The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number is an identification or serial number unique to every mobile and smartphone.
The 15 digits can be seen on the silver sticker on the back of your phone, under the battery if it's removable, or on the box your phone came in. You can also have the number displayed on your phone's screen by simply dialing *#06#.
GSM networks use the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number to identify valid devices and can prevent a stolen mobile or smartphone from gaining access to the network. If a phone is stolen or gets missing, the owner can have their network provider blocklist the phone using the IMEI number. This makes the phone practically useless on that network and even on other networks sometimes, whether or not the new owner puts in a new SIM.
Commonly, mobile devices without a SIM card slot do not have the IMEI number. However, the IMEI only places an identity on the device and has no certain relationship with the subscriber.
The phone identifies the subscriber by communicating the International mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) number, which it stores on a SIM card that can, in theory, be transferred to any handset. However, the network's ability to know a subscriber's current, the individual device enables many network and security features.
Importance Of IMEI Number
Prevent Theft
IMEI numbers have played a significant role in restricting instances of mobile theft. It is now a universally accepted criterion for controlling stolen and lost devices.
If your phone gets stolen, you might need to call the network service provider and inform them about the situation. They have the ability to prevent the phone from further use by blocking the device on their network and also notifying other network providers.
Run Check On Phones
With your IMEI, there are numerous sites such as imei.info, where you can get a list of exact specifications and information about your device just by entering your phone's IMEI number. Sites like imeipro.info enable you to check your phone's status to know if your phone has been blacklisted or report as lost or stolen. This is important especially if you just got a fairly used phone.
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