Smartphone's IMEI is like a digital fingerprint that is unique to each and every device. It is used by the telecom companies to provide network connectivity on a SIM card and since the IMEI number of two devices cannot be the same, it is also used to track and trace lost devices or criminals.
Using the IMEI number to track the lost phone is not the only function of an IMEI tracker. Thus, you can control the stolen phone by sending the corresponding codes to make it give out alarms, send SMS about its real-time location, sync data to the device you are using and more.
From the seller's side, giving out an IMEI number is a huge risk. Some sellers have lost their phones' usability to hackers after giving the IMEI out to criminals masquerading as potential bidders. The safest bet is to only give the IMEI number to someone who has already paid for the phone.
In order to check your ESN or IMEI is clear for activation, you can call your carrier directly by pressing 611 on your device or using the 800 numbers below: AT&T: 1-800-331-0500. Verizon: 1-800-922-0204 or online using the Verizon Bring Your Own Device check.
Check Cloned or Original for Android PhonesUsers of Android smartphones can easily judge phone's originality with IMEI number. Step 1: You can dial *#06# on your phone to get your IMEI number. Also, you'll get it by going to Settings>About Device>Status.
What is an IMEI/MEID/ESN? It is your device serial number.To find it
- Dial *#06# on your mobile.
- Check device settings.
- Look behind the battery.
- Examine Device Packaging.
For Android users: Go to Settings ➤ System ➤ About Phone. Click on Status to look for an MEID, ESN, or IMEI number. If the device has MEID or ESN numbers, it's a CDMA phone.
How to change IMEI number/
- First Dial *#7465625# or *#*#3646633#*#* on your android device.
- Now, click on Connectivity option or call pad,
- Then, checkout for Radio information.
- Now, if your android device is a dual sim device.
- AT +EGMR=1,7,”IMEI_1” and “AT +EGMR=1,10,”IMEI_2”
A serial number and IMEI are similar, but have some differences. The serial number is a unique number assigned by the manufacturer (like Samsung) to help identify an individual device, like a phone, tablet, TV, and so on. On the other hand, an IMEI or MEID is only used for phones or other communication devices.
It's THE number that uniquely identifies an individual phone. If someone had your IMEI number and really wanted to be a jerk, they could report your phone stolen and have it rendered useless by your cell provider. It is possible to spoof cell towers and get people to connect to you as if you were AT&T/TMobile/etc.
IMEI and MEID Numbers on Android DevicesGo to your device's Settings (usually by dragging down from the top navigation menu and tapping the profile icon, then the Settings gear icon). From there, scroll down to the bottom and tap About Phone. Then tap ?Status. Scroll down to find your IMEI or MEID number.
If you give Apple the serial number, they can trace when you purchased the device. But this isn't exactly very private information. Apple also allows you to check an iPhone or iPad's “Activation Lock” status using just its serial number. You can see if the device can be activated, or if it's locked.
On these devices, find the serial number in Settings and the IMEI/MEID (the MEID is the first 14 digits of the IMEI) on the back. If you need support but you can't view the Settings menu, you can use the IMEI/MEID instead of the serial number: iPhone 6. iPhone 5s.
A serial number is used primarily by the phone's manufacturer. It can tell you where the phone was made, whether it's in warranty and, if you ever need to send it to repair, will help you get the same phone back when it's returned.
Track Down Phone Using IMEI Number
- Open the web browser on your computer and go to your Apple ID account page, appleid.apple.com.
- Sign in with the Apple ID that you use on the device for which you need the IMEI/MEID number.
- Scroll down to the section titled Devices. To see a device's IMEI/MEID number, select that device.
While any product may have a serial number, they are especially common for electronics, such as computers, mobile devices, and audio and video equipment. Because serial numbers are unique, they can be used to identify a specific device.
How to Check If You're Buying a Stolen iPhone or Android Phone
- Get the IMEI number from the iPhone or Android phone, you can also do this by dialing *#06# on the phone.
- Go to StolenPhoneChecker.org here to check and enter your IMEI number into the website.
No you can't change IMEI number of your phone.
An “ESN” is an Electronic Serial Number. An MEID (Mobile Equipment ID) and ESN uniquely identify a CDMA cellphone. An IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is unique number assigned to a GSM, UMTS or IDEN cellphones.
Check Your Google Dashboard for an Android IMEI
- Sign in to your Google Account.
- Open the Android Device Manager.
- Your IMEI number should be displayed along with your registered Android device. With this information, the authorities should be able to track down your lost or stolen phone much more quickly and easily.
An IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. Think of it as your phone's fingerprint — it's a 15-digit number unique to each device. Phone carriers and manufacturers share IMEI numbers to enable tracking of smartphones that may be stolen or compromised.
SEID: This setting refers to chipset identity that is related to security and NFC, the mechanism used as part of the Apple Pay mobile payments system on the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.
From the Apps tab, tap Settings. Tap About phone. Tap Status. Scroll down to locate the MEID.
MEID is a form of ESN (Electronic Serial Number). MEID numbers often have multiple formats, MEID HEX and MEID DEC. The HEX value is a mix of letters and numbers and the DEC value is all numbers. ESNs can have several formats, including the IMEI and the MEID.
