Tip of the Week: How (and Why) to Find Your IMEI on Android

Abstract

Wouldn’t it be nice if you had an easy way to track your device even if it were lost or stolen? Thankfully, this feature exists to an extent for Android devices in the form of the IMEI, or international mobile equipment identity number. If you know this number, you could potentially help mitigate the issues that losing a device can present.

Your international mobile equipment identity number (IMEI) is a 15-digit number that is unique to every mobile device. As such, if you keep track of your IMEI numbers, you can keep a detailed record of every single individual device your organization uses. Generally speaking, you can find the IMEI number on your device’s box, but if you are like most people and have already thrown it away, there is still a way to find the IMEI. We’ll go over how to find it for your records and so that you have it on file in case you need to report a lost or stolen device to the authorities.

Method 1: Make a Quick Phone Call

All it takes is a quick phone call to find your IMEI number. To start, open up your Phone application (you know, the one you use to make calls) and dial the following number:

#06#

A dialogue box will open with information about your device, including your IMEI number.

Method 2: Find it in the Settings App

If you’d rather not just make the phone call, you can also find this information by digging through your phone’s settings. Here’s how to do it:

• Open the Settings app
• Tap About Phone
• Scroll down until you see the IMEI number.

Knowing what your IMEI number is can help you keep your device, as well as its data, safe from prying eyes in the event that it’s ever lost or stolen. You can even remotely lock your device should you need to do so. 

We can also hook your business up with a mobile device management tool that has even more comprehensive mobile device security solutions, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you are ever concerned about your business’ mobile device security.

What other tips would you like to see us cover in the future? Let us know in the comments below.