International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is an international identification code for a mobile device, which is assigned at the manufacturer, flashed into a one-time use chip, without the possibility of flashing. Does not depend on the inserted SIM card and identifies only the device itself.
As mobile device manufacturers and mobile network providers explain, this code allows them to track, find and return stolen phones to the true owners, and, if necessary, block their operation.
According to the second, more romantic spy version, the code allows intelligence agencies to control the movements of citizens, listen to them and, if necessary, selectively turn off their mobile communications.
But practice has shown that not everything is as we are told. When in New York they pulled out a brand new Nokia for $800, when I approached the police, they patted me on the shoulder in a friendly manner and said: “Welcome to New-York.” And when I called MTC and asked to turn off the phone, for reasons of “don’t let anyone get you,” they kindly informed me that, unfortunately, despite the fact that I have a contract and know the IMEI, they cannot turn off the phone, because that their equipment does not allow this.
In addition, skilled hackers, using special software, can change IMEI. Manufacturers are fighting hackers by modernizing the protective properties of devices, and hackers are improving their methods. But I must note that in many countries changing the code on a phone is a criminal offense. For this you can sit on a bunk in Belarus, Great Britain, Latvia.
Universal method
The easiest and most universal way is to type on the keyboard *#06#
However, how can an IMEI code be useful for the average mobile device user?
- Allows you to find out the country of manufacture;
- Software version;
- Device serial number;
- Check the originality of the phone (if the number on the small sticker does not match the number specified in the firmware, then this is not your option).
The old system, the so-called FAC, had a 15-digit code structure. For example, if the seventh and eighth digits were 80, then you came across a Chinese-made device, but if 70, then it was Finnish. In the modern system, the code has changed slightly, IMEISV, and the country of manufacture is indicated by the first two digits, for example, 49 is Germany, and 04 is Vietnam.
And how to find out the IMEI of a phone? As simple as that, remove the back cover, disconnect the battery and read this number on the small sticker.
IMEI on Apple mobile devices
The IMEI code is defined slightly differently in mobile devices with the iOS operating system. The code is always indicated on the package, but if you have lost it, there are two options:
On your iPad, iPod or iPhone you need to go to settings.
Go to “Settings”, select “General” and then click “About this device”. You will see the IMEI code.
On some Internet services, for example, SNDeepInfo, you can check the IMEI of your iPhone and find out a lot of details about it. For example, find out the contract expiration date if the phone is not unlocked. Or find out which operator the phone is locked to, and whether it is on the blacklist.
This will be important information if you decide to purchase a used phone.
There is also a method that you can use if you are left without a phone, without a box, or without anything at all, but have at least once used iTunes services. To do this, download and install the iBackupBot program. Using this application, run any of your iPhone backups and get the IMEI code. By the way, you don’t have to pay $35 for the program. In limited mode, she will cope with this problem.
Assigning or changing IMEI for Android phones
How to find out the IMEI of a phone for devices with the Android operating system? This is a separate story. Many devices don't have it at all. To do this you need to get it. For example, for phones running on chipsets manufactured by Mediatek, you need to enter a simple code *#*#3646633#*#*.
We go to the engineering menu and find the “Connectivity” tab there. Select the item “CDS information” and click. In the list we find “Radio Information”. There select Phone and after the inscription AT+ and enter EGMR=1.7,”IMEI”.
Can be made more difficult, but suitable for almost all models
First you need to get root rights. Then we find it on the Internet and download the restore_imei archive. We find the file run. It must be opened with a text editor. Instead of numbers after the abbreviation “exe” we write your IMEI. The file needs to be saved. We run run.but and get the file MP0B_001. We copy it to the mobile device along the path /data/nvram/md/NVRAM/NVD_IMEI/MP0B_001.
We reboot and get a fresh and brand new IMEI.
In some cases, it is more convenient to use the Rockchip Repair Tool application.
If your phone is stolen or lost, its IMEI can be found out remotely. To do this, just use the Google service at https://www.google.com/settings/dashboard.
There is also a database of stolen and lost phones. A similar database is located on the service http://trackerplus.ru/imei.
Well, if you know the IMEI of the phone and are an MTC subscriber, then send this 14-digit number to the toll-free number 307. If the answer tells you that the code is not registered in the database, then it is better to refuse this purchase.
A laptop serial number is sometimes required to obtain manufacturer support or determine its technical specifications. Each device has a unique number consisting of a different number of characters, which is determined by the manufacturer. This code indicates that the laptop belongs to a certain series of devices with similar characteristics.
Usually, each laptop comes with instructions for it, where the serial number is indicated. In addition, it is written on the packaging. However, such things are quickly lost or thrown away by users, so next we will look at several other simple ways to determine the unique device code.
