What is the difference between IMEI and iPhone serial number - are they the same thing?

Do you know what a smartphone serial number is? We will tell you below how to find out where it is and how to change it.

An identifier is assigned to a gadget only by special organizations. Previously, using pirated methods, it was discovered that the number can be changed using programs on a PC. However, in some regions these manipulations are considered criminal offenses.

Now it is not considered possible to reprogram the number; it is securely sewn into the microcircuit at the manufacturing plant and can only be “opened” with special equipment.

What is it for? The number is required for mobile identification. devices on the network. If the phone simultaneously operates with several SIM cards, then a number is assigned to each. You will need this in case your gadget is stolen.

Knowing it, you can block the device if lost. Now the device is blacklisted by all network operators. And even if the SIM card is changed, attackers will not be able to use it.

You can also use Imei to determine the location of its owner. So, you can easily find a lost device.

If we talk about the structure, then imei consists of 14 digits, imei sv - of 16. Using the first numbers, you can determine the device model, as well as the country of origin. The remaining numeric values ​​display the serial number and check number. Have SV indicates the version of the current software.

Where to find it

The numerical value can be found in different ways:

1. In the smartphone itself. Unlock your phone and enter the following numbers: *#06#. This combination is suitable for any device model and cellular operator.

2. Inside the gadget. Open the back cover and remove the battery. Below it you will see a numeric value.
3. On the device box. The data is located next to the barcode.
4. On the warranty card page. So, the sticker with the name is pasted in by the seller.

What do the numbers in IMEI mean?

IMEI consists of 15 digits , but there are analogues with 17 characters. These security numbers in mobile equipment (in our case, a phone) are used to register the device on the cellular network. That is, technically, even if you change your SIM card, the mobile operator will still be able to identify you. By the way, this is why smartphones with two SIM cards (and two communication modules) have two IMEIs.

Some phones have two IMEIs at once. Those with 2 SIM cards.

Of the fifteen digits, two indicate the smartphone manufacturer’s code, another four encrypt the model, and two indicate the place of production. Of the remaining seven digits, six are the unique serial number of a particular smartphone and one is a reserve one just in case. It may seem that six digits for a serial number is not enough, but do not forget that these are only devices with completely identical characteristics. Devices with different memory or screen sizes have a different model number, even if they are sold under the same name.

General information

IMEI is assigned by authorized organizations, in particular BABT British Approvals Board for Telecommunications. It serves to identify the device on the network and is stored in the device’s firmware. As a rule, IMEI is indicated in four places: in the device itself (in most cases it can be displayed on the screen by typing *#06#

on the keyboard), under the battery, on the packaging and in the warranty card. IMEI plays the role of the serial number of the device during authorization on the network; it is broadcast during authorization on the network. IMEI is also used to track devices and block stolen phones at the level of a cellular operator, which does not allow the further use of such a device in the network of this operator, but does not prevent its use in other networks. The GSM core network stores the IMEI in the EIR.

Unlike ESN and MEID used in CDMA and other networks, IMEI is used only to identify the device and is not permanently associated with the subscriber. Instead, the IMSI number is used, stored on a SIM card, which can be inserted into almost any other device. However, there are special systems that allow one phone to use only one specific SIM card.

The model and origin of the phone are described by the first 8 digits of the IMEI (the so-called TAC). The remaining part is the serial number with a check number at the end. Phones that support simultaneous operation of multiple SIM cards are assigned multiple IMEI numbers.

What does IMEI show?

As you understand, if you know the IMEI, you can find out everything about the phone. Of course, not all information is available for public use, but technically it is even possible to contact a specific person who assembled the body of a particular smartphone at the factory.

IMEI is printed on the smartphone box, on a sticker inside it if the battery is removed, and is in the device settings . After looking at it, you can check the device before purchasing, find a stolen smartphone and establish ownership. To do this, it is often enough to present the original box. Of course, it can be faked, but determining its authenticity is a separate procedure.

IMEI is an important element of any means of communication.

Check IMEI program

Another great mobile application that works on all models and allows you to find out the IMEI by simply launching it and viewing the information in the main window.

Advice:

You can copy any of the presented phone identifiers by using the corresponding button under the main window.

Is it possible to show IMEI to someone

Technically, using the IMEI number, you can even turn your smartphone “into a pumpkin” by contacting the police to report the theft. In this case, the operator can block IMEI in its database. By the way, this is why it is better not to show this number anywhere.

