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You’re in the right place if you want to know how to Check IMEI Number of any Laptop or Phone. It stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity and is a unique number that lets a network know how to identify a mobile phone. When you lose your device or if someone takes it, the IMEI can help you find it. This lets you track down the phone and find out which SIM card is connected to it right now. If you know the IMEI number, you can ask the right people for help. A carrier can also put a device on a watchlist based on its IMEI number and let other carriers know to do the same. This means that the phone or laptop won’t be able to make or receive calls. Or even use a new SIM card to connect to the Internet through a cell phone network.
Don’t worry if you have no idea what this number is and are trying hard to figure it out. The IMEI, or International Mobile Station Equipment Identity, is a unique number that is given to every mobile phone sold through legal channels. If you lose your phone or it gets stolen, this number is very helpful. When you report your phone stolen to the police, you usually have to give them the IMEI number. Then, based on the laws in your area, the IMEI can be blocklisted to stop your phone from connecting to networks or making calls. Here are the steps how to Check IMEI Number of any Laptop or Phone.
What is an IMEI Number?
The International Mobile Equipment Identity number (IMEI) is used to identify a mobile device on a network. It is similar to a Social Security number, but for a mobile phone. It is given to every GSM phone on the market and has 15 numbers. Most CDMA phones use a different way to identify themselves called the MEID number, which can be used to tell them apart. IMEI is very helpful if your device gets lost or stolen.
Even if the SIM card has been taken out of your phone, the number on the device can be used to find it. When you buy a used phone, the IMEI number is important. As you can use a few online services to check if the phone you want to buy has been reported or put on a ban. It also tells a lot about the phone, like the name, the year it came out, and what it can do.
You can find out about these things by going to IMEI.info and typing the IMEI number. If you lose your phone or someone steals it, you will have to give the police the number of your device so that they can find it. The IMEI numbers help carriers figure out which phones are on their network. If phones get lost or stolen, they can use this number to stop the phone from using their network.
Importance of IMEI Numbers
- Device Identification: IMEI numbers are used to uniquely identify individual mobile devices. Each device has a unique IMEI number, similar to a fingerprint. This helps in distinguishing one device from another, ensuring that no two devices have the same identification number.
- Security and Anti-Theft: IMEI numbers are instrumental in combating mobile device theft. When a device is reported stolen, the IMEI number is added to a global database, making it difficult for thieves to sell or use the stolen device. Mobile network operators can block devices with reported stolen IMEI numbers, rendering them unusable on their networks.
- Warranty and Service: Manufacturers and service providers use IMEI numbers to track warranty information and provide after-sales support. The IMEI number allows them to verify the authenticity and warranty status of a device. It helps in identifying the device’s manufacturing date, model, and other relevant details.
- Device Tracking and Recovery: Law enforcement agencies and security services can use IMEI numbers to track and locate stolen or lost devices. They can work with mobile network operators to determine the last known location of a device based on its IMEI number, aiding in the recovery process.
- Network Management: IMEI numbers are used by mobile network operators to manage and control devices on their networks. They can track devices, monitor their usage, and enforce policies such as blocklisting stolen devices or limiting access to specific services based on IMEI identification.
Difference Between Laptop and Phone IMEI Numbers
Feature | Laptop IMEI Number | Phone IMEI Number |
---|---|---|
Definition | International Mobile Equipment Identity | International Mobile Equipment Identity |
Purpose | Identifies the laptop device globally | Identifies the mobile phone device globally |
Format | Usually a 14 to 17 digit alphanumeric code | Usually a 15 digit numeric code |
Location | Typically found on a sticker on the bottom of the laptop or in the system BIOS | Typically found on a sticker behind the battery or on the phone’s packaging |
Duplication | Duplicate IMEI numbers are not common | Duplicate IMEI numbers can occur due to cloning or illegal activities |
Alteration | IMEI numbers are difficult to alter or change | IMEI numbers can be altered or changed using software methods (illegal in most countries) |
Device Type | Refers to the laptop device | Refers to the mobile phone device |
Network Activation | IMEI number is not typically used for network activation | IMEI number is crucial for network activation and device tracking |
Compatibility | Laptops may have other identification codes (e.g., serial number, MAC address) in addition to IMEI | Phones primarily rely on the IMEI for identification and tracking |
How to Check IMEI Number of any Laptop
- Power on your laptop and make sure it is connected to the internet.
- Open a web browser of your choice (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari).
- Navigate to the manufacturer’s official website for support or product information.
- Locate the support or product section on the website. This section may be labeled differently depending on the manufacturer.
