Definition: IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit number assigned to every mobile phone. It identifies the specific device globally, separate from the SIM card. Used by carriers to block stolen phones, by manufacturers to check warranty status, and by buyers to verify a second-hand phone is clean before purchase.
Why it matters for phone repair
IMEI is the most important number to check when buying a second-hand phone in Singapore. A phone with a blacklisted IMEI cannot connect to any carrier network — making it useful only on WiFi. Sellers of stolen phones sometimes try to disguise this by presenting a clean IMEI on paper while the device IMEI differs, or by factory resetting the phone to remove obvious theft indicators.
For repair shops, IMEI is used to verify device identity, confirm warranty status with Apple or Samsung, and check if the phone has been reported as lost or stolen by a previous owner.
How to find your IMEI
- Any phone: Dial *#06# — the IMEI appears on screen immediately
- iPhone: Settings → General → About → scroll to IMEI
- iPhone (physical): Printed on the SIM tray on some models
- Original box: Printed on the barcode label on the box
Dual-SIM phones have two IMEIs — IMEI1 and IMEI2, one per SIM slot.
Shareable fact: Your IMEI is stored in three places: the firmware on the baseband chip, the SIM tray label, and the original box. If all three don’t match, the phone may have had its IMEI tampered with — which is illegal in Singapore under the Telecommunications Act.
What IMEI checks reveal
- Blacklist status — whether the phone is reported stolen
- Carrier lock — whether the phone is locked to a specific operator
- Warranty status — activation date and remaining Apple/Samsung warranty
- Model and specs — confirmed device model, storage, colour
- Find My / Activation Lock — whether iCloud Activation Lock is active (a serious problem for usability)
Real example
A customer buys a second-hand iPhone 14 Pro on Carousell at an attractive price. Before paying, they dial *#06# and check the IMEI on imei.info — it shows the phone is carrier-locked to a US carrier and has an active iCloud Activation Lock. The seller claims it’s “unlocked and clean.” The IMEI check reveals both claims are false. The customer walks away from the deal.
Common mistakes
- Not checking IMEI before buying second-hand. Always check before payment. A clean IMEI takes 2 minutes to verify and can save hundreds of dollars.
- Confusing IMEI with serial number. The serial number identifies the production batch. The IMEI identifies the specific device for network purposes. Both are useful but serve different purposes.
- Assuming a factory reset clears blacklist status. IMEI blacklisting is carrier-side — it follows the device regardless of what software state it’s in.
Related terms
- Firmware — where the IMEI is stored on the baseband chip
- Hard Reset — does not change or clear the IMEI
- Boot Loop — a boot loop does not affect IMEI but can prevent IMEI verification
Further reading
- Phone Repair vs Replacement: Cost Decision Guide — IMEI check as part of evaluating a second-hand phone’s value
Bought a second-hand phone with issues? BreakFixNow can check IMEI status, iCloud lock, and carrier lock as part of a free device inspection.
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