How Do I Check an Imei Number?

Do you know you can track/blocklist your lost or stolen phone with its IMEI number? Most people know their phones feature a unique IMEI number that identifies and registers them on the network. But this 15-digit number goes beyond identification and can be helpful in many ways.

If this sounds strange to you and you would love to have an idea, here’s how to check the IMEI number on your phone and make the best use of it.

How to Check the IMEI Number on Your Phone

Whether you use an iPhone, Android, or feature phone, dialing the IMEI check code is the fastest way to get its identification number. Simply open the dialer app and enter *#06# to display the IMEI number. You may have to click the call button before it shows on some phones, and depending on the number of SIM cards present on your device, you may get two IMEI numbers.

If nothing comes up after dialing the code, head to your device’s Settings to fetch the 15-digit IMEI number. Here’s how to get it on Android:

• Launch the Settings app
• Tap About Phone or My Phone
• Click More Information, then tap Phone Information.
• Check the IMEI category to find the identification number for your device.

The steps on your phone may differ depending on its software version and custom skin. However, typing “IMEI” into the Settings search box should take you there faster. On some phones, too, you may get ‘IMEI 1’ and ‘IMEI 2’ if they feature more than one SIM slot. And if you’re looking to get the identification number for a specific phone model, such as “IMEI checker Infinix” or “IMEI check TECNO tool,” the same steps should work.

The third way to fetch your phone’s International Mobile Equipment Identity number is to check the box it came in. It shouldn’t be a problem for people who keep stuff, as they’ll find the IMEI number printed on the box.

How Can I Check if My Phone Is Stolen by IMEI Number?

Unlike some years ago, buying a used phone today requires extra carefulness to ensure you’re not getting into a big mess. Purchasing a stolen phone is illegal and can land you in trouble if the owner has blocked/reported its IMEI number online. And that’s one of the security measures we hold dear while swapping phones at Carlcare.

Before purchasing a used phone, it’s always a good idea to run its identification number into an IMEI check blacklist tool to confirm its status. Use a reliable IMEI carrier check site like imeipro.info to ensure someone hasn’t reported the phone stolen/lost. Besides landing you into a problem, buying a delisted phone would limit its functions, including the ability to make phone calls or dial USSD codes.

Here’s how to check if your phone has been reported stolen by IMEI:

• Visit info or another IMEI check the free site
• Enter the phone’s IMEI number into the given text field.
• Confirm you’re not a robot if requested.
• Tap Check to continue.
• Your phone is likely pure if the blacklist status report "

Meanwhile, you can also report your lost or stolen phone on the same site by creating an IMEI blacklist database record.  

Nevertheless, checking if your phone is stolen using the IMEI number might not always mean it’s clean. The blacklist database can only show reported cases, and few people take the time to do that after misplacing their phones. Buying a used phone from a reliable source is better to avoid touching stories.

Can I Check a Phone Detail With an IMEI Number

Yes, some websites like imei.info allow you to check the basic information of a phone with its IMEI number. With this, you could get the phone’s brand, model, typical specifications, design, and more. However, these sites may not consistently deliver 100% accurate specifications, so you may have to compare the results with other online sources.

How Do You Check if an IMEI Is Unlocked?

While most phones sold in Africa are unlocked, checking if a device is carrier-locked can be helpful if you plan to import a foreign phone. The best IMEI checker usually offers a range of features to check if a phone is locked to a carrier. Suppose your new phone can’t recognize your SIM card, or you plan to switch to another network provider; you can run its identification number into an IMEI carrier check tool before leaping.

Here’s how:

• Visit an IMEI checker website like the info
• Enter the phone’s IMEI number into the given text field and tap Check
• Check the details to confirm if the IMEI is locked or unlocked.

Can I Check IMEI Without a SIM card?

Because a device’s IMEI number deals with a mobile network doesn’t mean you can’t check it without a SIM card. Manufacturers store this identification number in the device’s firmware to ensure no one can spoof it easily to change its identity.

Your phone’s IMEI number is always accessible, even without a SIM card, and you can dial *#06# or check the phone Settings app to check it.

How Do I Know If My iPhone Is Original?

You could be surprised there are fake iPhones in the market too. Yes, so many! But you don’t have to fall victim by buying one.

The first step to confirm the genuineness of your iPhone is to check its IMEI number and authorize it with an IMEI check iCloud tool. Dial *#06# or open Settings > General > About phone to confirm the digits. An original iPhone would always have an identification number, and its absence means it’s likely counterfeit.

Besides that, you can confirm your iPhone is original by entering its Serial Number into Apple’s support site. Doing so should validate its purchase date and its warranty status. If you receive an error message instead and the serial number you gave is correct, there’s a high chance that you’re carrying a fake iPhone model.

Here’s how to check:

• Go to Settings > General > About phone on your device and scroll to Serial number to copy the 10-digit code
• Visit https://checkcoverage.apple.com in your browser
• Paste the serial number, confirm the security question, then tap SUBMIT to check the phone’s status.

What to Do if You Can’t Find Your Phone’s IMEI Number?

Does it mean you’re carrying a fake phone if you’ve dialed *#06#, checked the settings app, and still can’t find the device’s IMEI number? Not really. Tampering with your phone’s firmware can sometimes corrupt its IMEI number, which is why you can’t check it or make calls on the phone. Such is common if a problem occurs while flashing a new ROM on your phone or trying to manipulate the identification number with an IMEI writer tool. Either way, the highest you can do is to reflash the ROM or seek a professional’s assistance.

If you have IMEI or network problems with your TECNO, Infinix, or itel phone, Carlcare is the best place to visit. As the official after-sales service provider for these mobile brands, Carlcare provides top-quality repair and customer service for users worldwide. Start by booking an online repair reservation with a Carlcare center near you to experience swift, professional, and reliable repair service.