IMEI Number

IMEI stands for 'International Mobile Equipment Identity', is a unique (15 or 17 digit) number assigned to  mobile phone. It can also be found in 3G/4G tablets, laptops with PCMCIA wireless internet cards, and other mobile equipment. In a dual-SIM phone, you’ll see two IMEI numbers, one for each SIM slot. The IEMI is also known as 'International Mobile Station Equipment Identity'. In the case of CDMA network there is also a MEID number.

The main purpose of using this number is to trace the device. As the number is unique, it helps us to identify the device and therefore it can be used for stopping a phone from accessing that network if it is theft. We can use this number to block a mobile phone from being used by another person.

How to find this number: 

• Dial *#06# on your keypad and press call or send button, your IMEI number will be retrieved and displayed on your screen.
• On the back or bottom of the device or under, IMEI number can be found printed.
• IMEI numbers can also be printed on the original packaging of your device.

The Structure of an IMEI Number:
IMEI numbers either come in a 17 digit or 15 digit sequences of numbers. The IMEI format currently utilized is AA-BBBB-CC-XXXXXX-Z:

First 8 digits of IMEI number are TAC (Type Allocation Code) which will give you the mobile phone brand and model. Other 7 digits are defined by manufacturer (6 are serial number and 1 is check digit).

For example a IMEI number: 354230061155201 

Here TAC: 354230 | FAC: 06 | SNR: 115520 | CD: 1