Now almost any more or less valuable thing has some kind of unique identifier. It allows you not only to track its movements, starting from the factory, but also to identify it in case of theft. For electronics, these are serial numbers, for a car, this is the state number and VIN, and for smartphones, this is IMEI. Many people underestimate its importance, although in fact it is essentially the main thing that a smartphone has, and it allows you to do a lot not only to us, but also to us. This is like a TIN or passport number for a person, and therefore it should be treated carefully and even with some trepidation. Although, you shouldn’t overdo it. Let's figure out what this set of numbers is, why it is needed and what it carries.
IMEI is much more important than you think.
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.
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Checking ID by check digit
Finding a phone is not the only thing that IMEI can help the owner of a gadget with. Using the ID, you can also find out whether the device is original or counterfeit. To do this, you need to use the Luhn algorithm:
- Sum all even digits of the identifier (except the check digit).
- Numbers in odd positions must be converted as follows:
- Add all the odd and already converted digits (except the check digit).
- Sum up the values from step 1 and step 3.
- If the check digit is 0, then the resulting number is a multiple of ten.
- In other cases, the control number is a number that, when added to the result from step 4, will result in the nearest round (multiple of 10) number.
Let’s take “have” 35-209900-176148-2 as an example. So, according to the Luhn algorithm:
- Add even symbols: 5 + 0 + 9 + 0 + 7 + 1 + 8 =30.
- Convert odd numbers: 3 = 6, 2 = 4, 9 = 9, 0 = 0, 1 = 2, 6 = 3, 4 = 8.
- Add up the resulting numbers: 6 + 4 + 9 + 0 + 2 + 3 + 8 = 32.
- Addition: 30 + 32 = 62.
- The nearest round number is 60.
- We count: 62-60 = 2.
- The control number is also 2. That’s right, the product is genuine!
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.
Structure of the name code
Depending on the year of assembly of your device, you may see an old and a new code. Let's consider both options. The old IMEI will have the following structure: 2345-0. Let's decipher it:
- 123456 – Type Approval Code. Numbers of the official standard sample of your device model.
- 78 – Final Assembly Code, number of the country of final assembly. Those who are looking for how to find out the country of origin of a phone by IMEI will find it useful.
- 912345 – Serial Number, the serial code of your device.
- 0 – check digit.
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.
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Why is it useful?
First. When purchasing a used model or a new phone at unofficial locations. For example, if we take a used device, we can find out:
- when the device was activated;
- is there a guarantee and how much is left;
- check the gadget model, memory capacity, color;
- and we will even be able to find out whether the device was stolen or lost.
It will also be possible to check whether this is an original device or a copy. What is useful when ordering devices from China. We'll tell you how to do this later.
And the second scenario. If you have lost your phone or had it stolen. Using IMEI it will be possible to calculate the location of the device. As soon as the device turns on, it will immediately register on the network.
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.
Video
In this video you will learn how to check iPhone by IMEI or serial number.
Sources
- https://SmartPhonus.com/%D1%87%D1%82%D0%BE-%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B5-imei-%D1%82%D0 %B5%D0%BB%D0%B5%D1%84%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%B8-%D0%B4%D0%BB%D1%8F-%D1%87% D0%B5%D0%B3%D0%BE-%D0%BE%D0%BD-%D0%BD%D1%83%D0%B6%D0%B5%D0%BD/
- https://www.softo-mir.ru/chto-takoe-imei-i-pochemy-on-tak-vajen
- https://droider.ru/post/chto-takoe-imei-razbor-individualnogo-nomera-ustroystva-19-07-2020/
- https://viarum.ru/kak-uznat-imei-telefona/
- https://sravnismart.ru/poleznosti/kak-uznat-imej-telefona-vse-sposoby/
- https://a-apple.ru/android-ios/instruktsii/chto-takoe-imey-telefona
- https://News4Auto.ru/imei-telefona-chto-takoe-zachem-on-nyjen-kak-naiti/
- https://sms-mms-free.ru/phone/service/imei
- https://LivePosts.ru/articles/hi-tech-at/mobilnye-telefony/chto-takoe-imei-telefona-i-kak-ego-proverit
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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.
