What is an IMEI Number and How to Find it?
Ever had your phone stop working the minute you landed in another country? No signal. No service. No idea what went wrong. Chances are, your IMEI number had something to do with it—and you didn’t even know it. Most travelers never think about their IMEI until it’s too late. It’s not just a random number buried in your settings. It can mean the difference between staying connected or going completely off-grid abroad. Whether you’re unlocking a phone, switching to an eSIM, or making sure your device isn’t blacklisted, your IMEI is the key. And if you don’t know where to find it or how to use it, your trip could turn stressful fast. Let’s fix that and get to know about What is an IMEI Number—before you pack your bags. What is an IMEI Number? The IMEI number is lika fingerprint of your device. IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It’s a 15-digit number that’s unique to your phone or tablet. Just like your passport identifies you when travelling, the IMEI identifies your device on mobile networks. This number isn’t something you create or change—the phone manufacturer assigns it and stays tied to your device for life. Mobile carriers use it to recognise your phone, block stolen devices, or check if your device is compatible with certain SIM cards or eSIMs—like Yaalo eSIM when you’re travelling abroad. So, while it may seem like just another tech term, knowing your IMEI is one of the smartest things you can do before switching SIMs, unlocking a phone, or preparing for international travel. Understanding the Structure of an IMEI Number At first glance, the IMEI looks like a long, random string of 15 numbers—but there’s a logic behind it: Together, these numbers create a digital ID that helps phone carriers and manufacturers track, register, and secure your phone. It also helps travellers know whether their phone can support global services like Yaalo eSIM—especially in regions with strict device rules, like China or the UAE. Why is an IMEI Number Important? You might not think about your IMEI daily—but when something goes wrong, it suddenly becomes the most important number you’ll need. Here’s why: For frequent travellers or digital nomads, this number is essential. It’s the small detail that can make or break your connection overseas. How to Find Your IMEI Number Before you travel or switch to an eSIM, it’s a smart idea to know your phone’s IMEI number. Why? Because it’s your device’s digital fingerprint. Here’s how to find it easily: On iPhone: On Android: Pro Tip: Screenshot or write down your IMEI and keep it safe. It could save you a major headache if your phone goes missing while travelling. Using IMEI for Device Tracking Losing your phone—especially while travelling—can quickly turn a dream trip into a nightmare. Here’s how your IMEI number steps in to help: Why it matters: IMEI tracking adds a serious layer of protection when your phone is lost or stolen—especially in a foreign country where replacing your device isn’t easy. Can You Change or Fake an IMEI Number? Technically? Some try. But legally? Absolutely not. Changing or tampering with an IMEI number is illegal in many countries—including the U.S., UK, and across Europe. Here’s why: Bottom Line: If someone offers to “unlock” or “fix” your IMEI, walk away. It’s not worth the legal or safety risks. IMEI vs. Serial Number: What’s the Difference? If you’ve ever checked your phone’s info, you’ve probably seen both an IMEI number and a serial number—but they’re not the same. Think of it like this: Example: If you drop your phone in a taxi overseas and report it to your carrier, they’ll ask for your IMEI. But if your screen cracks and you visit an Apple Store? They’ll ask for your serial number. Both numbers matter—but they serve different purposes. What is IMEI Blacklisting? Ever heard the term “blacklisted phone”? What does it really mean? Here’s the short version: When a phone is lost, stolen, or reported as unpaid, the IMEI number gets added to a blacklist database used by carriers worldwide. Once blacklisted, the phone can’t connect to mobile networks—even if a new SIM card is inserted. What happens to blacklisted phones? How to check if a phone is blacklisted: Tip: Always check the IMEI before buying a used phone. A cheap deal could turn into a useless brick. How IMEI Numbers Are Used for SIM Locking Ever bought a phone that only works with one carrier? That’s SIM locking, and it’s done using your phone’s IMEI. When you buy a phone through a carrier (like AT&T or T-Mobile), they lock it to their network by registering your IMEI number in their system. This means the phone won’t work with SIM cards from other providers unless it’s officially unlocked. Why do carriers do this? The downside? SIM locks are usually removed after your contract ends—or sooner if you pay off the phone in full. How to Unlock a Phone Using an IMEI Number Want to use your phone with any carrier—or enjoy global eSIM services like Yaalo? You’ll need to unlock your phone, and the process usually starts with your IMEI number. Here’s how to do it, legally and safely: Step 1: Check your IMEI Step 2: Contact your carrier Step 3: Wait for confirmation What about third-party services? If your carrier won’t unlock your phone, you can use trusted third-party IMEI unlock providers. But be careful—not all are legit. Avoid shady websites or anyone who promises an “instant unlock” without verification. IMEI and eSIM: How They Are Connected With the rise of eSIM technology, a question arises in mind: what role does the IMEI number play? Even though eSIMs are digital and don’t need a physical chip, your IMEI is still key to activating and managing them. Here’s how it works: When you install an eSIM—whether it’s from Yaalo, Holafly, or another provider—the eSIM profile links directly to your phone’s IMEI number. This helps carriers verify your