Losing a phone can feel like losing a part of oneself. It’s not just a device but the keeper of countless memories, contacts, and personal information. With the help of a phone’s IMEI number, you can track it down even in its absence. Moreover, the IMEI might also help you report a phone as lost or stolen and get it blacklisted. It’s easy to check the IMEI of a device if you have it. However, how would you find the IMEI number of a lost or stolen phone? This article will explore all possible ways to answer that question.

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What is an IMEI Number?

An IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is a unique identifier assigned to every mobile phone by its manufacturer. This 15-digit code serves as the phone’s digital fingerprint. It is used for various purposes, such as tracking lost or stolen devices, blacklisting the IMEI number insurance claims, identifying valid phones in a network, and preventing fraudulent activities.

The IMEI number of a mobile device is not just a set of random numerical values. This globally unique 15-digit number consists of 4 segments with distinct meanings: AA-BBBBBB-CCCCCC-D

  • AA: The first 2 digits represent the reporting body identifier.
  • BBBBBB: The next 6 digits are the TAC or Type Allocation Code allotted by the GSMA approval group. It reveals the make, model number, and manufacturer of the device.
  • CCCCCC: The next 6 digits are the randomly generated unique Device ID or SNR (serial number).
  • D: The last digit of the IMEI is the CD (Check Digit) of the device.

You can find the IMEI number of your phone in 7 ways:

  1. Dial Code: Dial *#06# on your phone and its IMEI number will display on the screen.
  2. Phone’s Settings: Open Settings > About Phone and you should see the IMEI number of the device.
  3. Back of the Phone: Most manufacturers print the IMEI number on the back of phones.
  4. SIM Card Tray: Some OEMs engrave or print the IMEI number on the SIM card tray.
  5. Purchase Receipt: You’ll find the IMEI number mentioned on the hard or soft copy of your phone’s purchase receipt
  6. Original Packaging: The IMEI number is also printed on a sticker on the original mobile phone packaging box.
  7. Find My Device: Google’s Find My Device service also lets you check the IMEI number of an Android phone or tablet.

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Finding the IMEI Number of a Lost Phone

We mentioned 7 places where you can find the IMEI number of your phone or tablet. However, if you have lost your device or it has been stolen, you should try the following tips.

1. Checking the Original Packaging Box

All mobile devices come packed in a box that has an information slip. Once you have found the box, look for a label on either the side or back that lists your phone’s specifications. The IMEI number is usually printed here along with other important information such as model and serial number and the manufacturing date. It may also be listed on a sticker attached to the outside of the box.

imei number on device information slip

If you are still having trouble finding the IMEI number on the box, try opening the box and checking inside. Sometimes manufacturers include additional information inside the box that may have your IMEI number listed.

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2. On the Phone Purchase Receipt

Whether you purchased your phone from a local shop or an online store, you must have its receipt. If you check the physical purchase bill, you’ll find the IMEI number of your phone. In case of an online purchase, log into the online shop website and browse your order history. Click the Invoice option.

click phone purchase invoice on amazon

If you purchased your phone from Amazon, click P-slip/Warranty 1 or the Request invoice option. You’ll find the IMEI number of your lost phone or tablet in the PDF.

phone imei number on-purchase bill

3. Using Find My Device Service

Google offers a service named Find My Device that allows users to locate lost or stolen Android devices and wipe data remotely. You can use the Find My Device website to find the IMEI number of your stolen or lost Android phone. Do the following.

  1. Open the Find My Device website in a mobile or desktop browser.
  2. Please, make sure you are logged in with your registered Google account.
  3. You’ll see all your Android devices registered with Google. Select the device.select device in find my device
  4. Now, click the Settings cog-wheel icon.click find my device settings
  5. You’ll now see the IMEI number of your Android device.phone imei number in find my device

4. Samsung Support Page

If you own a Samsung phone, tablet, watch, TV, or any other product, you can check its serial or IMEI number via the Samsung product support page.

  1. Open the Samsung support page in a web browser.
  2. Click the My Products List or Warranty tab.Samsung product support page device imei number
  3. You’ll get a list of all your Samsung products and their serial and IMEI numbers.

5. Contact Your Network Operator

Finally, you can also find the IMEI number of your lost or stolen device by contacting your service provider. Your service provider should have a record of your phone’s IMEI number on file, and they may be able to provide it upon request.

Once you have the IMEI number of your lost phone, report it to your mobile carrier so that they can track the device if it is turned on and connected to their network. In addition, you should also file a police report. This will provide official documentation that your phone has been lost or stolen and can be used as evidence if needed. Even insurance companies need the IMEI number and a copy of the FIR to process the claim. Moreover, several anti-theft apps allow you to remotely lock, track, and erase data from your phone using its IMEI number.

Read Next: How to Check the Authenticity and Warranty Status of a Phone

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