Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 6: Typing a code
• Method 2 of 6: iPhone
• Method 3 of 6: Android
• Method 4 of 6: Look under the battery
• Method 5 of 6: Motorola iDen Phones
• Method 6 of 6: Box
• Tips
• Warnings

The IMEI or MEID of the mobile phone uniquely identifies the device. These numbers are unique, it is impossible to find two phones with the same IMEI or MEID numbers, which makes these identifiers indispensable when searching for stolen or lost phones.You can find out the IMEI or MEID numbers of your phone in different ways, which we will discuss below.

Steps

Method 1 of 6: Typing a code

1. 1 Dial the universal code. Most phones have easy access to the IMEI / MEID number: enter the universal code, which is a five-digit number *#06#... You don't even have to press the "Call" button - the number will appear by itself, as soon as you enter the fifth digit.
2. 2 Write down the number. Your IMEI / MEID number will appear in a new window. If you can't copy and paste it directly on your phone, just write it down on, say, paper.
   • Most phones indicate which number is IMEI and which is MEID. Otherwise, you can find out on the network of your mobile operator. GSM networks use IMEI numbers, while CDMA networks use MEID.

Method 2 of 6: iPhone

1. 1 Take a look at the back cover of your iPhone 5 or first generation iPhone. The iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, as well as the first generation iPhone have the IMEI engraved on the back cover (bottom). Accordingly, if you need a MEID, then look at the same number, just ignore the last digit (IMEI has 15 digits, MEID has 14).
   • GSM networks use IMEI numbers, while CDMA networks use MEID.
   • If you have a different phone model, then read on.
2. 2 Check the SIM tray if you have an iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4, or 4s. Read here how to remove the SIM card from the tray of your phone correctly. Your IMEI / MEID number is on the SIM card tray. If you are connected to a CDMA network (Verizon, Sprint, US Cellular), then both codes will be represented by the same number. Drop the last digit to determine the MEID number.
3. 3 Open "Settings". You will find them on the home screen. This step will be the same for any iPhone or iPad.
4. 4 Scroll down to the General field and open it. Select "About this device".
5. 5 Tap IMEI / MEID. Your IMEI / MEID will be displayed. If you need to copy it, just hold down the IMEI / MEID button in the corresponding menu for a few seconds. A notification will appear stating that the number has been successfully copied to the clipboard.
6. 6 Find the number using iTunes. This is, of course, an option in case the device won't turn on.
   • Connect your iPhone to your computer and launch iTunes.
   • Select your iPhone from the Devices menu (top right) and click the Summary tab.
   • Click on "Phone Number", this entry will be next to the picture of your iPhone. This will give you the ID numbers for your device.
   • Copy IMEI / MEID. If both numbers are displayed, then check which one you need. GSM networks use IMEI numbers, while CDMA networks use MEID.

Method 3 of 6: Android

1. 1 Open the settings menu. This can be done both with the help of the corresponding application from the application menu, and by means of the corresponding button on the phone.
2. 2 Select the "About phone" menu. You may have to scroll a little to get to this option.
3. 3 Select "Status". Scroll down to see the MEID or IMEI number. Your phone can have both numbers, so pick the one you want. GSM networks use IMEI numbers, and CDMA networks (Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular) use MEID.
4. 4 Write down the number you want. You won't be able to copy it to your phone's clipboard, so you'll have to write it down.
   • GSM networks use IMEI numbers, while CDMA networks use MEID.

Method 4 of 6: Look under the battery

1. 1 Turn off your phone completely. As with any electronic device, it is always best to turn off the power before digging inside the mechanism. Of course, there is little chance that the phone will shock you, but you can easily damage the device itself, and then what's the use of having an IMEI number?
2. 2 Remove the back cover. Open the back cover carefully and remove the battery. Yes, this method only works if the battery can be removed. It is useless for iPhones and other devices with a fixed battery.
3. 3 Remove the battery. Proceed carefully. Most likely, you will have to pick it up from below and gently pull it towards you.
4. 4 Find IMEI. Where it will be located depends on the phone, but there shouldn't be any problems here. Just take a look at the empty battery slot and you will notice the IMEI number (highlighted in yellow).
   • If the phone has an IMEI, but you are on a network using the MEID, then just ignore the last digit (IMEI has 15 digits, and MEID has 14).
   • GSM networks use IMEI, CDMA networks use MEID.

Method 5 of 6: Motorola iDen Phones

1. 1 Switch on your phone. Then open the phone dialer screen and dial #*≣ Menu→... Act quickly, otherwise you will have to type it all over again.
2. 2 Find your IMEI number. On a device with a SIM card, scroll down until you see IMEI / SIM ID, and press Enter... Here you can see your IMEI, SIM, and in some models your MSN code. The first fourteen digits should be displayed, where the fifteenth is always "0".
   • On older phones that do not have a SIM card, continue to press the →until you see on the display IMEI [0]... True, there will be only 7 numbers, but it doesn't matter - scroll down, there will be the remaining 7.
   • Press ≣ Menuthen on Nextso you will see the next 7 digits. The fifteenth (last) digit is most likely 0.

Method 6 of 6: Box

1. 1 Find the packaging for your mobile device. We don't need a brochure, just look for the box itself.
2. 2 Locate the barcode label affixed to the box. It can be found where the box is opened to serve as a seal.
3. 3 Look for the IMEI / MEID code. It must be clearly labeled and included with the barcode and serial number.

Tips

• Write down your IMEI code in case your phone gets lost or stolen.
• If your mobile phone has been stolen from you, you can call or go to the nearest service center and ask its employees to block your phone using the IMEI code.
• Not all phones have an IMEI code... At the moment it is present on all GSM and UMTS mobile phones in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and America. Most prepaid and contactless phones in America do not have their own IMEI numbers, and the same is true for disposable phones in Europe, Asia and Africa.
• If you are a South African citizen, you are legally required to report the theft to your operator and the police. It will be blacklisted and blocked for all mobile operators to prevent your phone from being used for illegal purposes. If you returned your phone, you can remove it from the blacklist by presenting proof of your ownership to your carrier.

Warnings

• Locking a stolen or lost phone with an IMEI code will result in a complete loss of communication between you and your phone, it will be impossible to trace it. Use this method only as a last resort.
• Some thieves replace the IMEI numbers of stolen phones with those of other devices. If you bought a mobile phone from someone you don't trust one hundred percent, try to find out if the IMEI number matches the given phone model.