Your smartphone contains a lot of important information, photos, banking apps, contacts, emails and more. But there’s one piece of information about your phone that many people don’t know exists until it’s too late: the IMEI number.
If your phone is ever lost or stolen, your IMEI number can play a crucial role in helping identify your device, blocking it from being used on mobile networks and supporting an insurance claim.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what an IMEI number is, where to find it, why it’s important and what you should do with it before you ever need it.
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity.
It is a unique 15-digit number assigned to every mobile phone. Think of it as your phone’s fingerprint. No two legitimate mobile devices should share the same IMEI.
Unlike your phone number, which is linked to your SIM card, your IMEI identifies the physical device itself.
For example, your IMEI might look something like this:
356789123456789
Whenever your phone connects to a mobile network, the network can identify the device using its IMEI.
The IMEI system was created to help mobile networks identify devices and reduce fraud.
It allows networks to:
Without an IMEI system, stolen phones would be much easier to resell and reuse.
Many people never think about their IMEI until their phone disappears.
Knowing your IMEI beforehand can save valuable time if something goes wrong.
If your phone is stolen, your mobile network may ask for your IMEI.
They can use it to blacklist the device, preventing it from being used on UK mobile networks.
Although this doesn’t physically recover your phone, it makes it much less valuable to thieves.
Many mobile phone insurers request the IMEI number when processing claims.
It proves exactly which device you’re claiming for and helps prevent fraudulent claims.
Having your IMEI stored somewhere safe means you won’t be searching for paperwork after an already stressful event.
The IMEI acts as a permanent identifier.
If police recover stolen phones, they can sometimes match recovered devices with reported IMEI numbers.
Without it, proving ownership can become much more difficult.
Buying a second-hand phone?
The IMEI allows buyers to check whether a device has been reported lost or stolen before purchasing it.
This helps avoid buying a phone that may later become unusable.
Your IMEI number is one of the most important pieces of information associated with your smartphone, yet many people never record it until they need it.
Taking just a few minutes today to find and store your IMEI could save significant time and stress if your phone is ever lost or stolen.
Whether you’re reporting a theft, making an insurance claim or proving ownership of your device, having your IMEI readily available can make the process much smoother.
As smartphones become increasingly valuable, protecting both the device and the information linked to it is more important than ever. Knowing your IMEI is a simple step that can help you stay prepared for the unexpected.
Almost every mobile phone that connects to cellular networks has an IMEI.
Devices with dual SIM capability often have two IMEI numbers—one for each SIM slot.
Wi-Fi-only tablets generally do not have an IMEI because they do not connect to mobile networks.
This is a common myth.
Ordinary members of the public cannot use your IMEI to track your location.
Only authorised organisations, such as mobile network operators and law enforcement in specific circumstances, may be able to use IMEI-related information as part of legitimate investigations.
Legitimate phones are assigned an IMEI by the manufacturer.
Attempting to alter or tamper with an IMEI is unlawful in many jurisdictions and is often associated with criminal activity.
If you are buying a second-hand device and notice signs that the IMEI has been altered or does not match the device, avoid purchasing it.
The best time to record your IMEI is before anything happens.
Consider storing it in one or more of these places:
Having multiple copies ensures you can access the number even if your phone is unavailable.
No. Your phone number belongs to your SIM card. Your IMEI identifies the handset itself.
Legitimate devices should each have a unique IMEI.
No. The IMEI remains the same regardless of which SIM card you use.
In many cases, yes. You may find it on the original packaging, purchase receipt, your manufacturer’s account or previous documentation.
No. Blocking an IMEI prevents the device from being used on participating mobile networks, but it does not erase information stored on the phone. Use your device’s remote management features if you want to lock or erase it.