IMEI Full Form

The framework of International Mobile Equipment Identity or IMEI is designed as an exclusive series of 15 to 17 digits and the series is used to identify UMTS or GSM mobile devices. Particularly, IMEI number is capable of enabling a Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS) or Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) network, thereby restricting a stolen or misplaced phone from making calls. Typically, the number is printed on the mobile battery, typically on its back end. Additionally, it forms an important aspect of mobile device management. 

Characteristics of IMEI

IMEI code is operated over a mobile network that is able to identify a specific cell phone. Nowadays, a telecommunication company enables its customers to stay connected through their SIM cards and allows them to transfer a SIM card from one device to another. Therefore, such companies consider it as a necessary method to keep aware of the hardware and link an IMEI code to a hardware device. However, the number can be considered as a phone’s fingerprint, therefore manufacturers’ share the number for enabling smart phone tracking that can be lost, compromised, or stolen. 

IMEI numbers are not like mere serial numbers and taken as standard all across the industry. The code showcases each and every detail regarding a particular model, its system serial number, source, and other factors. For example, if a device’s mobile number is AA-BBBBBBB-CCCCCC-X/YY, then the AA number showcases the reporting body’s identity which is an integral part of the TAC. Moreover, it also lets a person know about the brand and model of a cell phone specifically. On the other hand, the number BBBBBBB belongs to the TAC or Type Allocation Code, whereas the number CCCCCC can be taken as a sequence number. Additionally, the rest of the number indicates the version number of the used software. However, an IMEI code plays a significant role if a smartphone is being stolen or misplaced. In such cases, a user can provide the IMEI code to a mobile network company, therefore requesting them to disable the mobile phone.  As such an action is being taken, a mobile device becomes useless in most of the cases even if somebody swaps out or substitutes the unit’s SIM card. However, a determined and skilled cracker can change or replace the IMEI code and use a compromised phone to make calls though it is not an easy task. Therefore, an owner must keep a record of the IMEI number in a safe place immediately after buying a mobile device so it can be accessed easily in the event of theft or loss. 

Ways to carry out an IMEI search

The unique IMEI number is printed in different places depending on the type of mobile devices. Different ways have been developed to carry out an IMEI search as follows:

• Generally, an individual can search the unique IMEI mobile code by dialing * # 06 # on a particular device. The process is applicable to basic mobile devices as well as for Android, Windows, or iOS Apple devices
• In the case of a Google Pixel, *#06# is required to be dialed from the device’s keyboard to obtain the IMEI code

Importance of purchasing a mobile device with a clean IMEI

It is important to check all details about a device’s IMEI, particularly while purchasing a second-hand phone from a third-party vendor. It is so as a limited option is available to a buyer purchasing a second-hand phone with a blacklisted or blocked IMEI number. Blocked IMEI codes are shared between various carriers and it is quite difficult to unblock them. If a mobile device is locked to a specific network, the IMEI code won’t function until the lock is removed by the carrier. The only measure to resolve this issue is to contact the former carrier and ask to unlock it.

Conclusion

It can be concluded from the previous discussion that an IMEI number is associated with the identification of a cell phone and forms an essential part regarding its security. The number is required to serve different complaint purposes instead of cases like theft or tracking. The number can be easily fetched by a person by dialing a particular number, on the back of the battery, or mobile box. However, it is strictly recommended to smartphone users not to share his/her unique IMEI code randomly or publicly.