IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identification) is a 15-17-digit number that is issued to every mobile phone. The IMEI number is utilized by providers of services to identify legitimate devices. Particularly, IMEI code can enable the Global System for Mobile communication or Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service network to block a lost or stolen device from making calls.
Uses of IMEI
People who purchase used phones can search on the IMEI number to confirm the phone’s validity. A quick search for the IMEI number will let users know the location and network where the phone was purchased as well as the warranty, details about the carrier, and similar information. The law security and intelligence agencies can utilize an IMEI number to identify devices within just a couple of meters.
The service provider could make use of the IMEI number to establish a blacklist for stolen devices. If a user files a report of the phone as stolen, the provider can add the phone’s number to their blacklist and remove this phone’s access to their networks. It is the United Kingdom has a voluntary charter operated by mobile operators that ensure that the backlisting of a phone is reported to the CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) and then to other networks within two days.
How IME functions
In most mobile communications devices, the IMEI appears on the display when the user enters the character sequence *#06# (star-pound-zero-six-pound) into the keypad. The IMEI code could be printed inside the batteries compartment.
If a set of phones is stolen or lost the owner can contact the CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) and block the phone by its IMEI code. In the event of this, it will typically, be unusable, even if a person swaps out the SIM card. Although it’s not an easy job an experienced and skilled hacker could alter one’s IMEI number and make use of the stolen device to make calls.
When purchasing a new mobile communication device The owner must record the IMEI number in a safe location to ensure that it is easily accessed in case of theft or loss
