How do I find my mobile's IMEI?

Easiest: dial *#06# on the dialler — IMEI displays instantly. Also in Settings on iPhone (General → About) or Android (About phone). Or printed on original packaging and inside the SIM tray.

Should I check IMEI when buying a refurbished business handset?

Always. Use a blacklist checker (free online tools) to verify the IMEI isn't reported lost or stolen. Blacklisted handsets won't work on UK networks — buying one wastes money.

What Is the IMEI on a UK Business Mobile and Why It Matters (2026)

Last updated: April 2026

The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit number unique to each mobile handset. For UK business mobile users, knowing your IMEIs and how to use them matters when phones are lost, stolen, sold, or transferred between staff. Here's the practical guide.

What an IMEI is

A 15-digit number that uniquely identifies a specific physical handset. Burned into the device hardware. Different from:

Mobile number — your phone number, tied to a SIM
SIM IMSI — number identifying the SIM card itself
Device serial number — manufacturer's identifier (similar but separate)

IMEI stays with the physical handset for its lifetime. Replacing the SIM doesn't change the IMEI. Replacing the phone changes the IMEI; the SIM (and number) can move to the new phone.

Where to find your IMEI

On the device

iPhone: Settings → General → About → IMEI (also appears in Apple ID account)
Android: Settings → About phone → IMEI (or *#06# on the dialler shows it instantly)
Universal: dial *#06# on any handset's dialler — IMEI displays instantly

Outside the device

Inside the SIM tray — printed on the metal frame of the SIM holder
On the original packaging — sticker with IMEI and other details
On the receipt from purchase

For business deployments, record IMEI for every handset in your asset register at provisioning. Massively useful when phones are lost or staff leave.

Why IMEIs matter for UK business mobile

1. Lost/stolen phone reporting

When a business mobile is lost or stolen, your provider can blacklist the IMEI on UK national lists. Result: the physical handset can't be activated on any UK network — effectively bricked. Even if a thief swaps the SIM, the device won't work.

To do this, your provider needs the IMEI. Without it, they can only block your specific SIM (which doesn't stop the device being used with a different SIM).

2. Asset tracking

For businesses with 10+ mobile handsets, IMEIs are essential for asset register:

Which handset is allocated to which staff member
Which handsets are owned vs leased
Tracking warranty / insurance per device
Quickly identifying devices for return when staff leave

3. Insurance claims

For business handset insurance claims, IMEI is required as proof of which device was lost / damaged. Insurance pays out against IMEI verification.

4. SIM/handset compatibility

Sometimes a SIM doesn't work in a specific handset (network locks, region locks). IMEI lookup tools tell you network compatibility before swapping.

5. Buying / selling refurbished phones

When buying refurbished business handsets, always check the IMEI on a "blacklist checker" (free online services exist) before accepting. Confirms the device isn't reported lost or stolen — protects against buying handsets that won't work on UK networks.

When you'd use the IMEI

Lost or stolen phone

Find the IMEI from your asset register or original packaging
Call your provider immediately
Request: "Block IMEI [number] on national blacklist"
Provider blocks; device can't be used on UK networks

Staff leaver returning handset

Check IMEI on returned device matches the IMEI in your asset register for that staff member
Confirms the staff member returned the actual issued device, not a substitute
Reset device, re-provision for next user

Buying second-hand handsets

Get IMEI from seller before buying
Check on a blacklist verification tool (UK sites like CheckMEND or SellMyMobile)
If clean, proceed; if blacklisted, walk away

Insurance claim

Provide IMEI as part of claim
Insurer verifies device matches policy
Pays out per terms

Network unlock

If a handset is locked to a specific network, the unlock is requested using the IMEI. Networks can confirm and process unlocks (paid or free depending on terms).

Best practice for business asset management

For businesses with multiple handsets:

Asset register with: staff name, handset model, IMEI, SIM number, allocation date
Provisioning policy: handsets allocated only after IMEI logged
Return policy: leavers' handsets verified by IMEI match
Insurance policy: linked to handset IMEI list
Lost-phone procedure: immediate IMEI block via provider

CTN can help with asset management as part of multi-SIM business mobile accounts.

FAQs

What's an IMEI on a UK mobile phone?

A 15-digit unique identifier for the physical handset. Burned into hardware; doesn't change when you swap SIMs. Used for asset tracking, lost/stolen blacklisting, insurance claims, and network unlock requests.

How do I find my UK business mobile's IMEI?

Easiest: dial *#06# on the handset — IMEI displays instantly. Also in Settings → General → About (iPhone) or Settings → About phone (Android). Or printed on the original packaging or inside the SIM tray.

Can a stolen UK business mobile be made unusable?

Yes — your provider can blacklist the IMEI nationally. Once blacklisted, the device can't be activated on any UK network even if the thief swaps the SIM. Provider needs the IMEI to do this — keep an asset register.

Should I check the IMEI before buying a refurbished business handset?

Yes — always. Use a blacklist checker (free online) to verify the IMEI isn't reported lost or stolen. Buying a blacklisted handset means it won't work on UK networks.

Does changing my SIM change my IMEI?

No. IMEI is tied to the physical handset; SIM swap doesn't change it. Conversely, moving your SIM to a new handset means using the new device's IMEI for that SIM.

Can I share my IMEI with strangers?

Generally fine for warranty / insurance / customer-service purposes. Don't share publicly online — IMEI alone can't enable significant fraud, but combined with other personal details could contribute to social engineering.

Getting help

Call 01743 598025 or request a quote. For larger business mobile deployments, we provide asset management tools and procedures.