What 06 Shows & How to Use Your Phone’s IMEI

The “06” display is a hidden diagnostic screen on virtually every GSM, CDMA, and LTE phone that reveals your device’s unique International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. You access it by dialing *#06# on the keypad, and the number that appears is a 15-digit code used to identify your phone on cellular networks, track it if stolen, and verify its authenticity. This article explains what that screen means, how to read the IMEI, and the practical ways you can use it to protect and manage your device.

What the *#06# Screen Actually Shows

When you dial *#06# (without pressing call), the phone displays a pop-up or a new screen with several lines of text. The most important line is labeled IMEI and contains a 15-digit number. On dual-SIM phones, you’ll see two IMEI numbers, one for each SIM slot, sometimes labeled IMEI 1 and IMEI 2. Newer devices may also show an IMEI SV (Software Version) number, which is 16 digits and includes a software revision indicator — that extra digit is not part of the unique hardware identifier. Some phones also display MEID (Mobile Equipment Identifier), which is a 14-digit code used primarily on older CDMA networks (like Verizon or Sprint in the US). The MEID is essentially a subset of the IMEI, and you can convert one to the other by inserting a zero as the 15th digit (for MEID to IMEI conversion) or by removing the last digit (for IMEI to MEID).

What the IMEI Number Means

The 15 digits are not random. They follow a standard format defined by the GSMA (the trade body that represents mobile operators). The structure is:

TAC (Type Allocation Code) — the first 8 digits. The first two identify the reporting body (e.g., 01 for the British Approvals Board, 35 for the BABT in the UK, 86 for China). The next six identify the specific model and manufacturer.
Serial Number (SNR) — the next 6 digits. This is a unique serial number assigned by the manufacturer to that specific unit.
Check Digit — the final digit. This is calculated using the Luhn algorithm, a simple checksum formula that validates the entire number. If you type the IMEI into a free online validator, it can instantly tell you if the number is structurally valid.

This structure means the IMEI is not a random string — it encodes both the model and the individual unit. Two phones of the same model will share the first 8 digits but differ in the next 6.

How to Use Your IMEI

Knowing your IMEI gives you several practical powers:

Check if the phone is blacklisted or reported stolen. Many carriers and third-party sites (like the CTIA Stolen Phone Checker in the US or the GSMA IMEI Database) let you enter the IMEI to see if it has been reported lost or stolen. This is essential before buying a used phone.
Verify authenticity. A valid IMEI does not guarantee the phone is genuine, but a structurally invalid one is a red flag. You can also compare the IMEI printed on the SIM tray or back panel with the one shown by *#06# — if they don’t match, the phone may have had its motherboard replaced or may be a counterfeit.
Unlock your phone. When you request a network unlock code from your carrier, they will ask for the IMEI to generate the unlock code specific to that device.
Report a stolen phone. If your phone is stolen, giving the IMEI to your carrier allows them to block the device from their network, even if the SIM card is removed.
Check warranty status. Some manufacturers (like Samsung and Apple) have warranty check pages where you enter the IMEI to see if the device is still covered.

How to Find the IMEI Without Dialing

If the screen is broken or you don’t have the phone in hand, the IMEI is also printed in several places:

On the phone itself: Most phones have a printed IMEI on the SIM tray, on the back panel, or under the battery (on removable-battery models).
In the settings menu: On Android, go to Settings > About Phone > Status or IMEI information. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About.
On the original box: The barcode label on the retail box lists the IMEI.
On the purchase receipt: Many carriers print the IMEI on the invoice.
From your carrier account: If the phone was activated on your account, the carrier’s online portal or app may list it.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

A frequent question is: “Can *#06# be used to track my phone?” The answer is no. The IMEI is not a GPS tracker. It is a network identifier. It can only be used by carriers to locate which cell tower your phone last connected to, and that requires a legal request (like a police warrant). You cannot use the IMEI to ping your phone’s location from a website.

Another misconception is that you can change your IMEI to bypass a blacklist. While it is technically possible on some older phones (and illegal in many countries), modern phones store the IMEI in a secure, tamper-resistant chip (the baseband processor’s secure element). Attempting to change it usually requires specialized hardware and software, and doing so is a crime in most jurisdictions (e.g., the US Federal Communications Commission prohibits it).

A third issue: “Why does my phone show two IMEIs?” As mentioned, dual-SIM phones have two. Some single-SIM phones also show two if they have an eSIM and a physical SIM slot — each SIM identity gets its own IMEI. The first IMEI is usually the one tied to the physical SIM slot.

IMEI vs. IMSI vs. MEID

People often confuse these three identifiers. Here’s a quick comparison:

IMEI — identifies the hardware (the phone). It is 15 digits and is the same regardless of which SIM card is inserted.
IMSI — identifies the subscriber (the SIM card). It is stored on the SIM and is what the network uses to bill you. You can see it on the SIM card itself or in the phone’s settings under “SIM status.”
MEID — a 14-digit identifier used on CDMA networks (older US carriers). It is essentially the IMEI without the final check digit.

If you switch SIM cards, the IMSI changes but the IMEI stays the same. If you switch phones but keep your SIM, the IMEI changes but the IMSI stays the same.

Safety and Privacy Considerations

Your IMEI is not secret. It is broadcast to the network every time your phone connects to a tower. However, you should still treat it with care:

Don’t post your IMEI publicly (e.g., on social media when asking for help). A malicious person could use it to attempt a fraudulent unlock claim or to report your phone as stolen, which could get it blacklisted.
When selling a phone, provide the IMEI to the buyer only after they’ve committed to the purchase, and use a trusted IMEI checker to verify the phone’s status yourself first.
If you buy a used phone, always check the IMEI against the carrier blacklist before paying. A phone that’s blacklisted will not work on any US carrier, even with a new SIM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does *#06# work on every phone?

Yes, the *#06# code is universal across GSM, CDMA, and LTE phones, including iPhones, Androids, and even old feature phones. It is a low-level command handled by the phone’s baseband processor, not the operating system, so it works even if the phone is locked or has a broken touchscreen (as long as the keypad works).

Can I use my IMEI to unlock my phone for free?

Some carriers provide free unlock codes after your contract is fulfilled or the device is paid off. You’ll need to request the code from them, and they’ll ask for the IMEI. Third-party paid unlocking services also exist, but they are not recommended for new phones and may void your warranty.

What if my IMEI shows as “invalid”?

If you enter your IMEI into a validator and it says invalid, double-check that you typed all 15 digits correctly. If it’s still invalid, the phone may have a corrupted IMEI (rare) or be a counterfeit. In that case, contact the manufacturer or carrier for support.

Can the police track my phone with the IMEI?

Law enforcement can request the last known cell tower location from a carrier using the IMEI, but this requires a court order or emergency request. The phone itself does not transmit GPS coordinates via the IMEI.

Is it safe to give my IMEI to a buyer?

Yes, but only after the sale is agreed. The IMEI is necessary for the buyer to verify the phone’s status and to activate it. Just be aware that a malicious buyer could report the IMEI as stolen before you sell it, which would block the phone. To protect yourself, use a trusted escrow service or meet in person at a carrier store.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

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