1
Dial the IMEI code. You can retrieve the IMEI/MEID number on virtually any phone by dialing in the universal code. Dial *#06#. You typically will not need to press the Call or Send button, as the IMEI/MEID number will appear as soon as you finish dialing the code
2
Copy the number. Your IMEI/MEID number will appear in a new window on your phone. Write the number down as it is not possible to copy and paste it from your phone's display.
- Most phones will tell you when the number is displayed if it is an IMEI or MEID number. If your phone doesn't you can verify which number it is by checking what carrier you use. GSM networks like AT&T and T-Mobile use IMEI numbers. CDMA networks such as Sprint, Verizon, and US Cellular use MEID numbers.
Tips:
- Write your IMEI down before your phone gets lost or stolen.
- If your mobile phone is stolen, you can call or go to the nearest service center of your mobile network and give that IMEI number to staff to block your phone.
- Most pre-paid and non-contract phones in America don't have IMEIs; the same applies to disposable phones throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa.
- If you are South African, you are required by law to report the theft to your service provider and to the police (either SAPS or your local Metro Police). It will be blacklisted across ALL networks so that it can't be used for criminal activities. If it is recovered, it is possible to remove from the blacklist it provided that you have proof of ownership.
Warning:
- Blocking a stolen or lost phone via the IMEI will cut off all communication between your phone and your carrier, making it impossible for the phone to be recovered via tracking. Only do this as a last resort if your phone contains sensitive information.
- Some thieves replace the IMEI numbers of phones they steal with the IMEIs of other devices. If you purchased a phone from someone or someplace you don't quite trust, try to research whether or not your supposed IMEI actually goes with that model of phone.
You have some illegal fraudulent companies that will replace your IMEI code so that the carrier like AT&T can't track it. AT&T will tell you, that's impossible but it's happening to me. They manipulate the code so it's telling AT&T it's black listed but the code is changed and can not be traced (IMEI) so even if you do put it on the block list. It will still work, It is happening as we speak
