WHAT IS AN IMEI AND HOW TO FIND IT

If you’ve ever looked into bringing your own phone to a plan, lost your phone or bought a used phone online, you’ve likely heard the term “IMEI number”. Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds.

Whether you’re switching phone carriers, checking if your mobile device works on a new network, or reporting a stolen device, that string of 15 digits suddenly becomes very important.

Let’s break down what an IMEI number is, why it matters, and how to find yours, no technical experience required.

In This Article:

> What is an IMEI number?

> How is my IMEI used?

> How to find your IMEI

> IMEI and your privacy

> IMEI security tips

What Is an IMEI Number?

IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It’s a unique, 15-digit serial number used to identify your mobile device. Think of it like a digital fingerprint for your phone. It’s one of a kind and no two devices share the same IMEI number.

Phone carriers use IMEIs to verify their authenticity, identify the make and model of your phone, and even block access to stolen phones. It’s how carriers know which networks your phone can use and whether a device is legitimate.

What Devices Have IMEI Numbers?

Most modern devices have an IMEI number, including:

• Smartphones

• Tablets with cellular capabilities

• Mobile hotspots
  

• Some smartwatches

If your device can connect to a mobile network via an eSIM or SIM card, it likely has a unique IMEI number.

How are IMEI Numbers Used?

IMEI numbers are used by phone carriers for several key reasons, including:

• Activating your device on a network 

• Checking if a phone is compatible with a carrier’s network

• Locking or blacklisting a device if it’s reported lost or stolen

• Tracking or recovering a stolen device with the help of law enforcement
• Verifying a phone’s authenticity, especially in the case of a resale or BYOD
• Technical support, especially troubleshooting device-specific issues when connecting to a network. This helps when you aren’t sure the specific make and model of your phone and can be used by customer support teams to identify your specific phone.

How to Find Your Device’s IMEI Number

Now, you’re ready to check the IMEI number for your mobile phone. Here’s how to track your IMEI down based on your device type: 

iPhone

• Go to Settings → General → About

• Scroll down to find your IMEI number

• Or, check the SIM card tray or the original packaging

Android

• Go to Settings → About Phone → IMEI information

• You can also dial *#06# on your dialpad and your IMEI will pop up

• Or, check the battery compartment if your phone has a removable battery

Devices With Removable Battery

• Turn off your device

• Remove the battery

• Look for a sticker near the battery slot with the IMEI and serial number

On Any Device

If you don’t feel like digging through your phone settings or tracking down the sticker behind the battery, there’s an even easier way to find your IMEI number. Simply dial “*#06#” using your keypad to instantly display the IMEI number on your screen.

Hot tip: If you still have your phone’s original box, the IMEI number is usually printed on the label. Keep that box somewhere safe!

IMEI and Your Privacy

Your phone’s IMEI doesn’t provide any access or information about personal data saved on your device, it only gives carriers information on the make and model of your phone. This helps carriers ensure your phone will be compatible with their network when you bring your own phone to a plan.

When you bring your own phone to Boost Mobile, you’ll use your IMEI to confirm your phone will be compatible.

IMEI Security Tips

Your IMEI number is safe to use when you’re checking compatibility or activating your device, but like anything tied to your phone, it’s smart to handle it carefully.

• Only share your IMEI with trusted sources, like your phone carrier or official compatibility checkers
• Avoid posting your IMEI publicly (like in screenshots or online listings)
• Keep a record of your IMEI in a secure place in case your phone is lost or stolen
• Double-check websites before entering your IMEI to make sure they’re legitimate

Treat your IMEI like a serial number, it’s not super sensitive, but not something you want floating around the internet either.

When Do I Need My IMEI Number?

You might not think about your IMEI often, but it comes in handy more than you’d expect. Here are the most common situations where you’ll need it:

• Switching carriers and bringing your current phone with you
• Checking compatibility before signing up for a new plan
• Activating a new line of service
• Reporting your phone as lost or stolen
• Buying or selling a used phone to verify it’s legit and not blacklisted
• Getting tech support when troubleshooting network or device issues

Basically, anytime your phone’s identity needs to be confirmed, your IMEI is doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes.

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