The full form of IMEI is International Mobile Equipment Identity. International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is a unique 15-digit serial number used to identify valid mobile devices on a cellular network.
Quick Answer: IMEI = International Mobile Equipment Identity
What is the Full Form of IMEI?
| Short Form | Full Form |
|---|---|
| IMEI | International Mobile Equipment Identity |
What is an IMEI Number?
The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is a globally unique 15-digit code assigned to every GSM, WCDMA, and LTE mobile device. No two phones share the same IMEI — making it the most reliable way to identify a specific handset.
IMEI is stored in the phone's hardware (specifically the EIR — Equipment Identity Register) and transmitted to the carrier network whenever the device connects. Dual-SIM phones have two IMEI numbers — one per SIM slot.
How to Find Your IMEI Number
There are several quick ways to find your IMEI:
| Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| Dial code | Open Phone app → dial *#06# → IMEI appears instantly |
| Settings | Settings → About Phone → IMEI |
| Phone box | Printed on the retail box barcode label |
| Battery slot | On older phones, printed inside the battery compartment |
| Google Account | myaccount.google.com → Security → Your Devices |
Pro Tip: Note your IMEI and save it somewhere safe (cloud notes, email) — you'll need it immediately if your phone is ever lost or stolen.
IMEI Number Format
35 209900 176148 1
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TAC Manufacturer Serial Check
& Model Number Digit| Part | Digits | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| TAC | 1–8 | Type Allocation Code — manufacturer & model |
| Serial Number | 9–14 | Unique serial for the specific unit |
| Check Digit | 15 | Luhn algorithm validation digit |
What Can You Do With an IMEI?
✅ Check if a Phone is Stolen
Visit CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) — India's official portal at ceir.gov.in — to verify if a phone is blacklisted before buying a second-hand device.
✅ Block a Lost or Stolen Phone
In India, file a report on ceir.gov.in:
- Enter your IMEI number
- Upload the FIR copy
- The phone gets blacklisted — unusable on any Indian network
✅ Verify Authenticity
Fake or cloned phones often have duplicate/invalid IMEIs. An IMEI check reveals if a phone is genuine.
✅ Carrier Unlock Check
Check if your device is network-locked to a specific carrier using IMEI-based unlock services.
Can IMEI Be Changed?
Legally — No. Changing or cloning an IMEI is illegal in India under the Telecom (Equipment Identity Register) Rules, 2017 and is punishable with up to 3 years imprisonment. Law enforcement agencies use IMEI to track and recover stolen phones.