A phone that has been blocked by IMEI by one mobile operator will be able to work on the network of another. This allows thieves to resell smartphones to other countries. There is no single blocking around the world, and therefore the victim will never be able to prevent him from using a smartphone stolen from him, say, in Greece. It’s another matter if the person whose smartphone was stolen entered the IMEI into a special database - Global black list . Then the device will not function in the networks of many cellular operators that use this database.

Why was IMEI invented?

With the advent of mobile devices, the question arose of how to identify a subscriber who is using the network. There is a SIM card but it is removable. The police and other government agencies responsible for security were interested in resolving this issue. It was invented to assign an individual number to a device that uses a mobile network, which can be used to uniquely identify the device even when changing the SIM card.

Why are there two IMEI numbers on my phone?

You will see two IMEI numbers if your phone has two radio modules and two SIM card slots. Since IMEI is tied to the radio module, you will see IMEI1 and IMEI2.

Why mobile operators supported the introduction of IMEI

Mobile operators willingly supported this initiative in some countries due to government requirements, in others themselves because they also benefit from it.

Mobile operators benefit from using IMEI; on the one hand, in the event of any illegal actions, they cannot be accused of inactivity. On the other hand, operators can also block the device by IMEI at the request of the phone owner in case of theft. Of course, not all mobile operators in the world support the exchange of information, and if, for example, in the USA a phone is blocked by IMEI, then in Mexico it will work. Also, if you bought a locked phone and can prove the legality of the purchase, the operator can disable the blocking, but for this service you have to pay from $10 (for example in the USA)

How to find out the IMEI of a phone

The easiest thing is to look at it on the box. One or two codes, if the smartphone is dual-SIM, are written on a special sticker. There is an IMEI in the documentation that is in the box. You can also remove the battery cover, if it is removable, remove the battery and look there. In addition, you can check the IMEI in the settings, in the phone information . But all this can be faked.

The IMEI can be found under the battery if it is removed.

The most effective way is to enter the phone number *#06# . There is no need to press “Dial”. As soon as you enter the code, all the necessary information will appear on the screen.

Verification code

This method is universal: it is suitable for old push-button phones and modern smartphones, including Apple products.

The procedure is as follows:

• Open the Phone application and enter the code *#06#.
• Press the “Call” button.

After this, a window with the phone’s IMEI will appear.

Code for checking phone IMEI.

Is it possible to change the IMEI of a phone?

Technically , this can be done , and representatives of British telecom operators first spoke about this back in 2002. Naturally, we are talking about replacing IMEI at the system level, and not about installing a “screen”. But this is not so easy to do and you will need not only special skills, but also equipment.

And the most important thing is that by performing such a procedure, there is a significant risk of “bricking” the phone. This is not to mention the fact that in the vast majority of cases such a procedure is simply illegal .

Going back a couple of paragraphs, I will say that changing the visibility of IMEI is much easier. To do this, a special program is launched that shows information about the phone in the settings a little differently than it actually is, but this visibility is eliminated by rebooting the device.

The data printed on the case and box can be faked, but with what is inside the smartphone it is much more difficult.

The only case when IMEI can and should be changed is when it is returned after theft. If you have blocked a number from an operator, you need to contact an authorized service center with documents and a box confirming your ownership of the device and a description of the reason for changing the number. In this case, you will be given a new number that will not be on the blacklist. Although, it’s not a fact that you won’t be refused.

IMEI and IMEISV structure

IMEI (14 decimal digits plus check digit) contains information about the origin, model and serial number of the device. The first 8 digits make up the model and place of origin of the device, and are known as the TAC (Type Approval Code). The rest is the serial number of the device determined by the manufacturer, with a check digit calculated using the Luhn algorithm at the end. Until 2003, this figure had to be 0. Later, this rule was canceled.

IMEISV (International Mobile Terminal Identity and Software Version number) consists of 16 digits and ensures that each mobile phone is uniquely identified and matches the version of the software installed on the mobile phone as authorized by the operator. The software version determines the services available to the mobile device, as well as the ability to perform speech coding, and therefore this parameter is very important.

As of 2004, the IMEI format is AA-BBBBBB-CCCCCC-D

, although it may not always appear this way.
IMEISV uses two software version digits instead of one check digit, so IMEISV looks like AA-BBBBBB-CCCCCC-EE
.

