IMEI

Introduction

The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is a hardcoded, unique digital fingerprint assigned to every mobile device. Carriers and law enforcement rely on IMEI numbers for device identification, network security, and theft prevention. Unlike software-generated IDs, IMEIs cannot be altered without hardware tampering. GeeLark leverages this technology in its antidetect phone system to provision each cloud phone with randomized IMEI, recreating authentic mobile hardware environments. For a deep dive into advanced browser fingerprinting tools, check our latest roundup of top antidetect browsers.

What is IMEI?

The Anatomy of a 15-Digit Code

• An 8-digit Type Allocation Code (TAC) that identifies the device manufacturer and model.
• A 6-digit Serial Number unique to each handset.
• A single Check Digit (the 15th digit), calculated via the Luhn algorithm to verify the code’s validity.
• An optional Software Version Number (SVN) in newer devices, extending the IMEI to 16–17 digits.

IMEI vs. Other Identifiers

An IMEI is a permanent hardware identifier, whereas IMEISV changes only with firmware updates. Advertising IDs like Google’s GAID or Apple’s IDFA are user-resettable for ad personalization, and MAC addresses identify network interfaces. Carriers use IMEIs to validate network compatibility, block stolen devices via shared blacklists, and track warranty status—performing roughly 300 million IMEI checks daily worldwide.

Importance of IMEI Numbers

Security Applications

According to the GSMA Device Registry, over 10 million phones are blacklisted annually in the U.S., deterring theft. Carriers also prevent fraud by rejecting devices that present duplicate or invalid IMEIs.

Operational Uses

5G networks profile devices using IMEI numbers for authentication, and manufacturers log every IMEI during production to maintain supply-chain integrity.

Consumer Benefits

IMEI checks save an estimated $2.4 billion in fraudulent warranty claims each year, and help buyers verify second-hand devices—30 percent of used phones exhibit IMEI discrepancies.

How to Find Your IMEI Number

Universal Methods

On most smartphones you can dial *#06# to display the IMEI instantly. Alternatively, check Settings > About Phone (Android) or Settings > General > About (iOS).

Platform-Specific Locations

On modern devices the IMEI may be etched on the SIM tray or embedded in firmware; older handsets often list it under the battery or within service menus. On Samsung devices, you can also use the Samsung Members app to retrieve the IMEI—tap Support > My products and look for device details. GeeLark users can view virtual IMEIs on the cloud phone dashboard, where each instance generates its own identifier.

IMEI and Digital Identity Management

Device Fingerprinting

By combining IMEI with other parameters—such as MAC address, installed fonts, GPU rendering patterns, and touchscreen calibration—tracking systems build a “super fingerprint” with a collision probability as low as 1 in 286,000.

Privacy Implications

Per a 2024 AppCensus report, 73 percent of mobile apps collect IMEI data. Under GDPR, an IMEI is treated as personal data when linked with other identifiers. GeeLark’s cloud phones generate fresh device fingerprints for every session, breaking persistent tracking chains.

Challenges with Multiple Digital Identities

The Multi-Account Dilemma

Social platforms detect roughly 9 out of 10 secondary accounts on the same hardware, and e-commerce sites shadowban an estimated two-thirds of accounts sharing device IDs.

Traditional Solutions Fall Short

Physical device farms cost over $200 per unit and require manual management. Emulators lack real IMEIs and rely on virtual MAC addresses, causing high CPU load and detection rates above 90 percent. Browser-level spoofing tools falter on mobile apps. In contrast, GeeLark cloud phones deliver genuine IMEIs, hardware-backed GPU rendering, and rotating fingerprints to maintain detection rates as low as 3–7 percent while supporting native Android applications.

Cloud Phone Systems and IMEI Management

How GeeLark Innovates

• Hardware-Level Isolation: Each cloud instance runs on dedicated physical hardware.
• Dynamic Fingerprinting:Each phone features a unique digital fingerprint to appear as different devices. Proxies hide your location, bypassing geo-restrictions for better privacy and user experience.
• Full App Compatibility: All Play Store applications run natively with genuine device IDs.

Practical Applications

• Managing dozens of social media accounts without shadowbans.
• Operating large-scale e-commerce seller profiles and geo-specific price testing.
• Conducting security research, malware testing, and reverse engineering in isolated environments.

Best Practices

1. IMEI Hygiene
   • Avoid sharing your primary device IMEI publicly.
   • Use virtual IMEIs for testing and development.
2. Compliance
   • Follow regional regulations (e.g.EU Radio Equipment Directive).
   • Maintain audit logs for virtual IMEI usage.
3. Ethical Guidelines
   • Disclose testing environments to app developers.
   • Do not bypass legitimate security measures.

The Future of Device Identification

• eSIM Integration: Tying IMEIs to digital subscriber profiles.
• Quantum-Resistant IDs: Post-quantum cryptography to secure device authentication.
• Federated Learning: Shared fingerprinting insights across ecosystems.

Conclusion

The IMEI system remains foundational to mobile security and device management despite evolving privacy challenges. GeeLark provides a fully functional mobile environment that mimics real smartphones, complete with unique device fingerprints such as MAC addresses, IP addresses (via proxy integration), and system parameters. To test real IMEI isolation for your workflows, sign up for a free trial of our cloud phones today.

People Also Ask

What is my IMEI number?

Your IMEI is a unique 15-digit code that identifies your phone. To find it:
• Dial *#06# and the IMEI appears on-screen.
• On Android: go to Settings > About phone > Status > IMEI.
• On iPhone: go to Settings > General > About and scroll to IMEI.
• You can also find it printed on your device box or under the SIM tray on some models.

Why would someone need an IMEI number?

An IMEI number serves as your phone’s fingerprint. You need it to:
• Report or block a stolen or lost device on carrier networks
• Unlock your phone for use with different carriers
• Verify authenticity and check history when buying or selling used phones
• Access warranty service, repairs or insurance claims
• Enable law enforcement or tracking apps to locate a device

How to check IMEI on iPhone?

To check your iPhone’s IMEI:
• Go to Settings > General > About and locate the IMEI field.
• Open the Phone app, dial *#06#, and the IMEI displays on screen.
• On iPhone X and later, remove the SIM tray to find the IMEI printed on it.
• Connect your iPhone to a computer and view the IMEI in Finder (macOS) or iTunes (Windows).

What does an IMEI number tell me?

An IMEI reveals your phone’s hardware identity, including its manufacturer, model (via the Type Allocation Code), production origin, and unique serial number. Carriers and warranty services use it to verify authenticity, track repairs, block stolen or lost devices, and manage network access. While it contains no personal data, it can be checked against databases to determine blacklist status and validate legitimacy.