# IMEI checker

URL: https://byshahid.com/tools/imei-checker/
Author: Muhammad Shahid (https://byshahid.com/)
Free tool · runs in your browser

Check whether a phone's IMEI number is valid, and see which part identifies the model.

**Quick answer:** Every IMEI has 15 digits, and the last one is a check digit calculated from the other 14 with the Luhn formula. This tool recalculates it to tell you whether the number is valid, which catches typos and many fake numbers. It cannot tell you whether a phone is blacklisted, stolen or carrier-locked; that needs your carrier or the manufacturer. Find your IMEI by dialling *#06#.

## How to use it

1. **Find the IMEI.** Dial *#06# on any phone, or on iPhone open Settings > General > About.
2. **Type the 15 digits.** Spaces and dashes are ignored.
3. **Read the result.** The tool checks the check digit and shows the TAC (the first 8 digits, which identify the model).

## Example

A 15-digit IMEI checked with the Luhn formula:

Input:

```
490154203237518
```

Output:

```
Valid IMEI: the check digit is correct.

TAC (model code): 49015420
Serial number:    323751
Check digit:      8  ✓ valid
```

## Common errors and how to fix them

- **An IMEI has 15 digits; this has 16**: You may have the IMEISV, which ends with a 2-digit software version instead of a check digit. Use the IMEI shown by *#06#.
- **Invalid IMEI: the last digit should be …**: One digit is mistyped. Copy the number again from *#06# or from Settings > General > About.
- **Letters or slashes in the number**: Some boxes print the IMEI with a / or a label. Type the 15 digits only.
- **Valid here, but the phone is blocked**: A valid check digit only proves the number is well formed. Blacklist, theft and carrier-lock status need your carrier or the manufacturer.

## Frequently asked questions

### How do I find my IMEI?

Dial *#06#. On iPhone you can also go to Settings > General > About, or look on the SIM tray of some models.

### Can this tool tell if a phone is stolen or blacklisted?

No. Blacklist status is held by carriers and industry databases. This tool only checks that the number itself is valid.

### What is a TAC?

The Type Allocation Code: the first 8 digits of the IMEI, which identify the manufacturer and model.

### Why does my phone have two IMEIs?

Dual-SIM phones, including iPhones with eSIM, have one IMEI per SIM.

### Is the IMEI the same as the serial number?

No. The IMEI identifies the phone on mobile networks; the serial number is the manufacturer's own ID.

### Can I change my phone's IMEI?

Changing an IMEI is illegal in many countries and can stop the phone from working on mobile networks. This tool only reads and checks the number.

### Does checking an IMEI unlock a phone?

No. Unlocking is done by your carrier. See the guide on checking whether your iPhone is unlocked.

### Is it safe to share my IMEI?

Share it only with your carrier, the manufacturer or a buyer you trust, because it identifies your device on mobile networks.

### What is the difference between IMEI and MEID?

MEID is an identifier used by older CDMA networks. Modern phones list an IMEI, and some show both.

### How can I check if a used phone is blacklisted?

Before buying, ask the seller for the IMEI and check it with your carrier or an official blacklist service in your country.

## Related

- [How to check your IMEI on iPhone (5 ways)](https://byshahid.com/blog/how-to-check-imei-on-iphone/)
- [How to check if your iPhone is unlocked](https://byshahid.com/blog/check-if-iphone-is-unlocked/)
- [iPhone secret codes that actually work](https://byshahid.com/blog/iphone-secret-codes-that-work/)

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: IMEI](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Mobile_Equipment_Identity)
- [Wikipedia: Luhn algorithm](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luhn_algorithm)