Does Every Phone Have the Same IMEI Number?

In today’s smartphone-driven world, every mobile device carries a unique digital identity — its IMEI number. This 15-digit code might seem like just another technical detail, but it’s far more significant than most people realize. Whether you own a Samsung, an iPhone, or any other Android brand, that small sequence of numbers acts like your phone’s passport in the mobile network universe, helping verify its authenticity, secure it from misuse, and even track it if lost or stolen.

Think of it this way — while your SIM card identifies you as a subscriber, your IMEI number identifies your phone itself. It’s how mobile operators, global tracking systems, and even international carriers like Verizon or Jio can recognize, block, or locate a specific device on their networks. Tools such as Verizon IMEI check are excellent examples of how this number can reveal a phone’s model, warranty status, and network compatibility within seconds — proving how essential IMEI verification has become for both users and telecom providers.

What is an IMEI Number?

IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It’s a 15-digit unique identification code assigned to every mobile phone with a SIM slot or eSIM capability. Think of it as your phone’s “digital fingerprint.”

This number helps mobile networks identify valid devices, block stolen ones, and even assist law enforcement in tracking illegal or lost phones. No two devices in the world share the same IMEI number — even if they are the same model and brand.

Do All Phones Have the Same IMEI Number?

No, every phone has a unique IMEI number.

Just like your fingerprint, your IMEI is one of a kind. Every mobile manufacturer — be it Samsung, iPhone, Xiaomi, OnePlus, or Google Pixel — registers a different IMEI for each device before it leaves the factory.

However, dual-SIM phones have two IMEI numbers, one for each SIM slot. This allows the network to identify and manage both lines separately.

So, if you have a dual-SIM Samsung phone, for instance, you’ll notice two IMEIs — IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 — printed on the box or displayed on-screen.

Is the IMEI Number in the Same Place on All Phones?

Not exactly. The location of the IMEI number depends on your phone’s make and model. But don’t worry — it’s easy to find on any device. Here’s how:

1. Using the Dial Code

Simply dial *#06# on your phone.
A pop-up will instantly show your IMEI number(s). This works for Android and iPhone devices alike.

2. From Settings

• On Android (e.g., Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi):
  Go to Settings → About Phone → Status → IMEI Information
  
  

• On iPhone:
  Go to Settings → General → About → IMEI
  
  

3. On the Device Box or SIM Tray

If your phone is switched off or lost, check:

• The backside of the box it came in.
  
  

• The SIM card tray (Apple usually prints it there).
  
  

• For some older models, under the battery compartment.
  
  

So, while the IMEI’s position might differ, it’s always easily accessible through one of these methods.

How to Use IMEI to Track a Lost Phone

One of the biggest uses of IMEI is tracking stolen or lost phones. The IMEI number tracker helps identify your specific device on mobile networks, even if the SIM card is changed.

Here’s how it works:

1. Report your IMEI to your carrier (Airtel, Jio, Vi, etc.) — they can block your device so that it can’t be used with any SIM card in India.
   
   

2. Register your lost device on CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) — the government’s online IMEI tracking and blocking portal:
   
   

3. File an FIR with local police, mentioning your IMEI number — it helps them trace or recover your phone if found.
   
   

Can You Track a Phone with IMEI if It’s Switched Off?

This is one of the most common questions — and the answer is not directly, but partially possible.

When a phone is switched off, it stops communicating with mobile towers — meaning it cannot be tracked live via IMEI. However, here’s what still works:

• The last known location before it was powered off can be traced by telecom operators or apps.
  
  

• As soon as the phone turns back on and connects to a network, the IMEI becomes active again — allowing tracking to resume.
  
  

So, IMEI tracking is not real-time during shutdown, but it helps in recovery after the phone is switched on or connected to the internet.

How Parental Control Apps Help in Tracking

In recent years, parental control apps have become powerful tools not just for monitoring children’s phone usage but also for finding lost or stolen phones.

Here’s how they help:

1. Real-Time Location Tracking:
   Apps like Google Family Link, Life360, or Find My iPhone allow you to track the phone’s live GPS position using the registered account.
   
   

2. Remote Lock and Erase:
   If the phone is lost, you can lock it remotely or erase personal data to protect privacy.
   
   

3. Offline Location History:
   Even when the phone goes offline, these apps can show its last active location before disconnection — similar to how IMEI tracking works.
   
   

4. Instant Alerts:
   Parents can receive notifications if the phone leaves a specific area (geofencing) — an excellent feature for child safety and lost-device tracking.
   
   

So, combining IMEI identification with parental control tracking gives a powerful two-layer protection system.

Samsung vs iPhone: Which is Easier to Track by IMEI?

Both Samsung and Apple devices come with strong tracking systems, but they differ slightly in how IMEI integrates with their ecosystems.

Samsung Devices

• Samsung users can use Find My Mobile (linked with their Samsung account).
  
  

• If connected to the internet, it can locate, ring, or wipe data remotely.
  
  

• IMEI helps confirm the device identity for blocking or reporting to authorities.
  
  

Apple Devices

• iPhones use Find My iPhone (iCloud-based) — a highly reliable tracking tool.
  
  

• Apple stores link your IMEI to your Apple ID, making it easier to locate or disable a stolen phone.
  
  

• iPhones are often recovered faster since they cannot be easily reset without the Apple ID (Activation Lock).
  
  

So, while both are trackable via IMEI and account services, Apple’s closed ecosystem gives it a slight edge in recovery efficiency.

Why You Should Always Note Down Your IMEI Number

Your IMEI is the key to your phone’s identity. Keeping it safe is as important as remembering your bank account number.

Here are a few tips:

• Write it down and store it in your email or cloud notes.
  
  

• Take a photo of your phone’s box showing the IMEI label.
  
  

• Register your IMEI on CEIR for quick blocking in emergencies.
  
  

With this, if your phone ever gets lost or stolen, you can act quickly — and that speed can make all the difference.

Conclusion: IMEI — The Digital DNA of Your Phone

To sum it up, the IMEI number is not the same for all phones — each one is unique and serves as a critical security tool. It might not always be in the same physical location across devices, but finding it is simple.

Whether you own a Samsung, iPhone, or Android phone, knowing your IMEI can help you track, block, or recover your device. And while tracking an off phone via IMEI isn’t directly possible, tools like parental control apps and cloud tracking can bridge that gap efficiently.