Method 1: View the text on the sticker
On each laptop there is a sticker on the back or under the battery that contains basic information about the manufacturer, model, and also the serial number. You just need to turn the device over so that the rear roof is at the top and find the corresponding sticker there.
If there is no sticker, then most likely it is under the battery. You will need to do the following:
Remember it or write it down somewhere so that you don’t have to remove the battery every time, and then all that remains is to assemble the device. Of course, this method of determining the serial number is the simplest, but over time the stickers wear off and some numbers or all the inscriptions are not visible. If this happens, then another method should be used.
Method 2: Searching for information in the BIOS
As you know, the BIOS contains basic information about the computer, and you can start it even without an installed operating system. The method of determining a laptop's unique code through the BIOS will be useful for those users who have encountered certain problems that prevent them from fully starting the OS. Let's take a closer look at it:
Method 3: Using special programs
There are a number of specialized programs whose functionality is focused on identifying computer hardware. They help you find out detailed information about components and the system. If you are using a laptop, the software will immediately detect this and show its serial number. It is usually displayed in the tab "General information" or "Operating system".
There are a large number of such programs, and read more about them in our article. It will help you choose the most suitable software for determining the unique device code.
Method 4: Using the Windows WMIC Utility
All versions of the Windows operating system older than 7 have a built-in WMIC utility that allows you to quickly determine the device serial number via the command line. This method is very simple, and the user will only need to perform two steps:
As you can see, the laptop serial number is determined in just a few simple steps and does not require additional knowledge or skills from the user. All you need to do is choose the appropriate method and follow the instructions.
What is a serial number?
The manufacturer assigns each released device a unique serial number, which encrypts all information about the device model, country, and release date. The serial number is unique for each device from the same manufacturer.
What is IMEI?
Mobile phones, in addition to the serial number, have a so-called IMEI code. IMEI is an international identifier unique to each mobile phone. IMEI is a generally accepted standard for all mobile devices, which is “sewn” into the phone during manufacturing at the factory. This is something like a serial number that is broadcast to the operator when authorizing the phone on the network. The IMEI code format is the same for all phones, regardless of manufacturer. Also, the IMEI code is used to track and block stolen phones at the level of the cellular operator, which subsequently prevents the use of such a device in the network of this operator. However, blocking the IMEI code with one operator does not prevent it from being used in other networks.
How can I find out the device serial number?
As a rule, the serial number is printed on the packaging and duplicated on the device body; in most cases, the serial number is accessible through the software shell.
How to find out the IMEI of a phone?
To check your phone's IMEI, dial *#06# and the call button on your phone. The phone's IMEI looks like a 15-digit digital code. The IMEI code is duplicated under the battery of your phone, on the packaging and in the warranty card.
Why do I need this?
SNDeepInfo is the most affordable way to find out all the information about a device before you pay money for it. Enter the device serial number or phone IMEI in the input field and get accurate information about the phone model. Apple users receive extended information indicating physical and technical characteristics (device color, memory size, production date, firmware version when selling the device, unlocking and jailbreak methods).
What is this all for?
SNDeepInfo will protect you from buying a fake device. If, when checking, the serial number is not in the system, think about whether you are buying counterfeit equipment.
SNDeepInfo protects you from buying stolen goods. Each user who has become a victim of theft or lost a device has the opportunity to leave the stolen phone number or device serial number in the IMEI database. Therefore, SNDeepInfo is not only a service for checking IMEI and serial numbers, but also a database of stolen phones and devices.
SNDeepInfo helps you find stolen and lost items. Enter the code of the stolen phone or the serial number of the missing device into the IMEI database and increase the chances of finding the loss. If upon inspection the device is found to be listed as stolen, you can return it to its rightful owner and receive a reward if nominated by the owner.
SNDeepInfo is not just a phone IMEI database and serial number check, it is an in-depth device quality check service, a seller integrity test, and a search service for stolen phones and lost devices.
Currently, the service supports checking IMEI codes of all phones, including IMEI Apple iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X, as well as Samsung Galaxy S8, and Galaxy Note 8! It is planned to expand the service for checking device serial numbers for any electronic equipment.
Your question:
How to find out the factory phone number?
Master's answer:
A telephone of any model and brand must have an individual unique number called IMEI. You need to know this if, for example, you are concerned about the safety of your mobile phone or want to find out more information about the manufacturer.
The first way is to turn off the phone, then remove the back cover and remove the battery. Under it you will see a special sticker with the number you need written on it. However, this method is not always effective. For example, if the phone is old, then the numbers on the sticker may be worn out and difficult to read. Or there are models that have built-in batteries, which will also make accessing the number difficult.
The second method is to dial a special code on your phone. To do this, dial the character combination *#06# and press the call button. You will see your phone's serial number on the screen. But this method only works when there is a SIM card in the phone.
If you purchased the phone in a special store, then the serial number or IMEI must be indicated on the box. Find it and write it down so that if it is stolen, you can quickly be helped to find your means of communication.
