IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is the 15-digit serial number assigned to every GSM-compatible handset. It uniquely identifies the device on cellular networks globally and is the primary reference number used in wholesale verification.
IMEI is used to verify:
- Blacklist status, whether the device has been reported lost, stolen, or unpaid (queried via GSMA database, CheckMEND, Swappa ESN).
- Carrier lock status, whether the device is locked to a specific carrier's network.
- Activation Lock / FMI, for iPhones, whether iCloud Find My iPhone is active.
- Warranty status, for Apple devices via GSX; for Samsung via Knox Configure; for others via OEM serial check.
- Country of origin / model number, the IMEI's TAC (Type Allocation Code, first 8 digits) reveals manufacturer and model variant.
You can find an IMEI by dialling *#06#, in Settings > About, on the SIM tray, or printed on the original retail box. Wholesale lots are typically delivered with a per-unit IMEI manifest spreadsheet that buyers verify before payment release.
IMEI: common questions
What is an IMEI?
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is the 15-digit serial number assigned to every GSM-compatible handset. It uniquely identifies the device on cellular networks and is the primary reference number used in wholesale verification.
What does an IMEI let you verify?
It is used to check blacklist status (lost, stolen, or unpaid), carrier-lock status, Apple Activation Lock or Find My status, warranty status, and the country of origin and model variant via the TAC, the first 8 digits.
How do you find a phone's IMEI?
Dial *#06#, or look under Settings, About, on the SIM tray, or on the original retail box. Wholesale lots are typically delivered with a per-unit IMEI manifest that buyers verify before releasing payment.