The essential
What is IMEI?
The IMEI means international mobile Equipment Identity (or international identity of mobile equipment in French).It is a unique identification number that allows you to register mobile equipment.
The IMEI of a terminal thus allows a mobile operator to identify it and to deliver or not the authorization for the user to connect to the mobile network with it.
Each terminal has its own IMEI number and this code consists of 15 to 17 digits.Each number of the IMEI number corresponds to specific information:
In summary, this is the identity card of a mobile phone.
What is IMEI for?
The IMEI number on your phone allows you to unlock your device to use it with all operators.And conversely, the IMEI code also makes it possible to request the blocking of your mobile in the event of theft or loss of the latter to avoid fraudulent uses.
IMEI to unlock your mobile
The IMEI number allows you to unlock your mobile phone so that it works with the network of another mobile operator.
To better understand, you should know that when you buy a smartphone via a operator with a mobile plan, very often this terminal can only work with the network of this operator.It is said in this case that your mobile phone is "simlocked" that is to say "blocked" to the network of this operator.
To unlock or "unlock" your phone and use it with the network of another operator, it is necessary to provide its IMEI code to the operator who sold you this smartphone.The latter will be able to provide you with the unlocking code to unlock your smartphone.
Please note, do not confuse the unlocking code with the PUK code of your phone.The PUK code allows you to unlock your mobile phone when you have blocked your SIM card after performing 3 bad entries of the PIN code.
The PUK code namely the key to release the PIN code is very often registered on the mail accompanying your SIM card during its purchase or on the back of the plastic support where the latter was fixed.
Once your phone is unlocked, you can use it on the mobile network of any operator, in France but also abroad.This can be useful when traveling, if you want to buy a SIM card from the country to communicate during your stay without breaking the bank.
Other information, the unlocking is mostly free.This is particularly the case if you have bought your smartphone, for more than three or six months, depending on operators.
Also note that it is not necessary to have the IMEI number of an iPhone to unlock it.You must contact Apple services directly to carry out this approach.
IMEI to block your smartphone in the event of loss or flight
The IMEI code also has another important utility in the event of loss or theft of your mobile phone.This is, in fact, essential to block your mobile device and thus avoid fraudulent uses by making it unusable.
In the event of loss or theft of your smartphone, one of the first reflexes to have to prevent a malicious person with using your phone, is to contact customer service your operator, to immediately suspend your mobile line.
In the event of a flight, you must then file a complaint at the police station or the gendarmerie.The IMEI number of your mobile phone will be requested and specified on the minutes.After this stage, you must send a copy of this report to your mobile operator.
Your operator will then take care of registering the IMEI number of your smartphone on a list of stolen or lost phones and will block your terminal to prohibit its use by a third party.
In other words, this means that no call can be made on all mobile networks with your terminal.This is why it is important to note the IMEI code of your phone in a safe place, in order to quickly carry out these steps, in the event of theft or loss.
The IMEI number also lets you know if a mobile has been stolen.It is notably recommended to consult the list of Imei Blacklists when you buy a used phone from an individual.This list is available on the internet and therefore makes it possible to ensure that the mobile you want to acquire has not been stolen and blocked.
How to find your IMEI?
How to find the IMEI code of your smartphone?There are several solutions to obtain the single identification number (IMEI) of your mobile phone.
How to find the iMei of an iPhone?
If you have an iPhone, you can also know the IMEI of your Apple device by going directly to the iOS settings of it.
For it :
- Rendez-vous dans le menu "Réglages",
- Allez ensuite dans la rubrique "Général", puis "Informations",
- Descendez vers le bas pour trouver votre numéro IMEI iPhone.
Another alternative, you can find, depending on the model, the IMEI code of your iPhone directly on the support of your SIM card or on the back of the mobile.Finally, the unique identification number (IMEI) of your Apple brand mobile is also indicated on iTunes or on the Apple site by connecting to your identifiers.
How to find the IMEI of an Android smartphone?
For those who have a Samsung smartphone for example, it is possible to find your IMEI number directly in the Android settings of the device:
- Allez dans le menu "Paramètres" figurant dans la liste de vos applications Android,
- Cliquez ensuite sur "A propos du téléphone",
- Retrouvez votre numéro IMEI dans la liste des informations affichées.
These content may also interest you: