Serial number of the smartphone. How to find the factory phone number

IMEI (short for International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a number that is unique to each phone. Used in mobile phones as well as some satellite phones.

In simpler terms, IMEI is a unique identification number for each phone or smartphone. It consists of 14 decimal digits and one check digit. The code contains information about the serial number of the device, its model and origin. So, the first 8 digits are called TAC (Type Approval Code) and speak about the model of the device and its place of origin. The rest of the IMEI is the serial number of the device, which is determined by the manufacturer using the so-called Luna algorithm, with a check digit assigned at the end.

There is IMEISV (from English International Mobile Terminal Identity and Software Version number), which already consists of 16 digits. In addition to ensuring that each phone is uniquely identified, it allows for compliance with the version of the software authorized by the operator. In turn, the software depends on the services available directly for this device.

In 2002, information was prepared by representatives of large foreign mobile operators, which said that IMEI could be changed using simple software. Today, changing IMEI is much more difficult, as mobile technology manufacturers are improving the protection system. Some companies claim that it is simply impossible to change the IMEI in their devices. It is noteworthy that in some countries, changing the IMEI is a criminal offense.

IMEI is listed in several places. The easiest way to find it is to dial * # 06 # on the keyboard (supported by most manufacturers):

We have hidden the main digits of the number.

Why do i need IMEI?

• IMEI is used to identify the device on the network.

• IMEI is the serial number of the phone.

• IMEI can be used to track your phone and block stolen devices at the carrier level. True, in the latter case, the device cannot be used only within one operator.

• The IMEI can be used to find out if the device is stolen.

The serial number of a laptop is sometimes required to obtain support from the manufacturer or to determine specifications. Each device has a unique number consisting of a different number of characters, which is determined by the manufacturer. This code indicates that the laptop belongs to a certain series of devices with similar characteristics.

Usually, each laptop comes with an instruction manual, where the serial number is indicated. In addition, it is written on the packaging. However, such things are quickly lost or thrown away by users, so next we will look at several other simple ways to determine a unique device code.

Method 1: View the decal on the sticker

Each laptop has a sticker on the back or under the battery that contains basic information about the manufacturer, model, and serial number. You just need to turn the device over so that the rear roof is at the top and find the corresponding sticker there.

If there is no sticker, then most likely it is under the battery. You will need to do the following:

Remember it or write it down somewhere so that you do not remove the battery every time, and then you will only have to assemble the device. Of course, this method of determining the serial number is the simplest, but over time, the stickers are erased and some numbers or all of the inscriptions are not visible at all. If this happens, then another method should be used.

Method 2: Find information in BIOS

As you know, the BIOS contains basic information about the computer, and you can run it even without an operating system installed. The method for determining a unique laptop code through the BIOS will be useful to those users who have certain problems that prevent the OS from starting completely. Let's take a closer look at it:

Method 3: Using special programs

There are a number of specialized programs whose functionality is focused on determining the hardware of a computer. They help you find out detailed information about the components and the system. If you are using a laptop, the software will immediately detect this and show its serial number. It usually appears in a tab "General information" or "Operating system".

There are a large number of such programs, and read more about them in our article. It will help you choose the most suitable software for determining the unique device code.

Method 4: Using Windows WMIC Utility

All versions of the Windows operating system older than 7 have a built-in WMIC utility that allows you to quickly determine the serial number of the device through the command line. This method is very simple, and the user will need to perform only two steps:

As you can see, the serial number of a laptop is determined in just a few steps in simple ways and does not require additional knowledge or skills from the user. All you have to do is choose the appropriate method and follow the instructions.

When purchasing a mobile phone or tablet of a well-known or unfamiliar brand, the consumer is primarily interested in the real country of manufacture of the device. Many eminent brands place their production on the territory of other states, most often in China, for example, the same Samsung can be produced both in South Korea and have apocryphal Chinese "roots".

In the article:

But do not be skeptical about electronic devices manufactured outside the vendor countries. Manufacturers value their reputation very much and will never agree to sell a substandard product under their brand name. But still, the buyer wants to be sure that he has chosen an original smartphone, to establish the origin of the purchased device "from hand" or to make sure that the information specified in the documents regarding a particular device is up to date. These nuances and a whole series of useful data about the gadget are stored in a special IMEI code of the device.