Alternative methods
In addition to IMEI, you can calculate the manufacturer of your smartphone by S/N - the serial number of the device. It is also indicated on the box or under the battery next to the “have” code. You can determine the final country of assembly by this number by going to one of the popular services that specialize in providing such information.
| Code | State of origin |
| 460 | RF |
| 86 | Türkiye |
| 56 | Portugal |
| 87 | Holland |
| 70 | Norway |
| 54 | Belgium, Luxembourg |
| 93 | Australia |
| 76 | Switzerland |
| 49 | Japan |
| 72 | Israel |
| 64 | Finland |
| 74 | Sweden |
| 50 | England |
| 90,91 | Austria |
| 80-83 | Italy |
| 60-61 | South Africa |
| 00-06 | USA and Canada |
| 40-43 | Germany |
| 30-37 | France |
That's all the methods that tell you how to find out the country of origin of a phone by IMEI, as well as using the serial number and barcode on the box. The coincidence of all results, including the name of the country of assembly indicated on the box, is a guarantee that this is a branded device.
When discussing phones, smartphones or other mobile devices, the term IMEI often comes up. In many materials, the authors recommend checking or changing IMEI, while explaining what it is. Now we will try to close this knowledge gap by telling you what IMEI is on a phone and what it is needed for.
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.
Reference: IMEI and white lists of Rossvyaz
Today is Thursday, which means it’s time for another “Inquiry”. Let's clarify the situation with IMEI. And not so much with the identifier itself, but with the issue of creating a “white IMEI” database in Russia. Information about officials’ intention to create such a database appeared not so long ago, and this issue raises certain concerns among many of us.
What is IMEI?
Most Habr readers know perfectly well what it is, what it is for and why.
But just in case, let’s briefly go over what IMEI is. IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is an international identifier for mobile equipment. This is a number consisting of 15 digits in decimal notation. There is an IMEI option with 17 digits. The identifier is assigned to devices in the GSM, WCDMA and IDEN cellular networks. In some cases, IMEI is also assigned to satellite phones.
The IMEI contains information about the origin, model and serial number of the device. The first 8 digits of the IMEI identify both the model and the place of origin of the device. The rest is the serial number of the device, which is determined by the manufacturer itself.
Who controls all this?
Several organizations are responsible for the “distribution”, including the GSM Association, BABT (British Approvals Board for Telecommunications) and others. The GSM Association released a new document on IMEI distribution rules in March 2022, which contains all the necessary technical details.
Why is IMEI needed?
IMEI is required for:
- Identification in the telecom operator’s network;
- Identification of the phone itself (for example, in case of theft).
When connecting to the network, the mobile device reports its IMEI to the operator’s network.
If necessary, the telecom operator can determine the location of the device with an accuracy of up to several hundred meters. If the device is stolen, the user can report the theft to the telecom operator. It blocks the phone, and it can no longer work on the network of the company that blocked it. However, in the networks of other companies it can work without problems. In the US, for example, stolen phones whose IMEI is blocked are often sold to other countries where they can work (provided the phone is not tied to a specific US carrier).
In the case of some devices, for example, iPhone, the phone may be included in the Global black list, and it will not be able to work in the networks of most operators. However, most telecom operators block the IMEI of specific devices only when contacted by law enforcement agencies or the user who previously owned the device. Lost devices can also be added to the “black list” - simply so that the finder cannot use the gadget.
What about “gray” and “white” phones?
“White” phones are usually called phones that are officially supplied to any country.
That is, their seller prepares all the necessary documents, pays import taxes and generally complies with legal regulations in every possible way. “Gray” phones are those that are imported into the country without completing the necessary documents; they are not registered. The media write that now almost every third smartphone is imported into Russia without certification and payment of customs duties.
Why do officials need an IMEI database?
The fact is that with such a volume of imports of “gray” phones, the state loses a lot of money due to unpaid taxes, registration fees and all other payments to the budget.
