You have probably heard of the IMEI number already. Maybe your operator asked you to block your stolen phone. Precisely, let's see what is the purpose of this issue and especially what is the procedure to follow to obtain it.
First, IMEI is the acronym for International Mobile Equipment Identity. Each mobile telephone terminal (GSM or UMTS) has its own IMEI number, consisting of a series of 15 to 17 digits. Clearly, this number is the identity card of the phone. It is thanks to him that the operator authorizes or not the access of a terminal to his network. Note also that this number allows emergency calls without SIM card in some countries.
This code makes it possible to check the origin of a device, to unblock it or to block it. Yes, each device declared stolen from an operator is found on a blacklist (at least its IMEI number, if it was communicated). So you can check if the phone you are buying has been stolen.
The IMEI number also allows you to unlock your phone: if you want to change operator and you insert a SIM card of a competitor, there is a risk that your current operator blocks your access, especially if you bought the phone directly to the latter. Such a smartphone is then said "simlocked". To unlock it, you have to go to the dedicated website of your operator's site and follow the posted instructions. Note that unlocking is for the most part free of charge.
Now let's come to the phone theft. When this happens, the IMEI number is very useful since it allows the operator to block any use of the phone on the network of each operator. Clearly, after making a declaration of theft, you will only have to transmit the IMEI number of the stolen phone to the operator and the latter will take care of the rest: the thief will insert a new SIM card, the phone will be unusable on networks.
Yes, the IMEI number of a phone can be changed, but the approach is illegal and risky, for you and the phone.
Now that you know the importance of the IMEI number, you are probably asking how to get it to put it aside. Do not panic, it's relatively simple, especially if you have the phone in question with you. Here are the different solutions to know the IMEI number of your phone:
Type * # 06 # on your phone keypad, as if you wanted to call this number, and the IMEI code will appear
The number is available on the mobile phone box or on the purchase invoice, if you have not thrown them yet
It is also accessible under the phone's battery, good luck if you have a recent phone
You can always call your operator, he will surely have access to the IMEI number
Google's Find My Device app allows you, under certain conditions, to know the IMEI number of one of your phones, even if you do not have it in hand
These six techniques work with all phones: from entry-level to high-end Android such as Samsung Galaxy, through Apple smartphones.
In short, try to write down the IMEI number of your phone as soon as you buy it, and keep it! It might well serve you for a moment.
What is IMEI?
First, IMEI is the acronym for International Mobile Equipment Identity. Each mobile telephone terminal (GSM or UMTS) has its own IMEI number, consisting of a series of 15 to 17 digits. Clearly, this number is the identity card of the phone. It is thanks to him that the operator authorizes or not the access of a terminal to his network. Note also that this number allows emergency calls without SIM card in some countries.
What is its purpose?
This code makes it possible to check the origin of a device, to unblock it or to block it. Yes, each device declared stolen from an operator is found on a blacklist (at least its IMEI number, if it was communicated). So you can check if the phone you are buying has been stolen.
The IMEI number also allows you to unlock your phone: if you want to change operator and you insert a SIM card of a competitor, there is a risk that your current operator blocks your access, especially if you bought the phone directly to the latter. Such a smartphone is then said "simlocked". To unlock it, you have to go to the dedicated website of your operator's site and follow the posted instructions. Note that unlocking is for the most part free of charge.
Now let's come to the phone theft. When this happens, the IMEI number is very useful since it allows the operator to block any use of the phone on the network of each operator. Clearly, after making a declaration of theft, you will only have to transmit the IMEI number of the stolen phone to the operator and the latter will take care of the rest: the thief will insert a new SIM card, the phone will be unusable on networks.
Yes, the IMEI number of a phone can be changed, but the approach is illegal and risky, for you and the phone.
How to get his IMEI code?
Now that you know the importance of the IMEI number, you are probably asking how to get it to put it aside. Do not panic, it's relatively simple, especially if you have the phone in question with you. Here are the different solutions to know the IMEI number of your phone:
Type * # 06 # on your phone keypad, as if you wanted to call this number, and the IMEI code will appear
The number is available on the mobile phone box or on the purchase invoice, if you have not thrown them yet
It is also accessible under the phone's battery, good luck if you have a recent phone
You can always call your operator, he will surely have access to the IMEI number
Google's Find My Device app allows you, under certain conditions, to know the IMEI number of one of your phones, even if you do not have it in hand
These six techniques work with all phones: from entry-level to high-end Android such as Samsung Galaxy, through Apple smartphones.
In short, try to write down the IMEI number of your phone as soon as you buy it, and keep it! It might well serve you for a moment.