What is an IMEI?

An IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is the 15 digit number that identifies a phone, or any device with a mobile modem, on cellular networks. Carriers use it to block stolen phones, and you need it for warranty claims, insurance and unlocking. Dial *#06# on the phone to see it. It's also in the settings, on the box and on some phones on the SIM tray.

The number has three parts:

  • TAC (Type Allocation Code), the first 8 digits, stands for the phone model. Its first two digits are the reporting body identifier, the organization that gave out the code: 35 for TÜV SÜD (BABT) in the UK, 86 for TAF in China and 01 for CTIA in the US.
  • The serial number, the next 6 digits, tells phones of the same model apart.
  • The check digit at the end is calculated from the other 14 digits with the Luhn formula, the same one credit card numbers use. It catches most typos.

An IMEISV has 16 digits: the first 14 digits of the IMEI and a two digit software version instead of the check digit.

Tool description

Paste an IMEI and the tool checks its check digit and splits it into its parts. It shows the TAC, the reporting body and its country, the serial number, the check digit and the IMEI grouped by part: 2 digits for the reporting body, 6 for the rest of the TAC, 6 for the serial number and the check digit. Spaces, dashes and slashes don't matter.

Enter 14 digits to get the missing check digit, or the 16 digits of an IMEISV to see its software version and the full IMEI of the phone.

A right check digit only means the number is well formed. It doesn't tell you whether the phone is blocked or reported stolen; your carrier can check that.

The tool doesn't show the brand or model. The TAC database belongs to the GSMA and isn't public. To find the model, look in the phone's settings: Settings > General > About on an iPhone, Settings > About phone on Android. On a used phone, dial *#06# and compare the IMEI with the one on the box or receipt to make sure they match.

The reporting body names come from GSMA's TS.06 IMEI Allocation and Approval Process, Annex A.

Features

  • Checks the Luhn check digit, or calculates it from 14 digits
  • Splits the IMEI into TAC, reporting body, serial number and check digit
  • Reads IMEISV numbers and gives the IMEI of the same phone