Mobiles and IMEI

What is IMEI?
IMEI stands for International Mobile Station Equipment Identity. IMEI is a 15 digit unique number, which is used to identify any GSM, UMTS and LTE mobile phones and modems. It is also used in some satellite phones too.

IMEI includes information about the mobile phone's origin, model, and serial number. The first 8 digits of IMEI have the details of the model and origin and it is called as the Type Allocation Code (TAC) and the other digits are defined by manufacturer.

How to check IMEI?
It can be seen on a printed sticker inside the battery compartment of the mobile phone or back side of modems. This can also be checked on screen on most of mobile phones by entering *#06# on the dialpad and on system information in the settings or options menu on smartphones.

What are the usages?
IMEI number is used by mobile networks to identify valid mobile devices. This would be helpful to find a stolen mobile phone and block it from accessing the network.