ANDROID IMEI CHECK
How to Check IMEI on Android: A Complete Guide
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit code assigned to every mobile device, including smartphones, tablets, and other cellular-enabled devices. This identifier helps service providers, manufacturers, and authorities track and manage devices. It also plays a crucial role in device security, helping to block stolen phones and verify a device’s authenticity.
If you’re looking to check the IMEI number of your Android device, whether for troubleshooting, warranty purposes, or security reasons, this guide will show you how to do it easily.
What is IMEI?
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity, and it's a unique number assigned to every mobile phone or cellular device. Think of it as the device’s digital fingerprint. This number is used by mobile network providers to authenticate devices on their networks.
For instance, if your phone is lost or stolen, your IMEI number can help the carrier block the device from being used, which adds an extra layer of security. Similarly, when buying a second-hand phone, checking the IMEI ensures the device is not blacklisted or stolen.
Why Check IMEI on Android?
There are several reasons why you might want to check the IMEI of your Android device:
- Device Authentication: To verify the authenticity of your device.
- Security: To ensure your device isn't stolen or blacklisted.
- Warranty and Service: Some manufacturers and carriers require the IMEI for warranty verification and servicing.
- Track Stolen Devices: If your phone gets lost or stolen, the IMEI can be used to track or block it.
How to Find IMEI Number on Your Android Device
There are several ways to check your IMEI number on an Android device. Let’s look at the most common methods.
Method 1: Dialing the IMEI Code
The quickest and simplest way to check your IMEI number is by dialing a special code on your Android phone.
- Open your phone's dialer (the app you use to make calls).
- Type the following code:
*#06# - Press the call button.
As soon as you dial this code, the IMEI number will automatically appear on the screen. You can use this number to verify your device or for any other purpose that requires it.
Method 2: Check in Settings
You can also find your IMEI number through your device's Settings menu.
- Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
- Scroll down and tap on About Phone (or About Device on some models).
- Look for an option labeled Status or IMEI Information.
- Tap on it, and you should see your IMEI number displayed.
Note that some devices may require you to tap on Information or Phone Information to see the IMEI number.
Method 3: Check on the Device Box
If you still have the original box that your Android phone came in, you can often find the IMEI number printed on a sticker located on the packaging.
Look for a barcode or a label that contains the following information:
- IMEI: This is typically labeled as "IMEI" or "IMEI 1" (if it’s a dual SIM phone, you might see IMEI 2 as well).
- Serial Number: This could also be useful for warranty and servicing.
Method 4: Check in Google Dashboard (For Google Pixel Devices)
If you have a Google Pixel or another Google device, you can also find the IMEI number through your Google Account dashboard.
- Visit the Google Dashboard on your desktop browser.
- Sign in to your Google Account.
- Scroll down and look for the Android section.
- Find the device in question and click on it.
- You should see the IMEI number listed along with other device details.
Method 5: Check Using ADB (Advanced Method)
For advanced users, the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a powerful tool that can be used to check your IMEI number directly from a computer.
Here’s how:
- Install ADB on your computer (you can get it as part of the Android SDK package).
- Connect your Android device to the computer via USB.
- Enable Developer Options and USB Debugging on your Android device.
- Open a command prompt or terminal window and navigate to your ADB folder.
- Type the following command:
This command will return the IMEI number of the connected device.adb shell dumpsys iphonesubinfo | grep "Device ID"
How to Check IMEI Online: IMEI Check Websites
In addition to checking your IMEI directly on your phone, there are various online platforms that allow you to verify and check the IMEI status of a phone. These websites help you verify if a phone is blacklisted or check the warranty status.
Some popular IMEI check websites include:
- IMEI.info
- IMEI24.com
- GSMArena’s IMEI Checker
To use these services:
- Go to one of the IMEI check websites.
- Enter the IMEI number in the provided field.
- Click the Check button.
- The website will provide detailed information about the device, including its brand, model, country of origin, network status, and more.
What to Do with Your IMEI Number?
After obtaining the IMEI number, here are a few things you can do with it:
1. Track a Stolen Device
If your phone is stolen, you can report the IMEI number to your carrier or local authorities. They may use this number to block the phone from accessing the mobile network, making it unusable for thieves.
2. Check Warranty Status
You can use the IMEI number to check if your device is still under warranty. Many manufacturers, including Samsung and Apple, offer an online warranty status checker where you can input the IMEI to see if your device is eligible for repair or support.
3. Verify Device Authenticity
If you’ve bought a second-hand phone, you can check the IMEI to verify whether it’s genuine and not stolen or blacklisted. By verifying the IMEI, you can avoid purchasing counterfeit devices.
4. Unlock a Phone
If you want to unlock a phone from a specific carrier, your carrier may ask for the IMEI number. This is used to confirm whether the phone is eligible to be unlocked.
Why Is the IMEI Important?
- Tracking and Theft Prevention: If your phone is lost or stolen, the IMEI can be used by network carriers to block the device from using cellular services.
- Legal and Security Issues: In many cases, the IMEI number helps authorities track devices involved in criminal activities or fraud.
- Device Authentication: It helps identify the phone model, brand, and manufacturer, ensuring that the device is authentic and not counterfeit.
Things to Keep in Mind About IMEI Numbers
- Do not share your IMEI publicly. Since the IMEI is a unique identifier, sharing it publicly can expose you to security risks, such as identity theft or fraud.
- IMEI number is irreversible. Once your phone is blacklisted using its IMEI, it cannot be unlisted unless you recover the phone from the thief.
- IMEI numbers are not always the same for dual-SIM phones. If you have a dual-SIM phone, you will typically have two different IMEI numbers – one for each SIM slot.
Conclusion
The IMEI number is a vital piece of information for identifying and protecting your Android device. Whether you need to verify your device’s authenticity, check its warranty, or report a stolen phone, knowing how to find and use your IMEI number is an essential skill for any Android user.
By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can easily check the IMEI of your device, verify its status, and ensure that your Android phone remains safe and secure.

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