Officials have long been discussing the possibility of creating a kind of “white IMEI database” that would make it possible to automatically block stolen phones in the networks of telecom operators, as well as devices imported into Russia (for example, purchased in foreign online stores). Distributors believe that the share of gray smartphones in the sector of Chinese brands is now about 10%, but the total volume of “gray” imports may not even be 30%, but half of the total import volume.
When can we expect the base to appear?
It is still in the discussion stage, but the project itself is becoming more and more clear - it is no longer just an abstract idea.
The Association of Internet Trade Companies (AKIT) has even developed a concept for regulating mobile devices based on IMEI numbers. AKIT has already sent a document describing the project proposal to the chairman of the temporary commission of the Federation Council for the development of the information society, Lyudmila Bokova, and the Minister of Open Government, Mikhail Abyzov. After reviewing the document, Rossvyaz representatives stated that AKIT’s proposal was correct and justified.
This concept includes not one list, but three at once: white, gray and black.
White - these are officially imported devices permitted for import and use;
Gray - IMEIs that are not temporarily prohibited for use. If the user of a “gray” device wants to transfer its IMEI to the white list, the telecom operator must provide evidence of the legal purchase of the device.
Black - IMEI of stolen devices, or devices that are imported illegally.
The register is planned to be created on the basis of the Central Scientific Research Institute of Communications under Rossvyaz (TsNIIS). TsNIIS already acts as the operator of the database transferred when subscribers change operator numbers.
The likelihood that the base will be created is very high. Legislative action in this regard should be expected in the near future.
Are we talking only about phones?
No, it is planned to add any devices that work with SIM cards to the IMEI registry. And these are tablets, phones, routers, smart watches, various types of security systems and even smart gates.
Will it be possible to import phones from abroad?
If they accept the concept proposed by AKIT, then yes.
According to it, no more than 1 smartphone can be transported per year. You won't have to pay for your first device. But for the second you will need to pay $20. For the third and all subsequent devices you will need to pay $30. The interesting thing is that it will be possible to import even devices whose legal import is not documented. In this case, you will have to throw in another $10 and pay about $40 for such a gadget (or rather, for the right to import it).
And yes, if the phone is imported from abroad, the user will have to register it in the white registry.
Okay, can I change the IMEI?
Yes.
But just doing this can be quite difficult. This is especially true for Apple devices. Changing IMEI can be official or illegal. In the second case, it is a criminal offense. For iPhone, the legal way is to contact the Apple service center in your country. You must indicate the reasons for the change and attach the required documents (the list may vary from company to company). One reason is the discovery of a phone after it has been stolen.
Easier - for Android gadgets. For a number of phones (not all devices), specialized software and a data cable are enough. But again, it's worth remembering that changing your IMEI is a criminal offense, so before you do anything, consider whether it's worth it.
What to do with foreign tourists?
So far, the concept proposed by AKIT says nothing about this. However, it may well be that officials will use the Turkish model for processing the IMEI of visitors to the country. Local laws allow both foreigners and citizens to use smartphones purchased outside of Turkey, but only for a limited time. If the period stipulated by law expires, the IMEI of the device must be registered. For now, this is just a guess, but it could very well become a reality.
Using ADB RUN
With this software you need to act like this:
- Download and install the ADB RUN program on your computer.
- Launch the program.
- Go to Manual Command-Restore IMEI and press number 1 (if your phone has one SIM) or 2 (if it has two).
- Enter your code.
- Move the newly created file “MP0B_001” to the phone’s flash drive or to its internal memory.
- Using any explorer with root access, move the file to the path /data/nvram/md/NVRAM/NVD_IMEI/MP0B_001 and reboot the device.
Using SP Flash Tool
If you want to restore IMEI using this program, first you need to make a recovery file. Yes, this method is not suitable for those who have already lost their code, but it will be a good insurance policy for everyone else.
How to create a recovery file
Step-by-step instruction:
- Install Flash Tool on your computer if it is not already installed.
- Install drivers for your device using any of the available methods.
- Charge your smartphone battery at least halfway.
- Launch the program and connect your smartphone.
- Click on the “Scatter-loading” button and select the scatter file. We take it only from the official firmware.
- Switch to the "Readback" tab.
