What is IMEI?
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It is a 15-17 digit unique number assigned to every mobile phone. IMEI number is used to identify valid devices in mobile networks. Without an IMEI number, a phone cannot connect to a cellular network.
The IMEI number is usually printed somewhere on the phone, either behind the battery or on the back cover. You can also retrieve the IMEI number by dialing *#06# on the phone dialpad.
How does IMEI help unlock phones?
Carrier locking is a practice used by mobile carriers to restrict the use of a phone to their network only. This is done by locking the phone to the carrier’s network through software configurations.
To unlock a carrier-locked phone, you need to provide the unique IMEI number to the carrier. The carrier will then whitelist that IMEI in their database, allowing the phone to be used on other networks.
So in summary, providing the IMEI to your carrier can help unlock your phone from the carrier lock restrictions. The carrier uses your device IMEI to verify and approve the unlock request.
Does every phone have an IMEI number?
Yes, almost every phone has a unique IMEI number, including:
– GSM phones (AT&T, T-mobile etc)
– CDMA phones (Verizon, Sprint etc)
– Smartphones – Android, iPhone etc.
– Basic feature phones
However, some devices may not have an IMEI number:
– Older phones released in the 1990s
– Satelite phones
– Some unlocked phones
– Mobile hotspots and cellular iPads/tablets (use MEID instead)
So unless you have a really old device, your phone will have an IMEI number that can be used for unlocking and other carrier-related functions.
Where can I find the IMEI number on my phone?
Here are the common places where you can find the IMEI number on your phone:
On the phone dialpad
Dial *#06# to display the IMEI number on the screen. This works on most phones.
Behind the phone battery
Open the back cover and remove the battery if possible. The IMEI number will be printed on a sticker behind the battery.
On the phone box
The original box that came with your phone will have a label with the IMEI printed on it.
Settings menu
On smartphones, you can find the IMEI under Settings > About Phone > Status > IMEI information.
Back of the phone
Many phones have a sticker behind the battery cover that displays the IMEI and other details.
Can someone steal my IMEI?
It is highly unlikely for someone to steal your IMEI number remotely. IMEI is hardcoded into the device hardware, so it cannot be changed or hacked easily.
However, there are some rare ways the IMEI could be compromised:
– Physical access to your phone – They can open up the phone and read the IMEI off the circuits.
– Malware infection – Spyware could transmit the IMEI to remote servers.
– IMEI cloning – Criminals clone the IMEI chip and use it on another phone.
– Fake base stations – Setting up rogue cellular towers to intercept IMEI and other data.
– Shoulder surfing – Looking over your shoulder to read the IMEI when displayed on-screen.
As long as you keep your phone physically secure and don’t install shady apps, your IMEI should remain protected. Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to prevent snooping attacks.
What details can someone access with my IMEI?
The IMEI itself does not reveal any personal data associated with the device or owner. However, someone with your IMEI can potentially do the following:
– Track your phone’s location if connected to a cellular network.
– Clone your IMEI onto another phone for illegal usage.
– Block or blacklist your phone from connecting to networks.
– Remotely wipe or factory reset your device.
– Monitor incoming/outgoing calls and texts.
– Impersonate you for tech support scam calls.
– Access device warranty details.
– Check if phone is lost/stolen.
So while IMEI itself is not sensitive information, it can potentially be misused to compromise your privacy or device security in some cases.
Should I share my IMEI publicly?
Sharing your IMEI on public forums or websites is not recommended. You can safely share the IMEI with your mobile carrier when required, such as for unlocking purposes.
Avoid displaying your IMEI on social media or unknown websites, as it can be misused to clone or track your phone. There is no legitimate reason for strangers to ask for your IMEI number out of context.
Some tips to keep your IMEI secure:
– Do not post a picture of the IMEI sticker on your phone.
– Do not share the IMEI randomly with unknown callers or messages.
– Cover the IMEI label on your phone when disposing it.
– Do not install dubious apps that ask for unnecessary device access permissions.
– Limit physical access to your phone by others.
Following general mobile security best practices will help keep your IMEI number safe from potential misuse or threats. Be vigilant about how and where you share the IMEI publicly.