Internet assistant Tarif-online.ru will tell you how to find out the country of the phone manufacturer by IMEI and what features of the code you should pay attention to. We will also describe an alternative way to obtain reliable information about the country of manufacture using the serial number of the device.

IMEI features

Numeric identifier IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) consists of 15 digits and is a unique identification marker for each sample of mobile equipment (phone, smartphone, tablet, modem, router), regardless of the country in which it was manufactured. Focusing on the structure of the international IMEI identifier, it is possible to unambiguously establish not only in which state the factory is located, but also who is the manufacturer of the phone, its model, release date and serial number.

Important! IMEI is a unique identifier for each GSM and UMTS mobile phone and serves for accurate and complete identification of providers in cellular networks. To date, many devices have been developed that can simultaneously use 2 or more SIM cards from different operators. Such devices have several IMEIs, the number of which depends on the number of SIM card slots.

Each device owner can find out his international mobile equipment identifier from four standard sources:

• warranty card;
• an inscription with a code on the primary packaging;
• an inscription with a code on the phone case (under the battery);
• an electronic IMEI entry in the factory firmware.

To find out the identifier registered in the gadget's memory, you need to form a request * # 06 #.

After this action, a 15-digit code will instantly appear on the screen. For example, for devices with two SIM cards, the representation of the numeric code may look like this:

IMEI 1: 357885051455122

IMEI 2: 357885051455130

Please note that authorized organizations and manufacturers are constantly trying to improve the protection of mobile equipment against unauthorized IMEI changes using special software. In particular, this resulted in the fact that now the identifier is stored in the memory of the gadget in a special, one-time programmable zone. In addition, in 2004, the format of the IMEI itself was changed.

On older devices, the International Mobile Equipment ID was represented as 357885 05 145 512 0 (IMEI 1 from our example with the last digit replaced):

• the first six digits (357885) indicated the phone model and origin (TAC);
• the next, seventh and eighth digits (05) identify the country of build (FAC);
• the digits from the ninth to the fourteenth (145512) indicated the serial number of the device;
• the last fifteenth digit (0) is a check number and until 2004 it was always zero.

On the one hand, the new IMEI format is simplified, on the other, it uses a complex check digit verification algorithm. On modern devices, the international mobile equipment identifier must be grouped as follows - 35 788505 145512 2:

• the first two digits (35) represent the registered RBI code and indicate that the IMEI is used for this device, and not the MAID (Mobile Equipment Identity) code, which is stitched on new CDMA mobile phones instead of the 32-bit ESN (Electronic Serial Number);
• the next six digits (788505) indicate the model and place of manufacture of the telephone and together with the RBI code form a general picture of the origin of the device (TAC);
• digits from ninth to fourteenth (145512) are the serial number of the gadget;
• the last, fifteenth digit (2) acts as a control number and, using the Luna algorithm, constantly monitors attempts to inadvertently distort data.

Regardless of the IMEI writing standard, knowing the seventh and eighth digits of the identifier (except for the numbers 00), you can determine the country in which your phone was produced. Codes with two zeros (00) are transitional between the two IMEI standards and do not allow identifying the country of origin.

Definitions of the country of manufacture of the phone by IMEI

We already know which numbers of the international mobile equipment identifier indicate the country of origin. It is rather difficult to link the seventh and eighth IMEI digits with a real country, since contradictions may arise between the real origin of the device and the state for which the equipment was manufactured. For example, German-made mobile phones have a country code of 07, but the new South Korean smartphones Samsung Grand Prime, which were originally sent to Germany, received the same code, and then without any IMEI changes were dispersed throughout Europe.

The online assistant site will try to organize the available information by IMEI codes so that you can determine the country of manufacture of the phone as accurately as possible.

Returning to our example IMEI 35 788505 145512 2 with country code 05, we see that this device is manufactured in India.

In addition to our table, you can also use a number of special services that allow you to find out the origin of the device online, using for this not only the IMEI, but also the serial number of the phone, which is also indicated on the case and in the documentation. "IMEI TOOLS" and "SNDeepInfo" are especially popular.

