How do I find my phone’s IMEI number?

The easiest way is to type *#06# on the dial pad. You do not need to press call; the IMEI appears as soon as the code is typed. It is not an operator service but the handset answering, so it works on any network and even without a SIM.

The IMEI is the handset’s permanent identifier — changing the SIM does not change it. That is why it matters when a phone is stolen or lost: even if the SIM is thrown away, the device itself can still be identified by it. A dual-SIM phone has two IMEIs, and the code shows both.

If the phone is gone, there are a few places to look — the IMEI is usually printed on the box, it may appear on the purchase receipt or warranty card, and it can show in the device information attached to a Google or Apple account.

The most useful habit is preventive: dial the code now and write the number down somewhere — finding it after a phone is lost is far harder. Giving the IMEI when you file a general diary at a police station makes the report much more actionable.

Sources:

• Teletalk — frequently asked questions