Can I change my phone’s IMEI number?
Changing or altering the IMEI number on your phone is illegal in many countries. This is because cloning IMEI numbers can allow criminals to evade surveillance or engage in other cellular fraud.
That said, some methods do exist to change the IMEI technically:
– Using unofficial firmware – Installing a custom ROM can rewrite the IMEI partition.
– Flashing IMEI software – Some shady third-party tools claim to reprogram IMEI.
– Changing IMEI via modem – Directly editing the modem firmware to alter IMEI.
– Hardware IMEI changers – Illegal devices that can rewrite phone IMEI.
However, these methods are risky, can brick your phone, and make it unable to connect to carrier networks. You may end up with an unusable paperweight.
Changing your phone’s IMEI is not recommended at all. Even if you manage to change it, your carrier can easily identify and block cloned IMEI devices from their network. The risks are too great compared to any perceived benefit.
Can my carrier help change my IMEI?
No, mobile carriers will not change or edit the IMEI on your phone under any circumstances. Doing so is illegal and can land both you and the carrier in legal trouble.
Carriers also do not have any technical means to modify or rewrite the unique IMEI programmed into your phone hardware. Only the manufacturer has low-level access required to change IMEI before the device leaves the factory.
So there is no legitimate way for a carrier, phone company, or cell phone repair shop to alter your existing phone IMEI. Any claims that this is possible are false and fraudulent. Do not attempt it or you may lose your phone service.
Is it legal to change IMEI?
Changing the IMEI on your mobile phone is illegal in many countries worldwide:
United States
Altering the IMEI can violate the Federal Communications Act and Telephone Records Privacy Act, resulting in fines and jail time.
United Kingdom
It is illegal under the Wireless Telegraphy Act. Ofcom can prosecute offenders with fines or prison up to 5 years.
Canada
Changing IMEI is prohibited under the Radiocommunication Act enforced by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
Australia
Australian law prohibits willful IMEI alteration under the Radiocommunications Act 1992. Penalties include large fines.
European Union
Tampering with IMEI is banned in the EU, as it allows cloning phones for criminal usage.
So in summary, IMEI change is illegal globally, except in a few countries with lax regulations. Engaging in such tampering can land you in serious legal trouble with the authorities.
How can I report a stolen IMEI phone?
If your phone was stolen and you know the IMEI number, you can report it to have the device blacklisted across cellular networks. Here are some ways to report a stolen phone’s IMEI:
– Contact your mobile carrier – They can flag the IMEI as blacklisted in their database.
– Report to national and international GSMA database – GSMA maintains a global list of stolen devices shared by carriers.
– Report to local police – Provide the police the IMEI of your stolen phone in your report.
– Report to online IMEI tracker tools – Websites like IMEI.info allow reporting stolen phone IMEIs.
– Call your phone manufacturer – Provide the IMEI to the manufacturer’s customer service.
– Notify sites like Freeze My Phone – They can remotely lock, track or wipe your phone.
– File insurance claim for theft – Give your provider the IMEI number for claim process.
Taking swift action by reporting your stolen phone’s IMEI can disable the handset across networks, preventing the thief from misusing it. Make sure you have the IMEI readily available in case of such an incident.
Can I still use my blacklisted IMEI phone?
Once an IMEI is blacklisted by carriers, it becomes almost impossible to use that phone on any cellular network. Some major limitations include:
– Unable to make or receive calls and texts.
– No mobile data – 3G/4G internet will not work.
– Poor signal reception due to network block.
– Some features like GPS may stop working.
– Phone may frequently display “No Service” error.
– Difficult or impossible to unlock the phone.
– No carrier will provide service for the blacklisted IMEI.
– Reselling the device will be difficult or impossible.
– Can only use the phone over Wi-Fi for apps/VoIP calling.
So blacklisting renders your phone nearly unusable on any cellular network globally. To use it again, you will need to get the IMEI unblocked, which is often difficult unless reported by mistake.
Can I get my blacklisted IMEI unblocked?