If you are going to buy a cell phone from someone else, then insure yourself against troubles. Find out the serial number from the phone seller and go online to one of the sites that host online databases of stolen phones. Check there for your desired means of communication. If you find this serial number there, then it is better to refrain from such a purchase.
If your mobile phone is stolen, contact the police immediately. In this case, provide the serial number of your cell phone and ask to contact the cellular company, which can track the location of the device. It is almost useless to look for the loss yourself, because cellular operators do not have the right to disclose such information to the average user.
Serial numbers are assigned not only to all phones, but also to modems. Therefore, it must be recorded so that the stolen device can be detected later. The modem can be found even if the SIM card is replaced.
When a person buys any device (smartphone, tablet, laptop or car radio), he definitely needs to make sure that the device is original and unique. After all, cases where, under the guise of original gadgets, they sell all sorts of “gray” goods that arrived to us illegally are not so rare. How can we understand that this is a completely original product? That's why there is a serial number. It is assigned to each device and is unique. It is this that allows you to determine the “grayness” of a product. But you need to understand what it is and what it is eaten with. Let's talk about this. What serial number could it be?
What it is
Serial number (English Serial Number or SN) is the device identification number, which can consist of both Arabic numerals and Latin letters. It's like the identification number in a person's passport. This seemingly absurd combination of letters and numbers contains very important information. It is almost impossible to decipher what the numbers and letters mean, since each manufacturer has its own code, based on the markings adopted by a particular company. But checking a device for uniqueness using this code is as easy as shelling pears.
What is it used for?
For the most part, the serial number is needed by the manufacturer itself so that you can understand which batch of products is “damaged” and who its developer is. This practice was introduced so that it would be possible to somehow organize service and punish those responsible for the marriage. If this code does not correspond to what is specified in the manufacturer’s documents, then warranty service for the device will not be provided, since the product will be “gray”. Many official websites of manufacturers of computer components or other gadgets are equipped with a product search system by serial number. This way the end consumer can check the originality of a device.
Where to find
Where can I find the serial number of a device? It depends on what kind of device we are talking about. If we talk about a smartphone, then the serial number in budget models is written on a piece of paper glued under the removable battery inside the case. If the battery is non-removable and the case is monolithic, then the required code can be glued to the back panel of the device. You can also see the desired combination of characters in the smartphone itself. You need to go to “Settings”, and then to “About phone”. The number will be indicated there. If we are talking about devices such as car radios, then the claim combination will be written on the box itself, and the corresponding sticker will also be present on the case
Computer part number
This is a very interesting situation. Checking the serial number of computer components can be done either through a routine inspection of the device or using the software capabilities of the operating system. You can also view the number of computer components using applications such as AIDA64 and Everest. Also, the required combination of numbers and letters can be pasted on the component itself. This number may also be written on component boxes. By the way, a good way to check whether the number on the box is written correctly is to run “Everest” or “Aida” and see if it matches what is written into the firmware of the component itself. If it doesn’t match, it means the product is “gray”.
Printed circuit boards
These include things like RAM modules, some video cards, motherboards, sound cards and others, where the serial number is usually located on the board itself. Moreover, it is written in such a way that it is not possible to correct any letter in it. The number is laser engraved and covered with a layer of special varnish, which is used in radio production. It makes no sense to say that it is very difficult to fake such things. But some manage. Therefore, it doesn't hurt to check the code programmatically. What if it doesn’t match the engraved one? But this is unlikely. Even if the product is “gray”, the craftsmen will make sure that the numbers match. Even if not always.
Push-button telephone number
The serial number of the telephone (a regular push-button handset) is located under the battery on a special sticker with information. In addition to the serial number itself, the IMEI and the country of manufacture are also written there. By the way, IMEI, like the serial number, is a guarantee of the originality of the device. You can check it very simply - dial *#06# on your phone keypad and press the call button. A combination of numbers and letters will appear on the screen. This is IMEI. Unfortunately, it is impossible to check the serial number in this way. But it’s quite possible to find it in the settings. In the "About phone" section.
Conclusion
The serial number of the device is made up of Arabic numbers and Latin letters, which serves to identify the device and verify its uniqueness. You can find it on the product body, on the packaging or in the gadget’s firmware. The main thing is that what is written matches. You can also check the uniqueness of the gadget using the manufacturer’s official website. Many companies are introducing a serial number check option. And this is correct, because there are a lot of “gray” products. And the client must be sure that he purchased the original device. However, you should not rely on the serial number alone. It is necessary to take into account all possibilities for verifying the originality of the device. In smartphones, mobile phones and tablets, IMEI plays this role. It also allows you to verify uniqueness and is much more reliable than a serial number. However, it is the latter that guarantees the user service in the event of a breakdown.
