Farah 
SUMMARY
Surely you have already heard of the IMEI number. Maybe your carrier even asked you to block your stolen phone. Precisely, let’s see what this number is for and especially what is the procedure to follow to obtain it.
WHAT IS THE IMEI?
First of all, IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. Each mobile phone terminal (GSM or UMTS) has its own IMEI number, consisting of a series of 15 to 17 digits. Clearly, this number is the identity card of the phone. It is thanks to him that the operator authorizes or not the access of a terminal to its network. Note also that this number allows emergency calls without a SIM card in some countries.
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH THE IMEI?
This code is used to verify the origin of a device, to unlock it or, on the contrary, to block it. Yes, each device declared stolen from an operator ends up on a blacklist (at least its IMEI number, if it has been communicated). So you can check if the phone you are buying has been stolen.
The IMEI number also allows you to unlock your phone: if you want to change operator and you insert a competitor’s SIM card, there is a good chance that your current operator will block your access, especially if you have purchased the phone directly to the latter. Such a smartphone is then said to be “simlocked”. To unlock it, go to the dedicated web page of your operator’s site and follow the instructions displayed. Note that unlocking is mostly free.
Now let’s come to phone theft. When this happens to you, the IMEI number is very useful since it allows the operator to block all use of the phone on each operator’s network. Clearly, after reporting the theft, all you have to do is send the IMEI number of the stolen phone to the operator and the latter will take care of the rest: the thief may insert a new SIM card, the phone will be unusable on networks.
Yes, a phone’s IMEI number can be changed, but doing so is illegal and risky for you and the phone.
HOW TO GET YOUR IMEI CODE?
Now that you know the importance of the IMEI number, you are surely wondering how to get it to put it aside. Don’t panic, it’s relatively simple, especially if you have the phone in question with you. Here are the different solutions to find out the IMEI number of your phone:
Type *#06# on your phone keypad, as if you wanted to call this number, and the IMEI code will appear
The number is available on the cell phone box or on the purchase invoice, if you haven’t thrown them away yet
It is also accessible under the phone battery, good luck if you have a recent phone
You can always call your operator, they will surely have access to the IMEI number
Google’s Find My Device application allows you, under certain conditions, to find out the IMEI number of one of your phones, even if you do not have it in hand
These six techniques work with all phones: from entry-level to high-end Android like the Samsung Galaxy S, to Apple smartphones.
In short, try to write down the IMEI number of your phone as soon as you buy it, and keep it! It might well come in handy at some point.
