Track a mobile with the IMEI

Locate a phone with the IMEI number

What is an IMEI number?

The International Mobile Equipment Identity, more commonly known as the IMEI number, is a 15-digit number. This long number uniquely identifies each phone. It is with this number that you can make emergency calls without a SIM card and it is with this number that you can block or unblock a stolen phone.

What does this figure include?

The International Mobile Equipment Identity is a 15-digit number that identifies each mobile phone.

There are three structures in the IMEI. The first part consists of the TAC (Type Allocation Code) coded in eight digits. This number contains the model and unique identification of the phone as well as the country in which the phone was built.
Following this number is the six-digit coded SNR, which represents the serial number of the telephone.

Finally, there is the last check digit which confirms the correct structure of the previous numbers.

Why do I need an IMEI number?

Contrary to what many people think, the IMEI does not make it possible to locate a telephone. This number will be useful if you lose your smartphone or have it stolen, since by following the steps below you can block all phone operations on any network on your phone and it will then be unusable.

Get your IMEI number

Get it with your phone

If your phone has not been stolen, simply dial *#06# on your mobile's keypad and a message with your phone's IMEI number will appear on your screen.
You can also find your IMEI number under the battery if you have an Android.

Get it without your phone

If your phone has unfortunately been stolen. There are a few solutions to recover the number :

• If you have ordered your phone from an operator, you can make the request by indicating your account number.

• You can find the IMEI on the back of the box, next to the barcode label if you kept the case that contained the phone when you bought it.

• You can find your IMEI number on your invoice.

Blocking your phone with IMEI

The IMEI code is very useful if your phone is lost or stolen as it allows you to block the use of your phone on all mobile networks. If you manage to complete the following steps. Your phone may be blocked. The first thing to do when your phone has been stolen is to call your operator directly and they will suspend your phone line.

Then go and file a complaint with the police or gendarmerie, indicating the IMEI number of your mobile phone. They will send a copy of the report of your complaint to your operator who will have 4 days to block your number declared stolen (law LOPPSI 2 of 14 March 2011). Once blocked, your phone will no longer be able to make phone calls or send text messages even if it contains a new SIM card.