- Search for a section related to “Product Information,” “Specifications,” or “Support.”
- Look for details or information about your laptop model.
- The IMEI number might be listed as the “Serial Number,” “Service Tag,” or “Product ID.” Note that not all laptops have an IMEI number, as it is more commonly associated with mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.
- Take note of the IMEI number displayed on the website or write it down for future reference.
How to Check IMEI Number of any Phone
Om Android
- Open the Phone app on your Android device.
- Dial the following code: *#06#
- Tap the Call button or dial the code.
- The IMEI number of your Android phone will be displayed on the screen.
- Note down or take a screenshot of the IMEI number for future reference.
On iPhone
- Open the Phone app on your iPhone.
- Dial the following number: *#06#
- Once you dial the number, the IMEI number will automatically be displayed on the screen. Note: You do not need to press the call button; the IMEI number will appear as soon as you enter the last character.
Alternatively, you can also find the IMEI number in the following ways:
![How to Check IMEI Number of any Laptop or Phone](https://www.compsmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/a-324.jpg)
- Settings: Open the Settings app, then go to General > About. Scroll down to find the IMEI section, where you can see the IMEI number.
- iTunes: Connect your iPhone to a computer and launch iTunes. Select your device, and in the Summary tab, you will find the IMEI number listed.
- iPhone Packaging: If you have the original packaging of your iPhone, you can find the IMEI number printed on the back of the box.
IMEI Number Tracking and Security
- IMEI Tracking: If your phone is lost or stolen, you can use the IMEI number to find it. The IMEI number can be used to find the device’s approximate position by mobile network operators, law enforcement, and tracking services. This can help find a phone that was lost or stolen.
- Blocking Stolen Devices: The stolen device can be put on a blocklist by giving the IMEI number to the mobile network company. Once the device is banned, it won’t be able to connect to any network, making it useless to thieves.
- IMEI Registration: Some countries or areas need the IMEI numbers of mobile phones to be registered. This registration helps stop stolen phones from being sold and makes devices safer.
- IMEI Check Services: Different online services let users check the state of an IMEI number to see if a device has been reported as stolen or blocklist. These services can help people make sure that the gadget they want to buy is not a fake or a stolen one.
- Anti-Theft Apps and Features: A lot of mobile devices come with or can be downloaded with anti-theft apps that use the IMEI number to track the device. These apps let users find, lock, or delete the information on their lost or stolen devices from afar.
- IMEI Security Measures: It is very important to keep your IMEI number safe if you want to keep your mobile device safe. Don’t give your IMEI number to people you don’t know or places you don’t trust. Also, write down your device’s IMEI number and keep it somewhere safe. This number can help if your device is stolen or lost.
Reporting a Lost or Stolen Device
- Act right away to protect your personal information and prevent unauthorized access to your accounts.
- Find the serial number or IMEI of the lost or stolen gadget. Look for this information on the original packaging, purchase ticket, or device settings.
- Contact your mobile service provider or company and inform them about the situation. They can assist you in taking appropriate actions such as suspending or disabling the device’s service.
- Fill out a police report at your local police station. Provide them with the necessary details, including the device’s serial number or IMEI, and any other pertinent information.
- Notify the company that manufactured the gadget. They may be able to offer assistance in tracking or remotely locking the device, depending on its capabilities.
- Change the passwords for all accounts and services linked to the lost or stolen gadget. This includes email accounts, social media platforms, online banking, and any accounts containing personal or private information.
- If available, activate device tracking or remote wiping features on your device. These tools can help locate the device or erase your data remotely, prioritizing your privacy.
- Monitor your bank accounts for any suspicious activity. If your device stored payment information, promptly contact your bank or credit card company to report its loss and take necessary measures to safeguard your accounts.
Questions and Answers
You only need the serial number to get IMEI information from customer service. If you have the serial number for your iPhone or Android with you, the support team can give you an IMEI number. If you lose your phone and need to find the IMEI number quickly, these ways should help.
The app lets users check the IMEI number of their devices and find out more about them, like who made them, what type they are, and whether or not they are on a blocklist. This can help you find a lost or stolen device and make sure that a phone is real before you buy it.
Google is not able to easily track your IMEI number. But if you have location services turned on for your computer, Google can find out where it is. The IMEI number is unique to you and your device, but it doesn’t really tell anyone where you are or what data you have.
What’s an IMEI Number? Computers that can connect to a Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) are given a unique number called an IMEI number. When you set up the device with your WWAN carrier, you’ll need this details.