Getting a blocked IMEI number unblocked is challenging but not impossible in some cases:
– If wrongly reported as stolen, contact the blocking party.
– Provide lawful proof of purchase and ownership documents.
– Law enforcement clearance letter stating mistaken identity.
– Legal letter from attorney requesting reinstatement.
– Contact carrier executive office for IMEI investigation.
– Submit an FCC complaint against carrier blacklist.
– Appeal the IMEI ban to mobile industry organizations like GSMA.
– Change the IMEI officially via manufacturer (rarely possible).
– Request arbitration or legal remedy through consumer court.
However, unblocking an IMEI is difficult if the phone was reported by rightful owner as lost/stolen. Carriers will err on side of caution and seldom remove the block without strong legal justification.
A blacklisted phone will likely remain unusable unless you can provide definitive proof of your innocence and lawful ownership. But there is still a chance if wrongfully accused.
Should I buy a used phone with blacklisted IMEI?
Buying used phones with blacklisted IMEIs is extremely risky:
Pros
– Very cheap deal for an expensive phone model.
– Can still use phone over Wi-Fi networks only.
Cons
– Permanently blocked on all cellular networks.
– Vulnerable to get re-blacklisted in future.
– Could be illegally sourced or stolen.
– No warranty or support from manufacturer.
– Unable to unlock or resell the device later.
– Lack of 4G, calls, texts make it nearly useless.
– Potential fines if original owner reports it stolen later.
Advice
– Avoid buying blacklisted IMEI phones, unless proven was wrongly blocked.
– Prioritize phones that come with proof of purchase and legal documents.
– Check IMEI status on sites like IMEI.info before purchase.
– Make sure to check the return policy in case it gets blacklisted later.
Only consider if the phone is nearly free and you just want to use apps over Wi-Fi at home. But spending any significant money on blacklisted IMEI devices is extremely risky with too many uncertainties.
I bought a used phone, and it got blacklisted later. What now?
If you bought a used phone, and later find out the IMEI was blacklisted, here are some options:
– Immediately contact the seller and request refund as per sale terms.
– Check if seller had mentioned it’s blacklisted – if not you can pursue legal action.
– Report fraudulent sale to authorities – consumer affairs agency or police.
– Leave negative reviews about the seller to prevent others getting cheated.
– Consult a consumer lawyer to send legal notice to seller for compensation.
– Avoid using the phone as the original owner can still track it.
– Try contacting carriers to remove blacklist, providing sale proof documents.
– List the phone for parts/non-working on ecommerce sites to recover some cost.
– Chalk it up as an expensive mistake, and avoid used phones in future.
Unfortunately, if you bought from an individual seller, you have little recourse. Always check IMEI before purchase on sites like Swappa, and avoid shady deals that seem too good to be true. Be prepared to potentially lose your money in worst case.
How can I check if a phone is blacklisted before buying used?
When buying a used/refurbished phone, you should always check if the IMEI is blacklisted to avoid issues later:
– On the seller’s phone – Dial *#06# to retrieve IMEI, and check it.
– IMEI checker websites – Enter IMEI on sites like IMEI.info, Swappa, etc.
– Carrier customer service – Provide IMEI to the carrier to look up status.
– Online IMEI lookup tools – Many sites allow instant blacklist check by IMEI.
– Check the box label – Original box should have clean IMEI sticker on it.
– Ask for IMEI paperwork – Request seller to provide IMEI number documents.
– Review seller reputation – Buy only from reputed vendors with good ratings/reviews.
– Meet seller at carrier store – Have staff check IMEI before paying.
Being cautious is key when buying used devices. Always verify the IMEI beforehand through multiple sources to avoid getting blacklisted later. Consider paying a small IMEI check fee for peace of mind.
Conclusion
In summary, the IMEI number is vital for identifying and using mobile phones over carrier networks. While you can technically change your phone’s IMEI in some cases, it is illegal and can get your device blacklisted. Avoid sharing your IMEI publicly to prevent potential misuse. When purchasing used devices, be sure to carefully validate the IMEI beforehand through official channels to avoid blocking issues later on. With the right precautions, you can safely enjoy mobile connectivity on your smartphones.