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

IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. IMEI is also referred to as MEID (Mobile Equipment ID). The IMEI number is a 15-digit code that uniquely identifies a mobile phone set. The IMEI number 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.

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

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

The format of an IMEI number is AA-BBBBBB-CCCCCC-D, 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.
• "D" is the checksum computed using the Luhn algorithm.

For example, 35-209900-176148-1 is a valid IMEI number.

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

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

⇒ What Is the MEID Number on My Phone

⇐ MCC/MNC - Mobile Country/Network Code Search

⇑ Phone Identification Numbers

⇑⇑ Cell Phone FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)