DeviceDecoded
100% Free · Any Device · Any Network

Free IMEI Check

Enter your 15-digit IMEI number below to instantly identify your device — brand, model, carrier info, TAC code, blacklist status, warranty dates, and much more.

0/15
Understanding IMEI

What is an IMEI Number?

An IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is a unique 15-digit code permanently assigned to every mobile device that uses a GSM, UMTS, or LTE network. No two devices in the world share the same IMEI — it is the definitive hardware identity of your phone or tablet.

IMEI numbers are allocated by the GSMA (Global System for Mobile Communications Association) to device manufacturers before a handset is sold. The moment a device connects to any mobile network, its IMEI is logged — making it possible to track, block, verify, and look up any device, anywhere on the planet.

Unlike a phone number (which belongs to a SIM), an IMEI belongs to the physical device itself. Changing the SIM does not change the IMEI. This is why IMEI is used for blacklisting lost or stolen phones — even with a new SIM, the device can still be identified.

Anatomy of an IMEI Number

353847101234567
Digits 1–8
TAC Code
Identifies model & manufacturer
Digits 9–14
Serial Number
Unique to your unit
Digit 15
Check Digit
Luhn algorithm verify

Pro tip: The fastest way to find your IMEI is to dial *#06# on your phone's keypad. No call is made — your IMEI appears instantly on screen.


What You Can Discover

Information Available from an IMEI Check

Your IMEI is the key that unlocks a wealth of data about any mobile device. Here's what our free IMEI check reveals:

📱

Device Brand & Model

Full manufacturer name, model name, and variant details pulled directly from the global TAC registry.

📡

Carrier & Network Lock

Find out which carrier the device is locked to, or confirm it is fully unlocked and compatible with any network.

🛡️

Blacklist / Lost / Stolen

Check whether a device has been reported lost, stolen, or carrier-blacklisted before buying second-hand.

📅

Warranty & Purchase Date

View original purchase date, warranty expiry, and whether your warranty is still active and eligible for service.

🔒

Find My / Activation Lock

Check iPhone and iPad iCloud Activation Lock and Find My status — critical for buying refurbished Apple devices.

🌍

Purchase Country & Region

Discover the original country of sale and region configuration for any device, worldwide.

⚙️

Hardware Specifications

Access full technical specifications: processor, display, memory, connectivity, and more from our device database.

🔢

TAC Code Details

Retrieve the Type Allocation Code linked to the device, used by networks globally to identify mobile equipment.

📋

Serial Number Validation

Validate that a serial number matches the expected format for the identified device model and manufacturer.


How It Works

How Our Free IMEI Check Works

1
Enter Your IMEI
Type or paste your 15-digit IMEI number into the search field above. You can also dial *#06# to find it instantly on any phone.
2
Luhn Validation
We first validate the IMEI using the Luhn algorithm to verify it is a properly formatted, real IMEI number — not a typo or placeholder.
3
TAC Database Lookup
The first 8 digits (the TAC code) are matched against our database of millions of registered device models to identify your exact handset.
4
Data Aggregation
We cross-reference multiple authoritative sources to retrieve carrier, warranty, blacklist, and specification data for your specific device.
5
Instant Results
Your full device report is displayed within seconds — including all available data points and links to specialised tools for deeper checks.
Find Your IMEI

How to Find Your IMEI Number

1
Dial *#06# Fastest
Open the phone dialer and type *#06#. Your IMEI displays instantly — no call connected.
2
Settings → About Device
On Android: Settings → About Phone → Status → IMEI. On iPhone: Settings → General → About → IMEI.
3
Device Packaging
The IMEI barcode is printed on your phone's original retail box, usually on a white label on the side or back.
4
SIM Card Tray
On most iPhones and many Android phones, the IMEI is laser-etched on the SIM card tray itself.
5
Back of Device / Under Battery
Older phones often have the IMEI on a sticker under the battery or printed on the back cover.

Explore Devices

Browse Devices by Brand

Explore our comprehensive device database. Find detailed specifications, images, and related tools for thousands of mobile devices from all major manufacturers.


All Tools

More Specialised Device Lookup Tools

Our IMEI check is just the beginning. Once you've identified your device, use our specialised tools to dig deeper into specific data points — from iCloud lock status to Samsung Knox verification and carrier details. Each tool provides a focused report to give you the exact information you need.


FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the IMEI check really free?
Yes, our basic IMEI check is 100% free. It provides essential information like device model, brand, and TAC code from the official GSMA database. For more detailed reports, such as carrier lock status, full warranty details, or blacklist history, we offer premium checks for a small fee.
Is it safe to share my IMEI number?
Yes, it is generally safe. An IMEI is a hardware identifier and cannot be used to hack, clone, or access your personal data. However, you should only use trusted services like ours. Avoid sharing your IMEI on public forums or social media to prevent potential misuse in fraudulent activities like fake warranty claims.
What is the difference between an IMEI and a serial number?
An IMEI is a global standard for identifying mobile devices on cellular networks. A serial number is assigned by the manufacturer for its own tracking purposes (like warranty and repairs) and its format varies by brand. The IMEI is what networks use to block a lost or stolen phone.
Why should I check a second-hand phone's IMEI?
It is the most critical step before buying a used phone. Our check can reveal if the device is blacklisted (reported lost/stolen), carrier-locked, or has an active iCloud Activation Lock. Any of these issues could render the phone unusable for you.
What is a TAC (Type Allocation Code)?
The TAC is the first 8 digits of the IMEI. This code is assigned by the GSMA and identifies the specific make, model, and version of the device. Our database uses this code to instantly recognize your phone from millions of models.
What does it mean if my IMEI is "blacklisted"?
A blacklisted IMEI means the device has been reported as lost, stolen, or involved in fraud to a carrier and the GSMA. A blacklisted phone will be blocked from connecting to mobile networks in most countries, making it unable to make calls or use cellular data.
Can you change a device's IMEI number?
Changing a phone's IMEI is illegal in most countries and is considered a criminal offense. It is a complex process that requires specialized equipment and can damage the device. We do not support or provide any information on this activity.
Why does my phone show an MEID or ESN instead of an IMEI?
IMEIs are for GSM network devices (like AT&T, T-Mobile). MEID or ESNs are for CDMA network devices (historically Verizon, Sprint). Many modern phones support both and will have both numbers. Our tool can often identify devices from MEID numbers as well.