When researching a new phone or switching phone carriers, you may have come across the term IMEI number…but what the fox is an IMEI number, exactly? And what does IMEI even stand for? Read on for the 411 on IMEI.
What does IMEI mean?
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity and helps identify a specific phone across all mobile networks. Think of it as a social security number for your phone, or a fingerprint. It’s a 15-17 digit number that allows networks to identify a phone and get information on what kind of phone it is, including where it was manufactured and its model.
What is an IMEI number used for?
IMEI numbers serve four main functions:
- Checking your phone’s compatibility with a wireless service. With your IMEI, you can do things like check if your current phone is compatible with a new wireless service (you know…like when you bring your own phone over to Mint Mobile). That’s because IMEI numbers reveal the brand, model, year of release and other important details that networks need to make sure your phone is compatible with them.
- Blocking a lost or stolen phone. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can call your current carrier to block the device from your network and other networks, similar to stopping a credit card when your card is lost or stolen. That way, no one can grab your phone and start using it for nefarious purposes (like ruining your streak on Wordle).
- Finding a lost or stolen phone. Similarly, law enforcement can use them to help find your phone, since it lets them identify a device as yours.
- Buying a used phone. IMEI numbers can help you check for any issues with a used phone you’re thinking of buying, like if it’s been blacklisted from certain carriers. Think of these as background checks for your phone, but it’s to check if a phone is stolen, not whether it has unpaid parking tickets. (We don’t know anything about those.)
IMEI vs Serial Number: What’s the difference?
Now that you know more about what an IMEI number is, you might wonder how they differ from a serial number. Serial numbers and IMEI numbers at first glance seem to operate in the same way: they’re used to track specific devices and reveal more about what that device is or does.
But there’s a big difference: IMEI numbers are used externally, which means all carriers can check and see yours. Serial numbers are only used internally by the manufacturer of your phone. So a serial number will mean nothing to your carrier network, while an IMEI is something all carrier networks can look up and check.
Also, serial numbers are used by manufacturers for every kind of device: phones, tablets or televisions. IMEI numbers are only associated with phones. Yeah, they’re a little exclusive like that.
Is an IMEI number connected to my personal info?
Nope, so rest easy. IMEI numbers are assigned to your phone when it’s manufactured and aren’t tied to any aspect of your data.
How to check an IMEI number on Android phones
There are several ways to find your Android phone’s IMEI number:
Dial “*#06#” on your keypad
Your IMEI number should appear on your screen.
Check in Settings
- Go to Settings
- Tap About Device
- Tap Status
- Your IMEI number will be listed
Look at the phone itself
On some models, you’ll find your IMEI number listed on the SIM tray, on the back of your device or under the removable battery cover on older devices.
Check the box the phone came in
If you still have the box your phone came in, the IMEI number will usually be listed on a sticker.
How to check an IMEI number on iPhone
There are several ways to find your iPhone’s IMEI number:
Dial “*#06#” on your keypad
Your IMEI number should appear on your screen.
Check in Settings
- Go to Settings
- Tap General
- Tap About
- Scroll to find your IMEI number
Look at the phone itself
On some models, you’ll find your IMEI number listed on the SIM tray or on the back of your iPhone.
Check the box the phone came in
If you still have the box your phone came in, the IMEI number will usually be listed on a sticker.
Use the Apple ID website
You can also use the Apple ID website, click your device and find the IMEI number that way.
IMEI Compatibility Check
As stated earlier, one of an IMEI number’s most important functions is to let you know if your phone is compatible with a network you want to use. Most networks, including Mint Mobile, have their own compatibility checker where you can see if your phone will work on your new chosen network. Just use the instructions we listed above to grab your IMEI number and plug it into our compatibility check to find out if your phone is compatible.
IMEI numbers can also be used when it comes time to check if your phone is locked, or to unlock your phone. Check out our blog on unlocked phones to find out more about what an unlocked or locked phone is, but the short explanation is that you’ll need an unlocked phone to join Mint Mobile. To unlock your phone, you’ll typically need to provide your IMEI number to your current carrier to set you free from their fee-ridden, wallet-hurting ways.
You’ve reached the IMEnd
Now you understand what IMEI numbers are, how to use them to check phone compatibility, and how they can help find your phone if it’s lost or stolen. And if you really want to test out your IMEI knowledge, why not plug yours into our phone compatibility check to see if you can bring your phone over to Mint.
Originally published February 2022; updated September 2023
