IMEI numbers are a source of both furtive and paranoia inside many circles round the internet. Whereas these numbers are usually related with phones, they are not exclusive to these devices. The first time you understand this ever-present number marked on each phone you have ever bought, you start to get inquisitive and ask yourself several questions. Whereas you search for replies, you either run in to misleading articles around them or else information that tends to be unfinished. Finding the responses to your questions doesn’t have to be hard anymore.
What Is an IMEI Number?
The International Mobile station Equipment Identity number (IMEI) is a digit used to detect a device that usages terrestrial cellular networks. “Plus what is a terrestrial cellular network?” you might ask. This is the network you use while you place a call on your mobile or access an internet connection delivered by your cellular carrier over your data plan. It’s named “terrestrial” since it uses planet-side antenna, not satellites, to connect.
You might have already collected this, but it’s convenient to have a decisive answer to the query. Since the IMEI standard is used for any terrestrial cellular network device, this means that 3G/4G tablet, laptop with PCMCIA wireless internet cards and other mobile apparatus are also labelled with these numbers. If you have a dual-SIM telephone, you’ll get two IMEI numbers, one for each SIM slot.
What Is The Purpose of an IMEI Number?
IMEI numbers have one main purpose: to recognize mobile devices. Their secondary drive, or intention, is to stop theft. If a mobile device could be universally recognized, a thief cannot alteration the SIM card on a phone as well as expect to keep the phone. IMEI numbers are hard-coded in to device hardware, creating it nearly impossible to alteration them without somehow damaging the device.
When a carrier distinguishes that a device has been stolen, it could blacklist the IMEI code plus lock it out of the network by IMEI lookup or IMEI search. Afterward, it tells other cellular networks to do the similar.
Some fake phones have bad IMEI numbers. The calmest way to check the legitimacy of an IMEI number manually for proof of identification codes. If you want an easier method to check IMEI number there is always the IMEI checker or ESN checker.
If you have an agreement with a mobile carrier, the government might use a search warrant to access your IMEI info for number and location chasing. So, even if you swap out your SIM card by a prepaid one, you could still be traced.
Government is not the single entity you must worry about. Hackers could trace you if essential using your IMEI number. Though, neither of these things occur very often to the average citizen.
If there’s anything that has aided us stop thieves in their tracks most efficiently, it’s the IMEI standard. However the number might still be used against you, it is well worth the risk.