The search results for the place of manufacture of a mobile phone must be identical, regardless of whether the data from the packaging box or the body of the gadget, the analysis of the IMEI or the serial number are used for this. If the documents say that the phone is made in South Korea and the Chinese code 80 is indicated in the IMEI, most likely this device is a fake.

Finally

The Tarif-online.ru website hopes that this article was useful to you in solving the question of how to find out the country of manufacture of the phone by IMEI. For a better understanding of the material presented in the review, do not forget to check out our training video.

If you have any questions or want feedback, use the comments to this article. We will also be glad to receive your correct additions to this difficult and confusing topic.

International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) - the international identification code of a mobile device, which is assigned at the manufacturing plant, is flashed into a single-use chip, without the possibility of flashing. Does not depend on the inserted SIM card and identifies only the device itself.

As mobile device manufacturers and mobile network providers explain, this code allows them to track, find and return stolen phones to their true owners, and if necessary, block their operation.

According to the second, more romantic spy version, the code allows the special services to control the movements of citizens, listen to them and, if necessary, selectively disable their mobile communications.

But practice has shown that not quite everything is as we are told. When they pulled out a brand new Nokia for $ 800 in New York, when addressing the police, they would pat on the shoulder and say: "Welcome to New-York." And when I called MTC and asked to turn off the phone, for reasons of “don’t get you to anyone,” I was kindly informed that, unfortunately, despite the fact that I have a contract and know IMEI, they cannot turn off the phone, because that their equipment does not allow it.

In addition, skilled hackers, using special software, can change the IMEI. Manufacturers are fighting hackers by modernizing the protective properties of devices, and hackers are improving their methods. But I must say that in many countries it is a criminal offense to change the code on the phone. For this you can sit on a bunk in Belarus, Great Britain, Latvia.

Universal way

The easiest and most versatile way is to type on the keyboard *#06#

However, how can an IMEI code be useful for the average user of a mobile device?

• Allows you to find out the country of the manufacturer;
• Software version;
• Serial number of the device;
• Check the originality of the phone (if the number on the small sticker does not match the number indicated in the firmware, then this is not your option).

The old system, the so-called FAC, had a 15-character code structure. For example, if the seventh and eighth digits were 80, then you came across a Chinese-made device, if 70, then Finnish. In the modern system, the IMEISV cipher has changed somewhat and the country of the manufacturer is indicated by the first two digits, for example 49 - Germany, and 04 - Vietnam.

And how to find out the IMEI of the phone? As simple as pie, remove the back cover, disconnect the battery and read this number on a small sticker.

IMEI on Apple mobile devices

The IMEI code is defined in a slightly different way in mobile devices with the iОС operating system. The code is always indicated on the packaging, but if you lose it, there are two ways left:

On iPad, iPod or iPhone, you need to go to settings.

Go to "Settings", select "General" and then click "About this device". You will see the IMEI code.

On some Internet services, for example, SNDeepInfo, you can check the IMEI of your iPhone and find out many details about it. For example, find out the end date of the contract, if the phone is not jailbroken. Or find out which operator the phone is locked to, if it is on the black list.

This will be important information if you decide to purchase a used phone.

There is also a method that you can use if you are left without a phone, without a box and without anything at all, but have used iTunes services at least once. To do this, download and install the iBackupBot program. Run any of your iPhone backups with this app and get the IMEI code. By the way, you don't have to pay $ 35 for the program. In limited mode, she can handle this problem.

Assigning or Changing IMEI for Android Phones

How to find out the IMEI of the phone on devices with the Android operating system? This is a separate song. Many devices do not have it at all. To do this, you need to get it. For example, for phones based on chipsets manufactured by Mediatek, you need to enter a simple code * # * # 3646633 # * # *.

We go into the engineering menu and find the "Connectivity" tab there. We select the item "CDS information" and click. In the list we find "Radio Information". There, select Phone after AT + and enter EGMR \u003d 1.7, "IMEI".

