What Can Someone Do with My IMEI Number?

We all use smartphones in our daily lives. And just like everyone has their own identity, beliefs, priorities, skills, so does your smartphone. In fact, the identity of your smartphone goes much deeper than the mere name of the model or operating system it runs on.  Every smartphone in the world has its own IMEI number. 

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The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number helps provide your smartphone with its own identity. In this blog, we will cover what the IMEI number is, how to find it, what can someone do with your IMEI number and a lot more.

However, always make sure that you do not give away your IMEI number to anyone else, other than those whom you trust completely. Reason? We have enlisted them below in detail for your understanding:

• Someone can get access or track your live location using your device’s IMEI number
• Anyone can use your IMEI number and manipulate it to blacklist it from your phone
• Hackers can also use your IMEI number to commit fraud or illegal activities and put the blame on you

Therefore, be cautious whenever you are dealing with your IMEI number. 

Where can I find my IMEI number on my phone?

You may have come across the IMEI number during a conversation in mobile stores, online e-commerce platforms when you tried to exchange your existing smartphone for a new one or various other places. 

Think of IMEI like your Aadhaar card number. It is unique only for you and no one else in the world has it. The IMEI number consists of 15 digits and is only used in GSM devices. Here are some of the ways to discover the IMEI number on your phone:

• Dial *#06#, which is a USSD code for checking your IMEI number
• Open Settings > About Phone > Scroll down to see IMEI
• If you have a smartphone with a removable battery, then you can find it imprinted on the back of your battery
• Some smartphones may also have their IMEI number printed on the SIM card tray
• In case, you have still kept your smartphone box, you will find the IMEI number on it

Read more: How to check your Airtel balance via missed call, SMS or USSD code

Do all devices have IMEI numbers?

Yes, every single GSM device in the world possesses the IMEI number. In fact, you won’t have to take any additional steps to make sure your device’s IMEI number is there. These unique identification codes are placed by the smartphone manufacturers themselves. 

Read more: Learn how to find mobile phone using IMEI numbers

What are the benefits of IMEI numbers?

Here are some of the biggest benefits of IMEI numbers:

Block a phone that is stolen

You can use the IMEI number to block a smartphone that has been stolen. All you have to do is get in touch with your mobile operator and provide them with the device’s IMEI number. Soon, the device will get blacklisted, and will not be able to connect to any cellular provider. 

You can trace a lost phone

The IMEI number can also play a key role in helping you recover your lost device. You can make use of other apps such as Google’s Find My Device to locate it. 

Read more: Easy hacks to find my lost mobile phone

Identify your smartphone

When you are buying a used smartphone, one of the first things that you can do is run it by an online platform to see if the device is legitimate. It is helpful in cases where you think the smartphone may be blacklisted. The IMEI number will also give you more information about the model name of the smartphone. 

Warranty issues

Do you have some warranty issues with your smartphone and wish to get it repaired? Make sure you have the smartphone IMEI number handy with you. 

Can IMEI be used for hacking?

Yes, it is extremely important that you always keep your IMEI number safe, because it could be used for hacking. One of the most common ways to use IMEI for hacking is known as SIM card cloning. In this process, hackers will create a duplicate version of your smartphone and use it to hack into your original device. 

In addition, hackers could also track the live location of your smartphone and use it in multiple ways to commit fraud cases. As a result, make sure you never give out your smartphone’s IMEI number. It would only result in easy ways for others to hack your device. Keep your IMEI number stored in a secure and password-protected file.

Tips to keep your IMEI number safe from hackers:

• Never share the IMEI number unless it is absolutely necessary to do so
• Only enter your IMEI number on websites that you entirely trust 
• Make sure you install the security patch upgrades on your smartphone regularly
• Ensure your smartphone has a strong password

How to know if my phone is hacked?

Hacking is a very real threat in today’s times. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to know if your smartphone has been hacked or not. Here are some of them:

• • Watch out for any sort of unusual activity on your device, such as OTPs, phone calls that you did not make, SMS or more
  • Your phone is functioning slower than it usually does
  • You see unfamiliar charges on your monthly phone bill when you try to complete your monthly recharge

If you think your smartphone has been hacked, then it is important that you take immediate and necessary steps. Dive into action mode quickly to ensure that your data is safe.

So, on a concluding note, the IMEI number is one of the most important things in your smartphone. Hence, make sure that you always keep it safe. Now that you know what someone can do with your IMEI number, we hope that you will keep your smartphone safer than before and follow the above mentioned steps.