**By Dev Tools Weekly** | randomimei.com
Everything you need to know about IMEI numbers on one page.
IMEI Format (15 Digits)
┌──────────┬────────┬─┐
│ TAC │ SNR │C│
│ 8 digits │6 digits│1│
└──────────┴────────┴─┘
| Segment | Digits | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| **TAC** (Type Allocation Code) | 1–8 | Identifies device manufacturer + model |
| **SNR** (Serial Number) | 9–14 | Unique device serial within the TAC |
| **CD** (Check Digit) | 15 | Luhn checksum for validation |
Total: 15 digits. No hyphens, no spaces (though often displayed as XX-XXXXXX-XXXXXX-X).
IMEISV Format (16 Digits)
┌──────────┬────────┬──┐
│ TAC │ SNR │SV│
│ 8 digits │6 digits│2 │
└──────────┴────────┴──┘
- **SV** (Software Version): 2 digits, replaces the check digit
- Used in 3GPP signaling (not printed on device)
- No Luhn check digit in IMEISV
Common TAC Codes by Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | Example TACs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| **Apple (iPhone)** | 35391109, 35407115, 35256011, 35332810 | Changes per model/generation |
| **Samsung** | 35290611, 35474009, 35876105 | Galaxy series |
| **Google (Pixel)** | 35589011, 35824010 | Pixel line |
| **Huawei** | 86134003, 86280603 | P and Mate series |
| **Xiaomi** | 86457004, 86738103 | Mi/Redmi/Poco |
| **OnePlus** | 86388803 | OnePlus series |
| **Motorola** | 35192910 | Moto G/Edge |
| **Sony** | 35158709 | Xperia |
TACs are assigned by GSMA. New models get new TACs. Use the TAC database at randomimei.com for current lookups.
Luhn Check Digit Calculation
The 15th digit is computed via the Luhn algorithm:
- Take the first 14 digits
- From the rightmost, double every other digit
- If result > 9, subtract 9
- Sum all 14 processed digits
- Check digit =
(10 - (sum mod 10)) mod 10
Example: IMEI 3539110912345 6?
Digits: 3 5 3 9 1 1 0 9 1 2 3 4 5 6
Double: 3 10 3 18 1 2 0 18 1 4 3 8 5 12
Adjust: 3 1 3 9 1 2 0 9 1 4 3 8 5 3
Sum = 52 → Check = (10 - 52%10) % 10 = (10-2)%10 = 8
IMEI: 353911091234568 ✅
IMEI vs. Related Identifiers
| Identifier | Length | Used For | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| **IMEI** | 15 | GSM/UMTS/LTE device ID | 353911091234568 |
| **IMEISV** | 16 | IMEI + software version | 3539110912345681 |
| **MEID** | 14 hex | CDMA device ID (legacy) | A0000012345678 |
| **ESN** | 8 hex | Old CDMA serial (deprecated) | 80AB1234 |
| **ICCID** | 19-20 | SIM card identifier | 8901260017641234567 |
| **IMSI** | 15 | Subscriber identity on SIM | 310260123456789 |
Where to Find IMEI
| Method | Steps |
|---|---|
| **Dial code** | Dial *#06# on any phone |
| **Settings (iOS)** | Settings → General → About → IMEI |
| **Settings (Android)** | Settings → About Phone → IMEI |
| **Physical** | SIM tray, back panel, or battery compartment |
| **Packaging** | Original box barcode label |
IMEI Blacklisting & Carrier Checks
- **GSMA Device Registry:** Global database of stolen/lost IMEIs
- **National blacklists:** US (Stolen Phone Checker), UK (CEIR), AU (AMTA)
- **Carrier lock:** IMEI locked to a specific network (different from blacklist)
- A blacklisted IMEI cannot register on any participating network
Common Use Cases for IMEI Generation
| Use Case | Why |
|---|---|
| **QA/Testing** | Populate test databases with valid-format IMEIs |
| **Device management** | Test MDM enrollment flows |
| **Telecom development** | Simulate device registration |
| **Database seeding** | Fill mock data with realistic identifiers |
| **Format validation** | Verify your Luhn implementation |
⚠️ Generated IMEIs are for testing only. Using fake IMEIs on real networks is illegal in most jurisdictions.
🛠 Generate valid IMEIs instantly: randomimei.com
More IMEI guides: Random IMEI articles