Last updated: August 4, 2022
Despite the fact that we use our cell phones constantly today, there are still things that we may miss about them. This is for example the case of IMEI code which is unknown to quite a few users.
As you know, there are millions of copies identical to your mobile in the world, manufacturers had to create a system to identify them from each other. This system is called IMEI number. This is a unique identification number consisting of 15 to 17 digits.
But what is it ? What is it for and especially how to recover it easily? FunInformatique tells you everything there is to know about the IMEI code.
What is IMEI?
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It's a unique identification number that allowsidentify a mobile phone.
Before explaining to you what you will be able to do with this famous IMEI code, it is important to simply see what it corresponds to to fully understand how it will be useful to you later.
For this, we are going to tell you about another system which this time is on a computer and which has an operation which remains quite similar to that of the IMEI code, we are obviously talking about IP address.
For those who don't know, the principle of this IP address is very simple, it's a sort of identity card for your computer that it will show each time it connects to a site.
From then on, this IP address is recorded and if necessary, we can trace the different things you have done with your computer. Here, for the IMEI code, the basic operation is the same.
Indeed, it is there again an identity card that your cell phone will have to show. However, it does not show it to the internet, but simply to the mobile data networks around it.
What is an IMEI code for?
Because yes, very often, when you go buy a mobile phone, you will also buy a package to be able to use it and this will necessarily go through an operator. However, your phone must be connected to the right place where you are.
Therefore, when you subscribe to a mobile plan, the operator will in some way give you a pass which corresponds to your mobile phone IMEI code.
Each time your mobile phone arrives at a new location, it presents its IMEI code to the network corresponding to the mobile operator you have chosen and it therefore lets it enter.
Now you know how an IMEI code works, but there is surely a question that you ask yourself since the beginning of this article, it is simply to know what this code will be able to be useful to you.
Indeed, you might say to yourself that in itself, it's not a big deal not to know him. However, it has several uses and this is precisely what we are going to see at this very moment. The first use is quite simply if you want to change operator and therefore unblock your phone.
If you've followed this far, you need this ID card from your phone to connect to it, you will therefore need to know your IMEI code if you ever plan to change operator In the coming months.
Block a stolen phone with the IMEI code
Except that at the time of unlocking, there will necessarily be people around to know your IMEI code and we tell ourselves that by then, it is not necessarily worth bothering with that, except that you would be wrong.
Because if you know the IMEI code of your phone, you will for example simply be able to block it if ever you have it stolen. Please note, this should not be taken lightly.
Because this procedure permanently locks your laptop, with no going back. So only do it if you're sure you'll never see him again. If you still plan to do so, here is the procedure to follow:
- File a theft complaint indicating your IMEI
- Send the report to your operator
- Request an immediate blocking of your phone corresponding to the IMEI code
By the way, know that if you have any doubts about a used phone, you can always check if the IMEI of this phone does not match one that has been reported stolen with the police.
How to retrieve the IMEI code
Now that we have seen what this IMEI code could be used for, here is how to get it and for this, there are two possibilities. The first is simply to watch your phone box.
Indeed, you will find in the information at the barcode level, an IMEI followed by a code. As you can imagine, this is obviously the IMEI code which has been discussed from the beginning.
The other way is to take your cell phone directly and type *#06# which will directly display your IMEI code on your screen. From then on, all that remains is to keep it in a corner so that you can reuse it one day if you need it.
How to find the IMEI of an iPhone?
If you have an iPhone, you can view the IMEI by going directly to its iOS settings.
For that :
- Go to the “Settings” menu,
- Then go to the “General” section, then “Information”,
- Scroll down to see your iPhone IMEI number.
How to find IMEI under Android ?
For those who have a phone Android, it is possible to find its IMEI number from the device settings:
- First, go to the “Settings” menu listed in your apps list Android,
- Next, tap “About phone”.
Conclusion
Now you know everything about this IMEI code which is extremely important, although in the end, very few people are aware of it. What we therefore advise you to do is of course to keep it in a corner.
Most of the time you'll never have any use for it and that in itself is fine, but if ever something goes wrong and you have to go to the police station to file a report, you'll be happy to having done this little manipulation which takes barely two minutes.
If you ever have any other questions about mobile phones, do not hesitate to ask us in the comments and perhaps we will focus on them in a future article on the site.