What is IMEI and what is it for? IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. To simplify this, think of IMEI as an ID card for your phone!
Have you ever wondered about the random number that usually sticks on the back of your phone? You might think that those numbers are only a random number that the phone’s manufacturer created for their own purposes.
But hey, remember as they say that everything has its own meaning? It also applies with those numbers!
So, go grab some snacks and coffee as we uncover the true meaning of those numbers and why is it important for you!
What is IMEI?
As we already stated above, IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It’s basically a unique 15-digit number that acts like your phone’s security number.
Just like people who have a fingerprint that is different from one another, this unique 15-digit number also shares the similarity with a human’s fingerprint!
The IMEI number also reveals details about your phone without having to physically have it, including the brand and model, year of release, and other specifications.
“But wait, does that mean that my phone is able to steal my identity?“
No! I know that mobile phones contain sensitive and personal information. But fear not! IMEI is created to identify your device and not the user.
Therefore, it does not include any information about the name or address of the phone registered or the number on the SIM card.
If you wanted to know your phone’s IMEI number, IMEI number usually sticks on the back of your phone, or if there isn’t anything there, you can simply dial *#06# on your phone and the magic number should appear on your screen.
So, with all of those hype above, what is IMEI exactly designed for? Is it to unlock some hidden feature on your phone? Well. let’s break it down here!
What is IMEI Purposes?
So what exactly does your IMEI do?
- Network Recognition:The IMEI numbers are all stored in a database called the EIR (Equipment Identity Register),the EIR’s job is to make sure that every phone is authorized to use a mobile network.
- Tracking Your Phone: Another key uses for IMEI is that it can help you whenever your phone is lost or gets stolen. While it’s not going to make your phone magically appear after it gets lost or stolen, it can track your phone to hopefully get it back to you, or you can block your phone from using the network completely, thus making it unusable.
- Warranty Claims: Phone manufacturer uses IMEI number to identify your phone’s eligibility for warranty repairs whenever your phone gets stolen. So, having it handy can streamline the process.
- Emergency Call: Other features of IMEI dan might be useful is that it can be used for emergency responders during dire times like natural disaster or other emergencies to contact people based on their IMEI number even if they don’t have any service.
So with all of those uses and explanation above, we can conclude that IMEI is an important information that you should not share with anyone as it contains your phone’s personal identity.
Now you know what is IMEI and what actually is its purpose, i guess you should know that every phone is using radio signal to connect to mobile network.
This mobile signal is strictly regulated, as in Indonesia it is stated in Indonesia regulation No. 16 Tahun 2018 about telecommunication devices certification, every communication device that still being produced, assembled, used and traded in Indonesian territory, is mandatory to have type approval certification.
This type approval certification in Indonesia is called SDPPI, which you can get more information about here!
