If you have lost or misplaced your mobile phone, there are some ways to get it back. For example, different manufacturers include geolocation, lock and remote wipe tools. Although useful, these utilities are not always effective because they depend on the terminal being active and having an Internet connection.
However, all is not lost. Thanks to IMEI, you have an alternative solution before you. We explain to you exactly what we mean when we talk about the IMEI number, how to know the one of your device and how to use it to cut your phone connection.
What is IMEI?
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. Therefore, the IMEI number is an identifier of international scope that is uniquely assigned to each mobile phone. In the same way that two people cannot have the same identification number on their card, there are no two mobiles that have the same IMEI number.
There is a database that classifies IMEI numbers in three lists. On the one hand, the white list. It shows all the devices that are authorized to make or receive calls. Likewise, there is a gray list, which contains all the mobile phones that are authorized to connect to the network but that can be monitored in order to reveal the identity of the user. Finally, the EIR blacklist collects all phones that are not allowed to make calls. The latter is the one that contains the stolen or lost devices.
The structure of the IMEI code is divided into four parts. In it, information such as the country of origin, the manufacturer and the serial number of the phone is disclosed. The IMEI number also has two check digits at the end of the sequence.
How to know the IMEI of my device
You can find out the IMEI number of your device in different ways. The first and, perhaps, the most useful if you no longer have your phone, is look for it in your phone case. Most dealers include a sticker that shows your device’s serial number and IMEI number. There are also sellers who specify it on the bill of sale.
In the area of software, Android allows you to discover the IMEI number of a device through the settings application. To do this, go to Settings and look for a section called About phone. This may be different depending on the manufacturer’s customization layer. As you can see in the screenshot below, this phone has two assigned IMEI numbers. This is because it supports more than one SIM card.
IMEI number in phone settings
Additionally, you can check the IMEI number thanks to the phone application. Enter and write the sequence * # 06 # and, in the pop-up message, you can see the IMEI number of your device. This method is usually universal and is valid on most phones.
IMEI number from the phone
Finally, use, from your computer, Find my devide, Google’s tool to locate your devices. It shows the IMEI number when you click the information button.
Locate IMEI via Web
How to block my terminal by IMEI
The process to lock a phone by IMEI may vary depending on the operator. Unfortunately, to request the blocking of a device using its IMEI number, there is no other option than to go through your service provider and follow their instructions. Obviously, you will have to provide proof that you are the rightful owner of the phone. Once it is verified that you have permission to request the block, the operator will include your terminal in the black list and it cannot be used again, even if another SIM card is used.
You must be clear that blocking by IMEI does not remove access to the content of your mobile phone. Rather, it prevents it from being used to call and connect to the Internet. The only possibility that your phone will work again is that it will be assigned a new identification number. Although it is difficult for this to happen, it is not impossible.
