Serial number and IMEI of a smartphone - what is it and how is it different?

In the process of purchasing any modern device, be it a smartphone, tablet, laptop or smart watch, the buyer must make sure that he is receiving a high-quality and original product. It’s no secret that today cases of sales of “gray” handsets under the guise of unique gadgets have increased several times.

Anyone can “run into” a fake, unless, of course, they know how to distinguish it from the original. One way to tell the difference is to identify the serial number. It is assigned to each device and is one of a kind. Each combination stores a lot of important information that can reveal some secrets about the mobile device. The main thing is to find out where you can find the unique code and how to decipher it correctly.

What is a phone serial number

Owners of mobile gadgets often confuse IMEI and the serial number of the device. However, these two identifiers perform different tasks.

The first is a unique code that can be used to track the device and determine its location. It is also unique and assigned individually.

The second is referred to as Serial Number or SN, and is a combination of Arabic numbers and Latin letters. This incomprehensible and difficult to remember combination contains important information regarding both the manufacturer and the characteristics of the device itself.

Each manufacturer uses an individual type of encoding, based on rules developed by the company itself, so it is extremely difficult to decipher it. But you can quickly check the device for authenticity.

Other options

There are also simpler methods that do not guarantee the accuracy of the test, but will not be superfluous and can immediately indicate the originality of the product. These are simple observations like:

• The parts of the device should not wobble or be loose, but fit snugly together. If the buyer finds a defect, it is 100% not original;

• The phone should be pleasant to the touch, since Xiaomi products are made from high-quality materials, and cheap plastic is used only in fakes;
• You should also check the device software. Smartphones like Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 use only Android with MIUI shell;
• The technical specifications must match the actual data of the device. If they try to persuade you that this is just another assembly, you should refuse immediately;
• You should not buy at frankly low prices and take from unverified stores.

We are confident that, armed with all our advice, you will certainly be able to not only check your gadget for authenticity, but also avoid possible deception in the future.

Why do you need to know the serial number?

The serial number is unique and is assigned to each device. But few people have thought about why it is needed and how it can be useful in everyday life?

The serial number allows you to find out whether the device had a manufacturing defect or whether repairs were made shortly before sale.

What is it used for?

For the most part, the serial number is needed by the manufacturer itself so that you can understand which batch of products is “defective” and who its developer is. This practice was introduced so that it would be possible to somehow organize service and punish those responsible for the marriage. If this code does not correspond to what is specified in the manufacturer’s documents, then warranty service for the device will not be provided, since the product will be “gray”. Many official websites of manufacturers of computer components or other gadgets are equipped with a product search system by serial number. This way the end consumer can check the originality of a device.

How to find out your phone's serial number

Where can I find the serial number of a device? First of all, on the official website of the manufacturer. To improve the quality of services, today many companies include the option of verifying the authenticity of goods through factory markings.

When it comes to mobile phones, there are several other additional options where you can find a unique combination called Serial Number or S/N. Depending on the model and brand of the device, they will most likely differ, however, there are places where the markings will definitely be located.

On the package

Finding the factory coding is quite easy if the manufacturer follows the common path when a special factory label is applied to the outside of the package. Here you can find the following elements:

• several barcodes;
• IMEI, that is, device identification code;
• Name of country of origin;
• release date;
• body color;
• ROM;
• RAM;
• serial number.

Typically the sticker is attached to the side or back of the box. The second option is more common.

Under the battery

Thanks to the development of modern technology, the latest generations of mobile devices come with built-in batteries. Therefore, there are two ways to find the serial number.

Option one

If the owner received a smartphone with a removable back panel and battery, then underneath it on the inner surface of the case there will be a nameplate. In addition to the branded identification elements and other characteristics specified in the previous paragraph, it must also have a serial number. As a rule, it is located in the “basement” under the barcode, that is, it occupies one of the bottom lines. The combination can be identified by the “S/N” indicator. The plate is small in size, so all information is written in small print. To read it, it is advisable to use a magnifying glass.

Option two

If only the back part of the case is removed, then the factory code must be looked for on the battery (under the cover), or less often on the SIM card slot (but it must be removed first). Some manufacturers put the serial number on the back panel of the smartphone case from the outside, which over time leads to its abrasion. In this case, it is advisable to refer to the attached instructions and look for the factory markings there. But it is more advisable to find out this item through the system settings.

In settings

For those who have vision problems or do not like to disassemble smartphones, the option of searching for the serial number through the system menu is suitable. To find the factory markings in the software, you will need:

• Open “Settings” in any convenient way (via the menu, quick access panel, on the desktop).
• Scroll down the page and find the “System” category.

• Here you can find the “About the device” section (in some models it is called “About the phone”).
• In the list that appears, select the “General Information” (sometimes “Status”) tab.

If everything is done correctly, a page should open containing basic information about the device. At the very bottom there will be its serial number. And yet it is not always possible to see it. To do this, you need to return to the previous section and go through the available options. Perhaps this parameter will be there.

Where is IMEI stored on Android?

The name is stored in the system memory of the device. Even an inexperienced user can figure out how to find out his phone’s IMEI.

There are several ways to find out the identification number of your device:

1. In the device settings. Go to Settings, open the “About device” (“About phone”) section, tap on the “IMEI” or “Serial number” item. A window will appear on the screen with the identification combination of the device being used.

