What is the ICCID number? How can you find it?

How do our devices connect to the cellular network and provide a stable internet connection? The ICCID number of the SIM card makes it possible. It is the unique code for each SIM that the operator uses to authenticate your service access. All of this makes it possible for your device to connect to the cellular network. How does this ICCID number work, and how can you find it? To know the details about SIM cards, you should get to know about ICCID. 

In this article, I will go through the details of the ICCID number, how it works, why it's essential, and how you can find it on your devices. 

What is the ICCID number?

ICCID, or integrated circuit card identifier, is a 19 to 20-digit unique serial number that identifies IoT SIMs and connects your device with the supported cellular network. The number is allotted to both physical SIM and eSIM cards.

It finds the network to authenticate it and then connects to the right server. ICCID helps to manage the multiple devices' connectivity at a time. It contributes to network identification and tracking.

Why is the ICCID number important?

ICCID number is the essential code for the smooth functioning of your SIM. It adds the security level and prevents unauthorized entities from accessing your network. MNOs with an ICCID ensure to link your device with the secure cellular network. Without an ICCID number, the SIM card can’t link to its supported network, which fails smooth connectivity. 

Structure of ICCID Number

ICCID number is usually printed on the SIM cards. It is a series of numbers printed in small font size. You might require a magnifying glass to read it. 

Here is an example of an ICCID number and how it looks.

ICCID Number = MII + CC + IIN + IAIN + C

The given number is the combination of identifiers that play different roles.

• Major Industry Identifier (MII): MII always starts with digits 89. It identifies the card industry application and signifies its telecommunication world. MII differentiates it from IDs and credit cards.
• Country Code (CC): CC shows the International Telephony Union and identifies the SIM belongs to which country. The code consists of two or three digits.
• Issuer Identifier Number (IIN): Issuer identifiers can be more than two numbers. It is similar to the mobile network code. 
• Individual Account Identification Number (IAIN): It is a unique identifier for SIM that differentiates your SIM from the rest of IoT SIM cards. It helps to activate and find your SIM.
• Checksum (C): Checksum validates the ICCID number integrity after transmission.

How to find the ICCID number?

Finding an ICCID number is not difficult; you can even find it on your Android or iPhone devices. Moreover, there are some other methods through which you can find the number. 

ICCID number from iPhone

• Open your iPhone settings app.
• Move to the general and then about section.
• Now, scroll down in this section to find the ICCID number.

ICCID number from Android

• Go to your Android device settings.
• Tap about the phone, then click status or IMEI information. 
• Now, scroll in the section to find the ICCID number.
• If you didn’t find it here, explore the SIM status section.

Find from SIM Card 

You can find the ICCID number on the SIM card packaging. It is usually labeled in smaller sizes with a barcode. If you still keep your SIM card packaging, go and check your ICCID.

Ask your carrier for ICCID

If any of the given methods are not working, you can request your carrier to provide you with the ICCID number. Keep all the account information noted and provide these to the carrier for verification. Once it confirms that you are the owner, they will provide you with the ICCID. 

Functions of ICCID Number 

Integrated circuit card identifier plays a vital role in MNOs and the IoT industry. Some of its roles include.

• SIM card identification and authorization: Mobile Network operators check the ICCID number of the SIM card before it connects to the supported network. Similarly, the network with an ICCID confirms SIM validity and permission to connect.
• Tracking and Service Provisioning: MNOs link the code with subscriber details to help the network know your services, including data plan and billing. It is helpful in hassle-free SIM tracking.
• Troubleshooting SIM issues: In case of an issue with a SIM card, MNOs identify the potential issue with ICCID and work to fix it.
• Detect the SIM unauthorized access: Network operators can detect the unauthorized access to the SIM cards by monitoring the ICCID number.  

IMSI vs. ICCID

ICCID and IMSI both play vital roles in IoT.

International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) is like a cellular profile that identifies your subscriber account. For example, for a foreign trip, a passport and visa are required which contains all your details. Similarly, IMSI is the number that tells the network about your plan and other details. 

ICCID is the number that confirms which SIM is connecting to the network. 

Conclusion

ICCID is an essential code that helps your SIM card to connect with the supported network. Whether you are using a traditional SIM card or a new leading eSIM technology, both contain ICCID to ensure smooth network connection. ICCID number improves the SIM card security and helps in tracking and troubleshooting SIM card issues. If you are looking for a SIM ICCID number, follow the given steps in the article to find the number. For further details, you can contact your carrier for further assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my device not showing an ICCID number?

Usually, the ICCID number is given in the devices, whether it is an iPhone or an Android. If it's not showing, it may be due to network or software glitches. You can restart your device to troubleshoot the issue.

Can the ICCID be changed?

ICCID number can’t be changed. Once it is assigned to the SIM card, it permanently remains the same. 

What is the ICCID number for eSIM?

Like SIM cards, the ICCID number for eSIM is similar. It is a unique 20-digit serial number that helps the network to identify the eSIM.