- Click on “Add”, then in the line that appears you need to select the location to save the IMEI firmware and name the file “nvram.img”.
- In the window that appears, in the “Region” field you will need to enter the value “EMMC_User”, and in the “Start Address” and “Length” fields you need to copy the values from the scatter file shown in the following screenshot.
- If everything is entered correctly, you can click on “Read Back”.
- Now you can turn off the device and put the recovery file in a safe place.
How to recover from a file
Here is the sequence of actions:
- Open SP Flash Tool and select your scatter file.
- Go to the "Write Memory" tab.
- In the “File Path” line, write the path to the recovery file.
- In the line just below, enter the value from the line “linear_start_addr” of your recovery file.
- In the “Region” tab, select the “EMMC_User” value. All completed fields should look like this:
- Click on the "Write Memory" button.
- Connect your switched off smartphone to your computer and the program will do everything you need.
If you save the recovery image to the cloud, you will always have insurance in case of an IMEI error. This is much easier than looking for other recovery methods. But after the recovery process using this method, it is recommended to reset to factory settings.
Search technology by IMEI number
The first thing you need to do if your smartphone is stolen is to file a police report. There you will be required to indicate the IMEI and provide documents for the smartphone, this could be a receipt, warranty card, etc. After this, your application will go to the department that deals with such problems. The police will then send a request to the mobile operator. In reality, they will only search for your smartphone if the reason for its loss was a criminal offense. If you just lost your own smartphone, no one will look for it.
Where to look for the number
The IMEI is displayed on the inside of the case under the battery, but this only applies to older models. On modern systems, the name can be placed on the SIM card slot (sometimes in very small print).
- The easiest and most convenient way to find out the number is to use the settings. For Android devices: Settings – About phone – ID code. Or enter *#06# on the keyboard, which is even easier.
- On iPhone, have it in Settings - General - About device. The number is also stamped on the bottom of the case back. On some models - on the SIM card tray of iPhones.
- Manufacturers also write IMEI on the packaging. The numbers are printed on a barcode on the side of the box.
USSD request
Before starting the instructions itself, we note that this method works on all phones, be it a device from Apple, Xiaomi, Samsung, Honor or Realmi. Its advantage is that to check the IMEI, you just need to enter a special combination of numbers and characters in the phone number dialing field. So, step-by-step instructions will help you do everything right:
- Open the application responsible for making calls.
- Enter the code *#06# in the appropriate field and press the call button.
Checking IMEI via USSD request
The IMEI itself will appear on the smartphone display. Some phones, mostly dual SIM phones, may have two ID numbers. The list may also contain a MEID code, which is typical for smartphones designed for the Chinese market.
Through device settings
The next option for checking IMEI is to visit the corresponding section in the smartphone settings. The procedure does not take much time, so this method can also be considered. The step-by-step instructions below will help you find the right tab:
- Go to the “About phone” or “About device” section.
- Open the “General Information” or “Device Information” tab.
- Click on the line “IMEI Information”.
Find out IMEI through device settings
On the page that opens we see a unique phone identification number. Now you can compare it with the one printed on the SIM card tray. If the codes match, then most likely the smartphone is not stolen. However, for a more thorough check, it is better to check it with the information on the device packaging.
Look at the phone box
In addition to the above, the IMEI number of the phone can be found on the box it was in when purchased. Sometimes, this is the only option to find out the IMEI of a phone if it is lost or stolen.
View your IMEI in iCloud (iPhone only)
This is only for iPhone owners. Go to appleid.apple.com and enter your Apple ID and password. Once you sign in, you will see a list of all your Apple devices. Click on the one whose IMEI you want to know.
Getting root rights
To solve the problem using the standard means of the device, you will need to obtain superuser rights. To do this, use the short step-by-step instructions:
- Charge the battery above 30-50%.
- Download the Kingroot program to your computer or smartphone (you can use any other, it doesn’t change the essence).
- Open the program and follow a few simple steps that will be described there.
It is best to download applications for rooting your device not from the Play Store, since for some reason there are fakes with a lot of advertising. Well, now let’s move directly to recovery methods.