2. Use engineering code. Open the telephone number dialing window, enter the command *#06# and call it. The required ID will be displayed.
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3. Look at the number on the box and on the case. Regardless of the brand of the device, its name will always be indicated on the box with the device and on the case. In the case of a case, the identification combination is usually located under the battery, closer to the back.

The same steps will help if the user is wondering how to check the identification number of his gadget.

Important! On mobile devices with two mobile communication modules for the simultaneous operation of two SIM cards (for example, on many Samsung Galaxy), each module has its own IMEI. But if a dual-SIM device does not support the simultaneous operation of both SIM cards, then it has one mobile communication module, and therefore there is only one Aimei.

Bonus: decoding information from the serial number

As mentioned earlier, each manufacturer uses an individual encoding type created in accordance with the rules in force within the company. Deciphering the combination can be extremely difficult, but possible. What information does the serial number store and what can it “tell” the average user?

In most cases, the serial number consists of 11 characters and has the following format: AABCCDDDEEF, where:

• The first two letters "AA" are the manufacturer's identifier;
• the symbol "B" indicates the year of manufacture of a particular model;
• the pair "CC" denotes the production week;
• the triple of letters “DDD” is a unique device identifier;
• by the two penultimate characters you can find out about the color of the model;
• The final position contains information about the amount of internal memory.

As you can see, the alphanumeric combination, which is absurd at first glance, contains a lot of interesting information that can be used at your discretion.

So, the serial number of a mobile phone is a unique combination consisting of Latin letters and Arabic numerals. It serves to identify the device and verify its authenticity. The unique combination contains information about both the manufacturer and the characteristics of the mobile device. You can find a unique code in different places, but to make sure that the gadget is original, you should check all the numbers - ideally they should match.

Therefore, to be completely sure, you should use other verification methods, for example, using IMEI. But more details about this method of identification can be found in another article.

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Second way

The second way is to check using the security code on the box. It follows the link: https://www.mi.com/verify/#secur_en. This code can only be found on the device box under a protective field with the Mi logo, which can be erased with a coin. If there is no code at all, this is already a sign that they are definitely trying to sell you a fake. We erase the protective field and find the code there. It consists of 20 numbers that must be entered into the field via the link and click Verify. Here you will also be provided with all the information on this device and the number of checks for this code (it should not exceed 1 time).

What is IMEI?

Mobile phones, in addition to the serial number, have a so-called IMEI code. IMEI is an international identifier unique to each mobile phone. IMEI is a generally accepted standard for all mobile devices, which is “sewn” into the phone during manufacturing at the factory.

This is something like a serial number that is broadcast to the operator when authorizing the phone on the network. The IMEI code format is the same for all phones, regardless of manufacturer. Also, the IMEI code is used to track and block stolen phones at the level of the cellular operator, which subsequently prevents the use of such a device in the network of this operator. However, blocking the IMEI code with one operator does not prevent it from being used on other networks.

Investigative agencies and government agencies

For users who often search for people’s data by identification number or other data, there are Unified State Register of Legal Entities and similar databases. For a certain price, you can pay for access to the database and find any information on the organization, knowing at least something about it. After paying for a subscription to the database, you will be able to retrieve information an unlimited number of times. This service is actively used by both legal entities and individuals. Especially bank security representatives.

Among the free methods:

• Search on Google and Yandex, using some of the data obtained;
• Using “blacklist” applications, in which users create databases of numbers and add a description of the activities of their owners;
• Enterprise databases. If you are trying to find information about a company that you will work with in the future, they will be useful. This reflects their activities, closed enterprises that were registered to the same person, etc.

Private search agencies offer their services for a fee to search for any person or information about him by TIN and more.

List of free virtual numbers

Each service has a different number of toll-free numbers available; it makes no sense to indicate where and how many, since such information tends to change quite often. The problem with all these services is that all popular sites have already used them for a long time, this must be taken into account. However, in some places the numbers are updated frequently, and in others very rarely; here you need to check each service to see if it is possible to use the number for the task you need.

1. virtualnum.ru
2. onlinesim.ru/sms-receive
3. sms-acktiwator.ru/site/free-full-numbers
4. receivesms.co
5. receive-sms-online.com
6. ru.smstools.online/receive-free-sms
7. qealty.ru
8. sms.sellaite.com
9. receive-sms.com
10. 5sim.net/free
11. sms-receive.net
12. sms-online.co/receive-free-sms
13. freeonlinephone.org
14. smsreceivefree.com
15. receive-smss.com

Registration is also required for further use:

1. getfreesmsnumber.com – only foreign numbers
2. textplus.com – a permanent US number is issued, there is a choice by state
3. pinger.com – also US numbers with selection by state
4. textnow.com – the most advanced of all 4, it issues a permanent US number with the ability to send messages and receive calls (USA, Canada)

Printed circuit boards

These include things like RAM modules, some video cards, motherboards, sound cards and others, where the serial number is usually located on the board itself. Moreover, it is written in such a way that it is not possible to correct any letter in it. The number is laser engraved and covered with a layer of special varnish, which is used in radio production. It makes no sense to say that it is very difficult to fake such things. But some manage. Therefore, it doesn't hurt to check the code programmatically. What if it doesn’t match the engraved one? But this is unlikely. Even if the product is “gray”, the craftsmen will make sure that the numbers match. Even if not always.