A serial number is a unique number assigned by the manufacturer (like Samsung) to help identify an individual device, like a phone, tablet, TV, and so on. For example, your phone's serial number will be different from every other phone Samsung has made. Serial number makes it easier for the makers to organize and keep track of their products.
On the other hand, an IMEI or MEID is only used for phones or other communication devices. Depending on the carrier, your device will have either an IMEI or MEID. These two numbers are different from a serial number. They are used at an international or global level, not just by manufacturers. Both types of numbers can help network providers track down a device that has been stolen or lost.
A model number is a specific number that applies to a range of products (i.e., Galaxy Note20, Galaxy Z Fold2, etc.). The number will vary depending on the year the product was released, its color, the carrier, and some other factors. Every model that falls into that category (same color, etc.) will have the same model number.
FAQs
Navigate to Settings and then tap About phone. Step 2. Details about your phone number, IMEI, model number and serial number will be displayed on-screen.
Can you tell the make and model of a phone by the IMEI number? ›
The IMEI number reveals details about a phone without having to physically have it, including the brand and model, year of release, and other specifications. For this reason, your insurance company or new phone provider may want to know your IMEI number to create an insurance policy.
How do I find my IMEI or serial number? ›
Depending on your device, your IMEI, serial number and model number may be printed on the back or beneath the removable battery. For devices with a removable battery the IMEI number will be in different places depending on your model. It is usually under the battery, printed on the phone near the bottom of the device.
How do you find out your phone's serial number? ›
Things You Should Know
For iPhone, look in "Settings > General > About > Serial Number". For Android, look for your serial number in "Settings > About Phone". You can usually find the serial number on the back of the phone or in the case it comes in.
How do I find the make and model of my cell phone? ›
They've made it super easy for you to look this up in your Settings app right on your phone. Go to Settings > General > About. This will bring up a page with information about your device, including the model name and number.
Can you look up a phone number with an IMEI number? ›
No. The phone number is connected to the SIM card, and not to the phone. The IMEI identifies the phone. If you move your SIM card to a new phone the phone number will go with the SIM.
What is the code to get the serial number of a mobile phone? ›
The serial number (IMEI code) of your mobile Type in the short code *#06# on your mobile and press the call key. Remove the battery from your mobile and look for the code on the back of your device.
Is a cell phone serial number the same as the IMEI number? ›
Depending on the carrier, your device will have either an IMEI or MEID. These two numbers are different from a serial number. They are used at an international or global level, not just by manufacturers.
How to find serial number? ›
Desktop: On the bottom of the device, look for 'S/N' or 'SN'. Open a command prompt by using the Windows Search bar. Type in 'cmd'. Type in the command: 'wmic bios get serialnumber' without the quotes.
How do I find my phone's serial number if I lost it? ›
If you have the original packaging, the serial number is often printed on the box. Alternatively, check the device settings on your associated Google or Apple account. For Android, you can find it in Settings > About phone > Status. On an iPhone, it's in Settings > General > About.
There's two ways to find your IMEI if you have damaged or lost your phone:
- If you still have the box it came in, you can locate it there.
- If you don't have the box, no sweat! Using your phone's tracker service (Apple's Find My or Google's Find My Device) you can find your IMEI using your computer or another device.
Go to Settings > General > About. To the right of Model Number, you'll find the part number. To find the model number, tap the part number.
How to find phone model with IMEI number? ›
STEPS FOR IMEI VERIFICATION
- Type *#06# in your mobile device. ...
- Enter the displayed code in the box below and click on "check my device".
- The Mode and Manufacturer of your mobile device will be displayed.
- If the IMEI display a different model, please check with your vendor as your mobile device may not be genuine.
Open the Settings app on your Samsung Galaxy device. Scroll down and tap 'About phone' or 'About device'. Look for the 'Model number' or 'Model name' information.
What does the IMEI number tell you? ›
An IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. Think of it as your phone's fingerprint — it's a 15-digit number unique to each device. Phone carriers and manufacturers share IMEI numbers to enable tracking of smartphones that may be stolen or compromised.
Is IMEI a model number? ›
The model and origin comprise the initial 8-digit portion of the IMEI/SV, known as the Type Allocation Code (TAC). The remainder of the IMEI is manufacturer-defined, with a Luhn check digit at the end.
How do I find my Samsung model by IMEI? ›
2 Dial *#06# on the keypad. 3 Details about your devices IMEI and serial number will automatically appear on the screen.
What can you do with a phone IMEI number? ›
IMEI numbers serve four main functions:
- Checking your phone's compatibility with a wireless service. With your IMEI, you can do things like check if your current phone is compatible with a new wireless service (you know… ...
- Blocking a lost or stolen phone. ...
- Finding a lost or stolen phone. ...
- Buying a used phone.
