What does MEID stand for? And what does the MEID number mean on my phone?

MEID stands for Mobile Equipment ID, The MEID number is the same as the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number without the last checksum digit.

The MEID number is a 14-digit code that uniquely identifies a mobile phone set. The MEID code can enable a GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) or UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service) network to prevent a misplaced or stolen phone from initiating calls.

A variation of MEID is called IMEISV, which is MEID with 2 extra digits to identify the software Version Number.

You can find the MEID number of your phone usually on the back cover.

The MEID number uniquely identifies your phone set. Record your MEID number in a safe place. If you lost your phone in the future, you can report your MEID number, so no one else can continue to use your phone.

The format of a MEID number is AA-BBBBBB-CCCCCC, where:

• "AA" is the Reporting Body Identifier of the Type Allocation Code (TAC).
• "BBBBBB" is the actual allocation code of the Type Allocation Code (TAC), issued by GSMA (Groupe Speciale Mobile Association).
• "CCCCCC" is a serial number that identifies this specific phone set.

For example, 35-209900-176148 is a valid MEID number.

On a iPhone, you can find the MEID by going to the "Settings > General > About" screen.

To decode a MEID Number, use "IMEI/MEID Number Checker/Decoder" tool.

⇒ IMEI/MEID Number Checker/Decoder

⇐ What Is the IMEI Number on My Phone

⇑ Phone Identification Numbers

⇑⇑ Cell Phone FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)