When I lost my first smartphone back in college, I thought it was gone for good. I had no idea that a tiny number hidden deep inside the phone something called an IMEI could have helped me track it down. It turns out that every mobile phone in the world carries its own unique ID, much like a fingerprint, and that ID plays a huge role in protecting our devices and our information.
In today’s world, where smartphones are practically extensions of ourselves, knowing a little about IMEI numbers can go a long way. Whether you’re trying to secure your phone, report it stolen, or just understand how networks keep devices in check, the IMEI number is at the heart of it all. It’s more than just a string of digits it’s your device’s identity.
In this article, I’ll break down what IMEI numbers are, why they matter, how you can find yours, and what you need to know about the legal side of things all in a way that’s easy to understand and actually useful.
Contents
What Exactly is an IMEI Number?
An IMEI number is a unique 15-digit code assigned to every mobile phone during manufacturing.
It helps mobile networks identify valid devices and can prevent stolen phones from accessing service.
The number is made up of three parts: the device type, serial number, and a final check digit.
📢 Tip
Always write down your IMEI number and keep it in a safe place, just like your passwords.
Is Changing IMEI Illegal In the USA?
IMEI is a unique 15-digit number, that has been given to each mobile device. If someone knowingly tampers with the IMEI number, he is found guilty, resulting in lawful action.
- You should know that changing IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is illegal in the USA.
- IMEI is a unique identifier of a mobile device and altering it is considered an act of fraud.
- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) prohibits the alteration of IMEI numbers.
- As changing IMEI numbers can be used for illegal activities such as bypassing carrier restrictions, circumventing anti-theft measures, and committing identity theft.
- In the USA, altering an IMEI number is punishable by fines.
- In addition to being illegal, changing an IMEI number can also cause the mobile device to malfunction or become permanently blocked by the carrier.
- Mobile device manufacturers, carriers, and law enforcement agencies have systems in place to detect and prevent the alteration of IMEI numbers.
The government has taken this important step to stop the incidents of mobile theft. The move will make tracking lost handsets easier and will also help limit issues related to fake IMEI numbers. It is completely illegal, if anyone intentionally changes, deletes, alters, or destroys the IMEI number.
A new rule called “Prevention of tampering of Mobile Device Equipment Identification Number” indicates that any person has been found guilty if he has intentionally tampered with or altered the unique number.
This new rule has made it easier for the police and any other security agency to track the mobile phone when a thief or someone changes the IMEI number.
🛑 Disadvantages of Changing IMEI Number:
There are some major disadvantages of changing the IMEI number on the Android Device:
◘ Changing the IMEI number has a major impact on the warranty period. Changing the IMEI will invalidate the warranty. This way you never claim a warranty from your device manufacturers.
◘ Changing IMEI is a daunting task, if something goes wrong, you just destroyed your smartphone. In worse cases, the virus will take effect.
◘ In addition, if you don’t perform the procedure properly, your new unique number doesn’t work. Moreover, your handset won’t be able to access GSM.
◘ As mentioned, it is illegal in many countries, which can put you in legal trouble if changed intentionally to harm someone or unlawfully. It is a punishable offense, so you need to be even more careful when it comes to changing the IMEI number.
◘ IMEI is the identification number of a particular device. If you don’t own a specific tool and get caught red-handed, you will be in trouble.
Can you Switch IMEI between the SIM Slots?
Choosing a Dual SIM phone lets you switch IMEIs between SIM slots because Dual SIM phones have IMEI numbers, one for each SIM. That means, that a single phone with a dual SIM slot can be connected to two different networks at once. Anytime a network may be out of range and seamlessly switch to another.
In simple words, each SIM slot has a different identification as they have known through their ID. To know the IMEI number, you can find it in a box in which it was packed. You must have a registered IMEI number to switch IMEI between SIM slots. That number will show that the phone is yours; you are the owner of it.
Otherwise, as mentioned above, it is always a crime because your attention is illegal or against the law. It can only be used by an official party, including the phone’s manufacturer, phone transporter, police, or security agency, to locate a specific device.
If you belong to any of the mentioned categories then you have every right to tamper with the specific number if your intention is clear and not illegal. As soon as you are beyond this category, you may face legal action.
How to Find Your IMEI Number Easily
You can quickly check your IMEI by dialing *#06# on your phone it’ll pop up instantly.
You can also find it in your phone’s settings under “About Phone” or printed inside the SIM card tray.
📢 Important
Some older phones have the IMEI under the battery if the back cover is removable.
Conclusion
Understanding your IMEI number is a small but powerful step in protecting your phone and your privacy. It’s the identity of your device. Knowing how to find it, how it’s used, and what’s legal or not can save you a lot of trouble if your phone ever gets lost, stolen, or compromised.
While tools like tracking apps and IMEI checkers are safe and useful, it’s important to stay cautious about services that promise unlocking or IMEI changes. I believe it’s always smarter to stick with official methods and trusted apps when it comes to anything involving your phone’s IMEI. Protecting your device starts with knowing your rights and using the right tools the right way.
Frequently Asked Questions:
hanging both the IMEI and IMSI numbers can be a strong way to protect your privacy against network-level threats. In many countries, this practice is completely legal, in some it’s a gray area, and in a few, it’s strictly illegal. As far federal law of U.S changing the IMEI in the United States is generally legal, though it can depend on how and why it’s done.
Changing your IMEI number can cause serious issues with your phone. It might stop working properly or lose important network functions. Your mobile carrier could also blacklist the device, making it impossible to connect to their network. Plus, changing the IMEI could void your warranty, meaning you’d lose any repair or support options from the manufacturer.
Changing your IMEI number can lead to a lot of problems. Your phone might glitch, lose network access, or even stop working completely. Your carrier could blacklist the device, which means you wouldn’t be able to make calls, use data, or connect to their network.
