India, with its staggering 1.2 billion mobile phone users and over 600 million smartphone users, has seen a remarkable surge in smartphone adoption. Along with this growth, however, comes an alarming rise in smartphone-related frauds. 

Reports say that thieves steal approximately 50,000 mobile phones every month in the country. In response, the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has traced nearly 8.99 lakh lost or stolen mobile phones and blocked over 16.13 lakh devices since its inception.

So, how are authorities able to track these phones? The answer lies in the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) – a unique identifier assigned to each mobile device. This number is crucial in helping government authorities track and block stolen or lost phones.

If you’ve ever wondered how to find your phone's IMEI number on Android, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the simple, step-by-step process of locating your phone’s IMEI number, ensuring that you're well-prepared in case your device gets lost or stolen. Let’s get started!

Purpose and Importance of IMEI Number

If you lose your phone, the IMEI number is essential to track the lost or stolen device, as well as for security and regulatory reasons. It is also required to block lost devices to avoid misuse.

If you lose your phone or someone steals it, you should file a police complaint mentioning your phone's IMEI number. Additionally, you can register and launch a complaint on the government's Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal by providing the IMEI number and uploading a copy of the FIR. This will help block your phone and prevent it from being misused.​

Here are the key purposes of the IMEI number:

• Tracking Stolen Phones: Authorities use the IMEI number to track and block stolen or lost phones, making them unusable on cellular networks.
• Device Identification: It helps identify specific mobile devices on a global scale, ensuring that no two devices have the same IMEI number.
• Network Security: Network providers use IMEI numbers to verify the authenticity of a device when it connects to their network.
• Blocking Unwanted Devices: If someone reports a device as lost or stolen, networks can block that device from accessing their services by blacklisting the IMEI number.
• International Device Registration: IMEI numbers play a role in international databases, allowing for the easy identification of devices across borders.
• Warranty and Repair Tracking: Manufacturers and service centres use IMEI numbers to track warranty claims and repair history for devices.

Understanding your phone's IMEI number can prove invaluable, whether for security or customer service needs. Let’s understand the methods to check IMEI number on your phone.

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How to Find IMEI Number on Android

Locating your Android phone’s IMEI number is a straightforward process, and knowing how to find it can be helpful in situations like reporting a lost or stolen device. You can locate the IMEI number of your phone through multiple methods.

Let’s explore each method one by one.

How to Find IMEI Number on Android by Dialing a Specific Code

One of the quickest and easiest ways to find your Android phone's IMEI number is by dialing a simple code. This method works across most Android devices, making it a convenient option when you need to retrieve your IMEI number in seconds.

Here are the steps to find your IMEI number using the dialer:

1. Open the Phone app on your Android device.
2. In the dialer, type the code *#06#.
3. Press the Call button (or simply wait).
4. Your IMEI number will automatically appear on the screen. You can write it down or save the screenshot in your drive for future reference.

This method is quick, requires no additional settings, and works even if you don’t have access to your device’s settings menu.

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How to Find IMEI Number on Android by Checking Device Exterior

In some cases, you can find the IMEI number on the exterior of your Android device. This is particularly useful if your phone is not in working condition or unresponsive or if you can’t access the settings. The IMEI number is usually printed on the device’s packaging or on a label located on the phone itself.

Here’s how you can find it:

• Look for the IMEI on the Box: If you still have the original box your Android phone came in, check the label on the packaging. The IMEI number is often printed there, along with other device information like the model number and serial number.
• Check the Back or Battery Compartment (for removable batteries): On older Android phones with removable batteries, you can find the IMEI number displayed on a label inside the battery compartment. Simply remove the back cover and the battery to see the label.
• Find the IMEI on the SIM Tray: Some newer Android models print the IMEI number on the SIM card tray. Remove the tray, and check for a small label with the IMEI number.

This method ensures you can access your IMEI even if your phone is not functioning properly.

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How to Find IMEI Number on Android Using Device Settings

If your Android device is functioning normally, you can locate your IMEI number in the device’s settings with ease. This method doesn’t require any additional tools or steps, making it one of the most reliable ways to access your IMEI information.

Here’s how to find your IMEI number in the device settings:

1. Click on the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and select About Phone or System (depending on your phone model).
3. Look for an option called Status or Phone Information.
4. Tap on Status, and you’ll see the IMEI information listed, among other details.
5. If you have dual SIM support, your phone may display two IMEI numbers—one for each SIM slot.

