The IMEI number is a unique code associated with each individual phone and serves as an identifier on the cellular networks. Every GSM (Global System for Mobile) phone, be it a basic, cheap, or a pricey, powerful smartphone, has its own IMEI number. This is usually a string of 15 or 16 digits, and carriers use it to identify the devices registered on their networks. Along with the IMSI, this information allows the service provider to distinguish and filter the various connections. The main difference between the two is that the IMSI number is linked to the SIM card, while the IMEI identifies the physical device. For this reason, you can take advantage of the IMEI to track or lock stolen phones.
►Check IMEI Number: The easiest option is opening your phone dialer and typing *#06# on the dial screen, your phone's IMEI number will pop up. You may need to press the SEND button on some devices for this to work
Alternative method, go to your Settings>General>About on iPhone or Settings>About Phone if you have an Android Phone or Software Information in your settings menu from there you'll get your device IMEI number. Otherwise, you can also use a device info app, in case your settings menu doesn’t show the IMEI.
►What does IMEI stand for?
The IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity, where 'equipment' mainly refers to the main hardware of the phone. All devices capable of connecting to the cellular network or operator have a unique ID, and this also applies to certain satellite phones. Moreover, the devices that contain Dual-SIM have a separate IMEI code for both of the card slots, in order to differentiate the two connections. So, this code is permanently associated with the phone and it stays unchanged regardless of the firmware version or SIM card.
►What's IMSI, instead?
Though we'll be focusing on the IMEI, knowing about the IMSI gives you a better understanding of how phones work. As we have said, the IMSI depends on the SIM card, which stores it as a 64-bit value. The acronym stands for International Mobile Subscriber Identity, which indicates that the code refers to the user. Thanks to the IMSI, the service provider knows who is connecting to the network, along with all the contract/subscription information. In order to reduce the probability of someone tracking the original code, the phone transmits a temporary one (TMSI) when it connects to a network.
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