Before the TAC consisted of only 6 digits, the remaining 2 digits made up the final assembly code (FAC). From January 1 to April 1, there was a transition period during which all FAC codes were equal to the digits 00. The FAC ceased to exist, and the TAC was expanded to 8 digits.

The first two digits of TAC are the officially registered RBI code. The RBI is always decimal, meaning it is less than 0xA0, making it easy to distinguish an IMEI from a MEID whose start is equal to or greater than 0xA0.

For example, consider IMEI 35-209900-176148-1 or IMEISV 35-209900-176148-23:
TAC
: 35-2099 - British Harmonization Board for Telecommunications (BABT) code and model number 2099 (Alcatel One Touch 332)
FAC
: 00 - such a code means that the phone was made during the transition period when FAC was abolished.
During the existence of FAC, the following codes were used, among other things: 67 - USA, 19 or 40 - Great Britain, 78 or 20 - Germany, 10 or 70 - Finland, 30 - Korea, 80 - China, 04 - Vietnam SNR
: 176148 — serial number of the device
CD
: 1 — check number
SVN
: 23 — version number of the software installed on the phone. The number 99 is reserved.

The new style IMEI looks a little different: 49-015420-323751 (German Nokia 3110 classic) and has an 8-digit TAC (49-015420).

The new mobile equipment identifier MEID, operating on CDMA networks, uses the same basic format as the IMEI.

Check Number Calculation

1. Add all numbers in odd positions;
2. Double the digits in even places and calculate the sum of the digits of the resulting numbers. (Which is equivalent to replacing:
   9=9 followed by summation)
3. To the resulting number add the result obtained in step 1;
4. If the resulting number is a multiple of 10, then the IMEI check number is 0. Otherwise, the checksum is the number that needs to be added to the result to get the next larger “round” number.

Example
IMEI=35-419002-389644-3.

Add all numbers in odd positions:

3+4+9+0+3+9+4 = 32

Replace numbers in even places:

5,1,0,2,8,6,4 => 1,2,0,4,7,3,8 and add them: 1+2+0+4+7+3+8 = 25

Add the result of step 1 to the resulting number.

25 + 32 = 57

The checksum is the number that needs to be added to the result to get the next larger “round” number.

IMEI (short for International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a number unique to each phone. Used in mobile phones and some satellite phones.

In simpler terms, IMEI is a unique identification number for each phone or smartphone. It consists of 14 decimal digits and one check digit. The code contains information about the device's serial number, its model and origin. So, the first 8 digits are called TAC (Type Approval Code) and indicate the device model and its place of origin. The remaining part of the IMEI is the serial number of the device, which is determined by the manufacturer using the so-called Luna algorithm, with a check digit assigned at the end.

There is IMEISV (from English International Mobile Terminal Identity and Software Version number), which already consists of 16 digits. In addition to ensuring that each phone is uniquely identified, it can match the software version authorized by the operator. In turn, the services available directly to a given device depend on the software.

In 2002, information was prepared by representatives of large foreign cellular operators, which stated that IMEI could be changed using simple software. Today, changing IMEI is much more difficult, as mobile equipment manufacturers are improving their security systems. Some companies claim that it is simply impossible to change the IMEI on their devices. It is noteworthy that in some countries changing IMEI is a criminal offense.

IMEI is indicated in several places. The easiest way to find it is to dial the number *#06# on the keyboard (supported by most manufacturers):

We have hidden the main digits of the number.

Is there a single IMEI database?

There are several organizations that control the circulation of IMEI numbers. First of all, these are the GSM Association and BABT (British Approvals Board for Telecommunications).

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There is essentially no single database for everyone with the ability to obtain complete information, but in some countries, including Russia, they are working on creating something similar. In the meantime, global practice makes it possible to identify the position of any smartphone by its IMEI number with an accuracy of several hundred or even tens of meters. But this is true for supporters of the “big brother” theories.

Change

Closing the question about this identifier, we need to talk about changing it. As you understand, this is all done illegally, so that it is impossible to identify the stolen device.

Previously, there was a popular belief that the ID was easily changed using third-party software. It was enough to enter a special command. Therefore, manufacturers have become actively involved in protecting their devices. Thus, smartphones began to be equipped with a one-time programmable memory zone.

Those who, for any reason, need to install an identifier should contact specialists. Although you can try it yourself. To do this, you need to enter the engineering menu, for which you use a special command. But they are different for different models.

After entering the menu you will need to find the Radio information item. There will be one or two lines, again depending on the number of SIM cards.