This method gives you a clear and accurate view of your IMEI number, which is especially helpful for keeping a record of it in case of an emergency.

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How to Find IMEI Numbers on Some Specific Android Devices

Different Android devices might have slightly different methods for locating the IMEI number. While most Android phones follow similar steps, certain brands or models may offer unique ways to access this information. Here, we’ll look at how to find the IMEI number on specific devices, such as the Mesa 3 Android, Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy series, OnePlus, and Cedar devices.

For Google Pixel:

1. Go to Settings > About Phone > Status.
2. Tap IMEI Information to view the IMEI number.

For Samsung Galaxy:

1. Open Settings > About Phone.
2. Tap on Status, and you will find the IMEI Number listed.

For OnePlus:

1. Navigate to Settings > About Phone.
2. Tap on IMEI to view the number directly.

For Mesa 3 Android:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Dial *#06# to display the IMEI number on the screen instantly.
3. Alternatively, navigate to Settings > About Phone > Status > IMEI Information.

For Cedar Devices:

1. Go to Settings on your Cedar device.
2. Scroll down to About Phone > Status.
3. Find the IMEI Number under the device details.

Now you are aware of finding IMEI numbers for almost all Android devices. You can find the IMEI number of your device and save it in some secure place. It will be helpful to track your phone and prevent your phone’s misuse in case you lose your phone or someone steals it. But what if your device has two IMEI numbers? Yes, some devices have 2 IMEI numbers let’s learn about them.

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Devices with Multiple IMEI Numbers

Some Android devices, particularly those with dual SIM support, come with multiple IMEI numbers. Each device assigns a unique IMEI number to each SIM slot, which enables recognition on two different mobile networks simultaneously. These phones are designed to enhance flexibility by allowing users to maintain two distinct phone numbers or carriers on one device.

Some examples of Android devices with multiple IMEI numbers are:

• Samsung Galaxy Series (Dual SIM models)
• OnePlus (Dual SIM models)
• Xiaomi Mi Series (Dual SIM models)
• Huawei Mate and P Series (Dual SIM models)

If your device has multiple IMEI numbers and it gets lost or stolen, it’s important to report both IMEI numbers to the authorities or your mobile carrier. Depending on which SIM slot was active when someone lost the device, the network will block the phone using the IMEI associated with that slot. 

By providing both numbers, you completely block the device and prevent its use, which helps prevent misuse.

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Conclusion

Understanding how to find IMEI numbers on Android is essential for all smartphone users, whether you're safeguarding your device from theft or ensuring quick recovery in case of loss. The IMEI number is an important element in identifying and tracking your phone, providing a valuable tool for both security and service-related needs. 

Whether you choose to dial a specific code, check the exterior of your device, or navigate through the settings, there are various methods to access your IMEI number. For devices with dual SIM support, it’s important to note both IMEI numbers to ensure full protection. By understanding and utilising your IMEI number, you can keep your phone secure and well-protected against theft or misuse.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I find my IMEI number on an Android device?

You can find your Android phone’s IMEI number in several ways:

• Dial *#06# on your phone.
• Check the device’s packaging or the back/battery compartment (if removable).
• Go to Settings > About Phone > Status > IMEI Information.

2. What if my Android phone has multiple IMEI numbers?

Phones with dual SIM support will have two IMEI numbers, one for each SIM slot. In case your device is lost or stolen, report both IMEI numbers to your carrier or the authorities to ensure the phone is fully blocked and protected.

3. Can I use my IMEI number to track my lost Android phone?

While you cannot personally track your lost phone using the IMEI number, you can report it to your carrier or the authorities. They can use the IMEI to block the phone from being used on any network, preventing theft or misuse.

4. How can I check the IMEI number if my phone is not working?

If your phone is unresponsive, you can find the IMEI number on the original box or packaging, or on a label inside the battery compartment if the battery is removable.

5. Can the IMEI number be changed or altered?

It is illegal to change or alter an IMEI number, and doing so can lead to severe penalties. However, some devices may have their IMEI numbers tampered with by thieves, which is why it’s important to report your device promptly when lost or stolen.

6. Can I find my IMEI number without having my phone in hand?

Yes, you can find your IMEI number if you have the original packaging or a printed receipt that includes the device details. If you’ve registered your device with a service like Google, it might also show the IMEI in your account settings.