IMEI Generator (test)

How an IMEI identifies a mobile device

The IMEI — International Mobile Equipment Identity is the fifteen-digit number that uniquely identifies the hardware of a mobile device on cellular networks: smartphones, feature phones, LTE/5G modems, IoT modules. It is the identifier of the handset, not of the SIM card; the SIM carries an IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity), which is what links the device to a phone number and an operator.

Every GSM, UMTS, LTE and 5G phone in the world has at least one IMEI — dual-SIM models have two. The easiest way to read it is to dial *#06# on the keypad; it is also printed under the battery, on the SIM tray, on the original box and in the operating-system settings.

IMEI structure (15 digits)

The fifteen digits split into three blocks: an 8-digit TAC — Type Allocation Code, allocated by the GSMA and identifying the model and manufacturer; a 6-digit serial number assigned sequentially by the manufacturer to each unit; and a 1-digit check digit. Examples of TACs: 35-29-50-04 belongs to the space-grey iPhone 6, 35-32-32-09 to a Samsung Galaxy S6. The IMEISV variant has 16 digits — it replaces the check digit with a two-digit SVN (Software Version Number).

Check-digit math (Luhn)

The IMEI check digit is computed with the Luhn algorithm, the same one used by credit-card numbers. Starting from the right (excluding the check digit), double every second digit; if the doubled value is greater than 9, subtract 9. Sum every digit; the check digit is the value that makes the total a multiple of 10. A correct check digit does not prove the device is real — only that the number is well-formed.

CEIR, theft blocking and Brazilian regulation

When a phone is reported stolen, the operator blacklists its IMEI so it cannot register on any compatible network. The GSMA aggregates the country blacklists in the CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register), sharing blocks globally. In Brazil, Anatel keeps the list of approved (homologated) IMEIs and operates a national IMEI blocking service. Tampering with an IMEI (reprogramming a stolen device, "IMEI cloning") is a crime in Brazil under Law 12.737/2012 and CP art. 313-A, and is similarly illegal in most jurisdictions.

FAQ

Does this tool generate the IMEI of a real device? No. The output is Luhn-valid (the check digit math is correct) but the TAC and serial number are random and are not registered with the GSMA. It will not match any real handset.

Can I use it to unlock or reset an iPhone? No. Apple verifies the IMEI on its servers against the original purchase record; a generated number cannot bypass Activation Lock, iCloud or carrier locks.

Is it legal to change the IMEI of my phone? No in Brazil and in most countries. IMEI reprogramming is treated as device tampering and, when it involves a stolen handset, as receiving stolen property.

What is it useful for? Mock data for telecom-system tests, IoT module form validation, training datasets, regex/Luhn unit tests and UX prototyping. Generation runs entirely in your browser.