Can be made more difficult, but suitable for almost all models

First you need to get root rights. Then we find it on the Internet and download the restore_imei archive. Find the file run. It must be opened with a text editor. Instead of numbers after the abbreviation "exe", we register our IMEI. The file needs to be saved. Run run.but and get the MP0B_001. We copy it to the mobile device along the path / data / nvram / md / NVRAM / NVD_IMEI / MP0B_001.

Reboot and get a fresh and brand new IMEI.

In some cases, it is more convenient to use the Rockchip Repair Tool application.

In case of theft or loss of the phone, its IMEI can be found remotely. To do this, just use the Google service at the link https://www.google.com/settings/dashboard.

There is also a database of stolen and lost phones. A similar database is located on the service http://trackerplus.ru/imei.

Well, if you know the IMEI of the phone and you are an MTC subscriber, then send this 14-digit number to the free number 307. If the answer indicates that the code is not registered in the database, then it is better to refuse this purchase.

Select your vehicle type below.

Mobile phone, smartphone or tablet

On the nameplate

If the battery and back panel are filmed, there is a type plate under them. The nameplate contains the model, IMEI and serial number.

If the battery and back panel not removed, the nameplate is located on the rear panel. The nameplate contains the model, IMEI and serial number.

There is also a similar plate on the box from the device.

In settings

Open menu\u003e Settings\u003e About device to view the model,

IMEI and serial number. On some models, the IMEI and serial number can be found under "Status".

Through a special code

Open the Phone app and dial the code *#06# to view the IMEI. Some models also have a serial number.

Clock

Turn the watch face down. There is a type plate on the bottom. On the plate you can see the model and serial number.

The plate is small enough, it is better to use a magnifying glass.

On the menu

Go to menu\u003e Settings\u003e Gear info\u003e Model number to view the model.

Camera Gear

On the nameplate

Turn the camera over with the lenses down. There is a type plate on the bottom. The plate shows the model and serial number.

The plate is small enough, it is better to use a magnifying glass.

Virtual reality glasses

On the nameplate

Remove the cap from the glasses. There is a type plate on the front. On the plate you can see the model and serial number.

The plate is small enough, it is better to use a magnifying glass.

TV set

On the rear panel, on the nameplate

Turn the TV screen away from you. There is a type plate on the back. The plate shows the model and serial number.

On the menu

Go to Menu\u003e Support\u003e Contact Samsung to view the model

and serial number (only on TVs H, J, K, M, N, Q, LS-series)

Fridge

Inside the refrigerator compartment, on the nameplate

Open the refrigerator compartment door. On the side, usually on the left, there is a type plate. On the plate you can see the model and serial number.

Washer

Behind the hatch door, on the factory sticker

Open the hatch door. There is a factory decal on the hinge or above the seal, where you can see the model and serial number

On the rear panel, on the nameplate

Turn the car with the sunroof away from you. There is a type plate on the rear panel where you can see the model and serial number.

Vacuum cleaner

Turn the vacuum over or stand upright. There is a type plate on the bottom of the case, where you can see the model and serial number.

Air conditioning

On the indoor unit, on the nameplate

On the bottom or on the left side of the indoor unit there is a nameplate where you can see:

a - Model
b - Serial number

Microwave

On the rear panel, on the nameplate

Open the microwave oven door away from you. There is a type plate on the back panel where you can see the model and serial number.

Hob

Turn the hob over. On the bottom there is a type plate where you can see the model and serial number.

Notebook

On the bottom of the housing, on the nameplate

Turn the laptop over. There is a type plate on the bottom of the case, where you can see the model and serial number.

If the type plate is worn out

The duplicate label is located on the hard disk drive (HDD). Most notebooks have a cover labeled "HDD Memory" on the bottom of the case. If you remove it, you will get access to the hard disk. Remove the hard drive, there is a nameplate with the laptop model on the back.

Monitor

On the rear panel, on the nameplate

Pull the monitor away from you. There is a type plate on the back. On the plate you can see the model and serial number.

Camera

On the bottom, on the nameplate

Turn the camera over. There is a type plate on the bottom. The plate shows the model and serial number.

Oven / Microwave oven

On the door or inside the cabinet, on the nameplate

Open the cabinet door. There is a type plate on the inside of the door or inside the cabinet on the left side. The plate shows the model and serial number.