Free IMEI Check Service

The acronym "IMEI" stands for "International Mobile Equipment Identity," and it's a distinctive 15-digit code that serves as a universal identifier for every cellular device. This IMEI number is generated and assigned to the mobile device during the manufacturing process, remaining constant throughout its lifespan. You'll commonly find this IMEI number physically displayed on the device, whether it's inside the battery compartment, engraved on the phone's rear, or located on the SIM card tray. Alternatively, you can access it through a more standardized method by dialing *#06# on your phone, a feature typically integrated by most manufacturers, or by navigating to the device identifiers within the settings app/menu.

It's important to note that the IMEI number is what networks use to identify your phone, distinct from your SIM card. Each SIM card houses its unique identifier within the chip, known as the "IMSI" or "International Mobile Subscriber Identity" number. This number embeds the country and carrier of the intended network, as well as identifying the specific user of that network. Therefore, networks have access to both your customer ID (from the IMSI) and device ID (from the IMEI).

A relatively recent innovation in the world of mobile technology is the introduction of "eSIM," which is an abbreviation for "embedded-SIM." This technology is gaining prominence for its ability to revolutionize the way we connect and manage cellular plans on our devices. This is basically a SIM card that is already installed in the device, which you can’t see, replace or remove, but can be programmed remotely to switch carriers. It’s considered the next generation of SIM card, and is becoming more and more common. Despite being a distinct form of SIM card, an eSIM still necessitates its unique IMEI for proper identification and functioning within a device. Therefore, if a device has both a SIM card slot and an eSIM, then it will have two IMEI numbers, referred to as “IMEI” and “IMEI2”.

The IMEI number serves a multitude of purposes, with one of its paramount functions being the capability to render a lost or stolen phone inoperable on a network. In the unfortunate event of theft, a phone's owner can initiate the process of blacklisting the device's IMEI number through their network provider. This action results in an immediate prohibition, preventing the stolen phone from connecting to any network services. Unlike the SIM card, which can be swapped out, the IMEI is an intrinsic device identifier that remains constant. Consequently, changing the SIM card won't circumvent a device blacklist. When a phone is on the blacklist, it's essentially rendered incommunicado, unable to make or receive calls or texts and barred from accessing mobile data, except when connected to a WiFi network.

As part of the global initiative to stop mobile theft, carriers often work with each other to share their databases of reported phones, therefore if one carrier blacklists your device, you can expect all other networks in your country to also block access from your phone. A blacklist can only be removed by the carrier who issued it, and they will require authorisation from the owner of the device in order to remove it.

There are so many other uses for the IMEI number, especially by manufacturers, which can produce much more information about a device. Our website offers much of this for free, such as the blacklist status, warranty information, model, device specifications and Find My iPhone status. Performing an IMEI check couldn't be simpler – just input the IMEI number, and we'll take care of all the intricate lookups with manufacturers and carriers across the globe on your behalf!