What is an IMEI Number and How to Use It?

Nowadays using smartphones is very common, you've probably heard of the IMEI number but may not know exactly what it is or how it works. In this blog, we will learn about IMEI numbers, why it’s important, and show you how to use them to check your mobile purchase date, phone authenticity, warranty details, and more

Whether you have an iPhone, Samsung, Vivo, or any other Android mobile phone this guide will help you get maximum details from your device using the IMEI number.

What is an IMEI Number?

The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is a 15-digit unique code assigned to every mobile device, like a fingerprint for your phone. This number helps identify your device on a network and provides important information, such as its origin, model, and more.

• How to Find IMEI - You can find your phone's IMEI number by dialing *#06#, checking the settings under "About Phone," or on the original packaging.

How Does the IMEI Number Work?

The IMEI is not just a random number - it's a crucial tool for both phone users and mobile carriers or makers. Let's check how it works:

1. Identify Your Device- When you connect to a mobile network, your IMEI helps carriers identify which device is being used. This ensures that the correct services (like data and calls) are delivered to the right phone.
2. Lost or Stolen Phones- If your phone is lost or stolen, your carrier can use the IMEI to blacklist the device. This prevents the phone from being used on any network, rendering it essentially useless to the thief.
3. Phone Locking/Unlocking- Phones are often locked to a specific carrier when bought on contract. The IMEI is used to manage locking or unlocking the device.
4. Tracking- Law enforcement can use the IMEI to track down a phone if it has been involved in illegal activities or if it's lost.

Why is the IMEI Important?

The IMEI is vital for several reasons-

• Security- It helps track, block, or recover stolen devices.
• Authenticity- You can verify if a phone is genuine or counterfeit.
• Network Blocking- Carriers can block a phone by IMEI if it’s reported stolen, preventing misuse.

How to Check Mobile Purchase Date Using IMEI Number?

Knowing your phone's purchase or activation date can be important for warranty claims or selling it later. Here's how you can check the purchase date using the IMEI number.

• For iPhones- Apple makes it easy to check your phone’s activation and purchase date. Visit Apple’s Check Coverage page, enter your IMEI number, and you’ll see the estimated purchase date along with warranty details.
• For Android Devices (Samsung, Vivo, etc.)- While there isn’t always a direct way to check the purchase date for Android devices, you can contact the phone’s manufacturer or carrier with the IMEI number for assistance. Third-party websites like IMEI.info can sometimes provide this information, but accuracy may vary.

How to Check if an iPhone is Original Using IMEI?

If you are going to buy a used or refurbished iPhone, it’s important to ensure it is an original Apple product. Let’s learn how to check-

1. Find the IMEI Number- You can find your iPhone’s IMEI by dialing *#06# or going to Settings > General > About.
2. Verify Authenticity- Visit Apple’s Check Coverage page, enter the IMEI, and the website will display the device’s model, warranty status, and other details. If the information doesn't match or if the IMEI is not recognized, the phone may be fake.

How to Check IMEI Number and Warranty on Vivo Phones?

If you own a Vivo phone, checking the IMEI and warranty is straightforward.

• Check IMEI in Vivo-
  1. Dial *#06# on your Vivo phone to instantly display the IMEI number.
  2. You can also go to Settings > More Settings > About Phone to find the IMEI.
• Vivo Warranty Check- To check your Vivo phone’s warranty, visit the Vivo Warranty support page and follow the mentioned method. This will show your warranty details and the remaining coverage.

How to Check IMEI Number in Samsung Phones or any Android or Other OS Phones?

For Samsung or any Android or other OS users, finding the IMEI number is just as simple.

• Dial *#06# to immediately display your phone's IMEI.
• Alternatively:
  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Select About Phone.
  3. Your IMEI number will be listed under the IMEI Information section.

Samsung also offers warranty check services on their official website using the IMEI number.

How to Check Phone Activation Date by IMEI?

Checking the phone activation date can give you a good estimate of when the device was first used, which is often close to the purchase date.

• For iPhones- Visit Apple’s Check Coverage page, enter your IMEI, and it will show the activation date along with other details like warranty coverage.
• For Android Phones (Samsung, Vivo, etc.)- Some Android manufacturers don’t provide a direct way to check the activation date using IMEI. However, third-party tools like IMEI.info or apps like Phone Info can sometimes retrieve this data.

Conclusion-

Your IMEI number is more than just a random string of numbers - it’s a powerful tool for managing your phone's security, authenticity, and warranty. Whether you’re using it to check your phone’s purchase date, verify if your iPhone is original, or check warranty details for Vivo and Samsung devices, the IMEI is your go-to resource.

Quick Recap:

• Use your phone’s IMEI to check the purchase and activation date.
• Verify if your iPhone is original using Apple’s official website.
• Find your IMEI number by dialing *#06# on any phone.

Make sure to keep your IMEI number safe - it is your phone’s identity and a key to protecting and verifying your device!