Is a unique number to identify GSM, WCDMA, and iDEN mobile phones, as well as some satellite phones.
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique number to identify GSM, WCDMA, and iDEN mobile phones, as well as some satellite phones. The IMEI is only used for identifying the device and has no permanent or semi-permanent relation to the subscriber. Number is used by the GSM network to identify valid devices and therefore can be used for stopping a stolen phone from accessing the network in that country. An IMEI is only used to identify the device and does not relate to a specific individual or organization. Other numbers such as the ESN (Electronic Serial Numbers) and MEID (Mobile Equipment Identifiers) can link an individual to a phone. The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 17 or 15 digit code used to identify an individual mobile station to a GSM or UMTS network. The IMEI number provides an important function; it uniquely identifies a specific mobile phone being used on a mobile network. How to find your device's ESN / IMEI / MEID number depends on the device. In most cases you can find the device identifier in any of the following ways: 1  On a sticker behind the device's battery. 2  Via software on the about screen. 3  On the device's box.  The IMEI number is used by a GSM network to identify valid devices and therefore can be used for stopping a stolen phone from accessing that network. For example, if a mobile phone is stolen, the owner can call his or her network provider and instruct them to blacklist the phone using its IMEI number. The IMEI is only used for identifying the device and has no permanent or semi-permanent relation to the subscriber. Instead, the subscriber is identified by transmission of an IMSI number, which is stored on a SIM card that can (in theory) be transferred to any handset. If the device is with you and can start up. 1  Dial *#06# on your phone. 2  Most phones display the serial number (IMEI) when this code is dialed. 3  On a Dual-SIM phone, you will see two IMEI numbers, please enter the first IMEI in this case. 1 On a Dual-SIM phone, you will find two IMEI numbers marked as IMEI 1 and IMEI 2, please enter IMEI 1 in this case. 2  If you have a Lumia tablet, pull-out the SIM/SD card holder and read the serial number (IMEI) from the holder. 3  Contact your service provider. 4  Check the original sales box of your device. Every phone or Mobile Broadband device has a unique 15 digit code, called an IMEI number. You might need to find your IMEI number if you want to unlock your device to use with other networks, or for some insurance policies. You can find your IMEI in the following ways: 1  by entering *#06# on your phone’s call screen.  1 Dial *#06# on your phone. 2  Most phones display the serial number (IMEI) when this code is dialed. 3  On a Dual-SIM phone, you will see two IMEI numbers, please enter the first IMEI in this case. 4  If you have a Lumia phone, go to Settings About More information, and find your serial number (IMEI). 1 On a Dual-SIM phone, you will find two IMEI numbers marked as IMEI 1 and IMEI 2, please enter IMEI 1 in this case. 2  If you have a Lumia tablet, pull-out the SIM/SD card holder and read the serial number (IMEI) from the holder. 3  Contact your service provider. 4  Check the original sales box of your device. If the device is not with you or won't start up. 1  If your phone has a removable battery, switch off the phone and remove the battery. 2  Your serial number (IMEI) is printed on a white label inside the phone. 3  Look on, beside or inside the SIM card or memory card slot. 1 On a Dual-SIM phone, you will find two IMEI numbers marked as IMEI 1 and IMEI 2, please enter IMEI 1 in this case. 2  If you have a Lumia tablet, pull-out the SIM/SD card holder and read the serial number (IMEI) from the holder. 3  Contact your service provider. 4  Check the original sales box of your device. The IMEI or MEID number for your mobile phone acts as a unique identifier for that device. No two devices will have the same IMEI or MEID, which makes it a very useful tool for tracking lost or stolen cell phones. You can quickly retrieve and record your phone's IMEI or MEID number in a variety of different ways, depending on your device.  On these devices, you'll find the serial number in the Settings menu and the IMEI/MEID (the MEID is the first 14 digits of the IMEI) on the back. If you need support but you can't get to the Settings menu, you can use the IMEI/MEID instead of the serial number: 1  iPhone 6 Plus. 2  iPhone 6. 3  iPhone 5c. 4  iPhone 5s. Find the serial number for your iPad or iPod touch on the back of the device. On an iPad (cellular model), you'll also find the IMEI. The MEID is the first 14 digits of the IMEI.
http://www.imei.info/faq-what-is-IMEI/ http://www.gsm-security.net/faq/imei-international-mobile-equipment-identity-gsm.shtml https://swappa.com/faq/esn/how_to_find_esn https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Mobile_Station_Equipment_Identity http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/mobile/support/find-the-serial-number-of-my-device-imei/ http://support.three.co.uk/srvs/cgi-bin/webisapi.dll/,/?new,kb=mobile,ts=mobile,t=casedoc,case=obj(6589),varset_username=Mobile:mobileUser?s_search=helpsearch http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/mobile/support/find-the-serial-number-of-my-device-imei/ http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/mobile/support/find-the-serial-number-of-my-device-imei/ http://www.wikihow.com/Find-the-IMEI-or-MEID-Number-on-a-Mobile-Phone https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204073
what is device imei number