IMEI number

Glossary
Business phone glossary

Our glossary explains basic terms and abbreviations relating to mobile working, the use of smartphones and tablets in the corporate environment (Enterprise Mobility) and security aspects in the use of mobile devices.

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IMEI number

IMEI number

Identification number for mobile devices

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.
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