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Enter *#06# in your phone app’s keypad and, on supported devices, the phone displays its device identifier—usually an IMEI. That number can help you identify a cellular device or check whether it has been flagged on a participating network’s block list. It does not prove who owns the phone, guarantee that a used phone is legitimate, or confirm that it will work with your carrier.

What does *#06# do?

*#06# is a dialer or keypad code that can display a phone’s device identifier. GSMA Device Check instructs users to enter the code in the phone app keypad and execute a call. Depending on the device, the result may be an IMEI, MEID, or ESN. The code’s behavior is not established as identical on every handset, so it is more precise to call it a keypad code than to assume it starts a carrier USSD session. GSMA Device Check FAQ

If nothing appears, check the phone’s settings for device or IMEI information, look for a label on the device or packaging where applicable, or follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Menu names and paths vary by model and operating system.

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What is an IMEI?

An International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is a 15-digit identifier associated with a device used on a mobile network. It identifies the device, not its owner. The GSMA describes the number as three parts: an eight-digit Type Allocation Code (TAC), a six-digit serial number, and a one-digit check digit. The TAC is allocated to manufacturers and helps identify a device’s type or model allocation and capabilities. GSMA IMEI Database overview

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Some cellular devices use other identifiers, including MEID or ESN; Wi-Fi-only devices do not carry a cellular device identifier of this kind, according to GSMA Device Check. If your phone shows a different identifier or does not show one, consult its manufacturer’s documentation rather than assuming the code has failed.

How to use an IMEI check when buying a used phone

A trusted block-list lookup can reveal whether the IMEI is currently reported as lost, stolen, or otherwise unsuitable for cellular use. GSMA Device Check describes a green result as not currently flagged on its Block List; red means the identifier has been flagged and the device may be barred from cellular use. The list relies on information submitted by network operators and approved commercial device owners. GSMA Device Check FAQ

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  1. Get the identifier from the phone. Enter *#06# in the phone app keypad, or locate the identifier through the device’s settings or label.
  2. Compare it with the handset. Check that the lookup’s make or model information is consistent with the phone you are inspecting. GSMA notes that a mismatch can be a sign of a counterfeit or tampered device identity.
  3. Use a status service relevant to the sale. Check whether the service uses block-list information that covers the seller’s and buyer’s region or network ecosystem. Participating operators and contributors determine what reports are represented.
  4. Assess the phone and transaction separately. Confirm ownership and sale terms with the seller, and evaluate carrier compatibility and physical condition independently.

A clean result is useful but limited: it does not prove ownership, full authenticity, carrier compatibility, or that the phone has no defects. A device can also be reported after a check, and block-list coverage depends on participating networks and services. GSMA explains that lost or stolen device reports can be shared with other networks using the service, but that is not a guarantee of universal blocking. GSMA mobile-device theft policy

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What an IMEI does not prove—and how to protect it

An IMEI is not a password, an ownership certificate, or a safe way to authenticate an account. RFC 7254 explains that most mobile devices display the IMEI and that it may also be printed inside the device, making it obtainable by someone with brief physical access. The RFC says IMEIs must not be used as security capabilities—identifiers whose mere possession grants access—and cautions against treating knowledge of an IMEI as proof that a caller owns a device. RFC 7254, “Security and Privacy Considerations” (May 2014)

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  • Avoid posting the number publicly when there is no clear need.
  • Share it only with a service you trust for a specific purpose, such as a device-status check or support request.
  • Do not treat the number itself as account authentication or proof of a seller’s rights to the phone.

The number’s accessibility does not mean that merely viewing it compromises the handset. The practical point is to treat it as a device identifier, not as a secret credential.

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Why mobile networks use device identifiers

Device identifiers help mobile-network operators recognize devices on their networks. When a device is reported lost or stolen, participating services may use its identifier to support network blocking. The coverage of a check or block depends on operator participation and the service involved; it should not be assumed to extend to every carrier or country. GSMA’s IMEI allocation standard sets out principles for allocation and security. GSMA TS.06 v28.1 landing page (dated 2025-09-16)

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