How To Fix Lost/Corrupt IMEI Number On Android

If you’ve been using an Android smartphone for quite some time now, you’ve probably come across the term IMEI. You’ve also probably brushed off this information as being somewhat unimportant. However, once you learn what it is and its function, you may want to pay attention to the information in this article.

IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. By definition alone, you’ve probably already guessed that an IMEI is unique to a particular phone. Every Android smartphone has this unique identifier. If the phone is lost, it can be tracked using this number. The IMEI is coded on your device as a file. Unfortunately, in the process of tweaking the phone, changing the settings, or rooting the device, this file can be corrupted or lost. If this happens, the phone will likely lose its network settings, resulting to drop of the mobile network connection.

Fortunately, losing an IMEI number isn’t the end of the world for your Android smartphone. The number can be retrieved. However, you will need the number to restore it on to your phone.

How to find your Android’s IMEI

On your Android device, open the phone app and type in *#06#. This will display the IMEI of the device. Another method is to open the Settings > General > About. The IMEI will also be displayed there.

If you don’t have your Android phone with you and you need to find its IMEI, it will be listed on the phone’s original packaging. If you have the device on hand, open the back cover and it will also be listed there as well. If you’re in the most unfortunate situation that you’ve lost the device and the original packaging, you won’t be able to find that number anywhere else. Therefore, it will be wise to list it down while you have access to both your phone and its packaging and store the number in a safe location for emergency purposes.

Why else would you need to secure your IMEI

Another reason why it’s important to note your IMEI is because if your phone is lost or stolen, this unique number can be given to your service provider to block the device, rendering it useless in the wrong hands. However, tracking and locating the device using the IMEI number is typically a service provided by law enforcement in coordination with your service provider, and is not something individuals can do independently through websites. Always remember to treat such sensitive information with utmost caution to protect against identity theft and scams.

How to address issues with your IMEI number on Android

If you suspect that your phone’s IMEI number is corrupted, it’s recommended to contact your device manufacturer or service provider for professional assistance. Tampering with the IMEI number can have legal implications and may void your device’s warranty.

It’s important to note that tampering with your device, including rooting, can lead to complications, void the warranty of your device, and may be illegal in some jurisdictions.