The abbreviation IMEI stands for "International Mobile Station Equipment Identity" and refers to a 15-digit number that can be used to identify mobile devices in which a cellular modem is installed.
The first eight digits of the IMEI number indicate the so-called "Type Allocation Code" (TCA, i.e. the exact device model), the following six digits indicate the actual serial number. This is followed by a check digit.
How do I find my IMEI number?
IMEI under Android
On an Android smartphone, for example from Samsung, the easiest way is to enter the key sequence *#06#. After that, your IMEI number appears without further confirmation, usually also the serial number of the device.
Alternatively, the IMEI number can also be displayed via the menu path Settings -> Phone info.
IMEI for iOS
Apple devices display the IMEI number in various places:
- iPhone Classic, 5, 5c, 5s: The IMEI number is stamped on the back of the device (back cover).
- iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4, 4s: The IMEI number is located on the SIM card tray.
- Under iOS you can also display the IMEI number: via the menu path Settings -> -> General -> About -> Show IMEI/MEID.