locked to its network. It is then impossible to use it with competitors! It is therefore thanks to the IMEI number of your phone that the operator will be able to unlock your phone so that it can be used on another network.
- Block a stolen phone or lost : phone theft is unfortunately common and the IMEI makes it more difficult for thieves and especially for receivers. By giving this number to your operator, they will be able to lock it, making it unusable (for making calls in any case). This is why it is a good idea to write down and keep your IMEI number.
How to find your IMEI number?
Most of the time, the IMEI number of the phone is visible on the packaging of the latter. But if you no longer have the box, there are two solutions to find the iPhone IMEI number. The first solution that we are going to see is specific to the iPhone while the second works on any smartphone under iOS or Android.
Method 1: In iPhone Settings
The IMEI code is very easy to retrieve on your iPhone. Indeed, Apple has thought of everything and has grouped a lot of information about your device including the IMEI number.
To access it, nothing could be simpler.
- go to iPhone settings
- then in General > Information
- scroll down and at the bottom in the “PHYSICAL SIM” section you will find the famous number
Method 2: The universal solution
This second method has the advantage of working on iPhone, but also on any other phone. It is not complicated, but it is less instinctive than the first method.
- Go to your device's phone app (the green icon with a phone on it)
- Where you can type a number, enter the following code: * # # 06
On most phones a card will open immediately, but in some cases if nothing happens you have to press the call button to execute the number and display the information.
This tip also reminds me of another one that allows you to change your phone's PIN code a bit in the same way!
Use IMEI Number to Find Out if an iPhone is Stolen
In the event of loss or theft of an iPhone or any other smartphone, it is important to have the reflex to report this loss or theft to your operator. They will then be able to put it on a blacklist using the IMEI number.
So, the day you plan to buy a used iPhone from an individual (or someone else), it is strongly recommended to check that it has not been stolen! And to do this, the best solution is to use the IMEI of the device you are eyeing!
Indeed, there are sites that allow you to check that an IMEI number is not referenced on a blacklist of stolen or lost devices. This is the case for example of IMEI24 or, IMEI.info.
Hi how are you?