What Is an IMEI Number and Why Does It Matter for Trade-Ins?
When you’re getting ready to sell your old phone, you’ll often be asked for a 15-digit number you’ve probably never thought about: the IMEI.
While it might seem like a random string of numbers, your phone’s IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is its unique fingerprint. It’s the key to unlocking your device’s history and, more importantly, its cash value.
So if you’re planning to trade in or sell your phone, it’s worth knowing what your IMEI number is. Not sure where it is? Read on for a full breakdown of how to find it and why it plays such a critical role in determining how much cash you can get for your old phone.
What Is an IMEI Number?
An IMEI is a 15-digit code assigned to every phone that connects to a cellular network. No two devices share the same IMEI, making it a universal identifier. This number is hardcoded into your phone’s hardware and is used by carriers to recognize and validate devices on their networks. So if you have a dual-SIM phone, you’ll have two IMEI numbers (one for each SIM slot).
The IMEI format, known as the Type Allocation Code (TAC), reveals the manufacturer and model of the device. The rest of the digits are a unique serial number, followed by a final check digit. This structure is a global standard, which is why it’s so important for network security and device tracking.
Why Your IMEI Number Is So Important
While it works in the background, your phone’s IMEI is essential for several key functions, especially when it comes to buying, selling, or trading in a used phone.
Here are just a few reasons why this number is so important.
1. Activating Your Phone on a Network
When you switch carriers or activate a new phone, the carrier uses the IMEI to register the device to your account. This is how they know which phone is yours and whether it’s compatible with their network.
2. Blacklisting a Lost or Stolen Phone
This is the most critical function of an IMEI number. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can report it to your carrier. They will then add the IMEI to a national blacklist (also called “block list”), which is a database of devices that have been reported as lost or stolen. Once an IMEI is blacklisted, the device can no longer connect to any cellular network in the country. This is a powerful security measure that, according to the Federal Communications Commission, helps deter theft by rendering stolen devices useless.
3. Determining Your Phone’s Trade-In Value
When you trade in your phone, the first thing a buyback company does is check the IMEI. This check instantly reveals several key pieces of information that directly impact your phone’s estimated value, such as:
- Carrier Lock Status: Is the phone locked to a specific carrier (like AT&T or Verizon), or is it unlocked?
- Blacklist Status: Has the phone been reported lost or stolen?
- Device Authenticity: Is the phone a genuine model from the original manufacturer?
A clean, unlocked IMEI will always command a higher price than one that is locked or, even worse, blacklisted.
How to Find Your IMEI Number
Finding your IMEI is simple, and there are several ways to do it. Here are the easiest methods:
- Dial *#06#: Open your phone’s dialing pad and type in *#06#. Your IMEI will instantly appear on the screen. This is the quickest and most universal method.
- Check the Settings Menu:
- On iPhone: Go to Settings > General > About and scroll down to find the IMEI.
- On Android: Go to Settings > About Phone > Status to find the IMEI.
- Look on the SIM Tray: On many newer iPhones and some Androids, the IMEI is engraved on the SIM card tray.
- Check the Original Box: The IMEI is always printed on a sticker on the original packaging.
What to Do After You Find Your IMEI
Once you have your IMEI number, you can use it to check your phone’s status. This is a crucial step before selling your device, as it tells you exactly what a buyer or trade-in company will see. You can also use a free service like the one offered by CTIA at StolenPhoneChecker.org to see if your phone has been blacklisted.
Here’s what your IMEI results mean for your trade-in.
What Your IMEI Status Means for Your Trade-In Value
| IMEI Status | What It Means | Your Trade-In Options |
|---|---|---|
| Clean & Unlocked | The phone is not blacklisted and can be used on any carrier. | You will get the highest possible trade-in value. |
| Clean & Carrier-Locked | The phone is not blacklisted but is tied to a specific carrier. | You can still sell it, but the value will be slightly lower. Some buyback companies, like SmartphonesPLUS, will buy carrier-locked phones. |
| Blacklisted | The phone has been reported lost or stolen and cannot be activated. | Your options are very limited. Most places will not buy a blacklisted phone, as it is considered stolen property. We recommend calling your carrier to have them remove the phone from the blacklist. |
Getting the Most Cash for Your Phone
Your phone’s IMEI status is directly tied to its cash value. A clean and unlocked phone is a valuable asset, and you should be compensated for it fairly. This is where the difference between trade-in programs becomes clear.
While you can trade in a carrier-locked phone, you’ll always get more money for an unlocked one. If your phone is paid off, you can contact your carrier to have it unlocked, which can instantly boost its trade-in value.
However, it’s important to note that not all IMEI statuses are the same, and each one can affect your phone’s value in different ways. A phone with a clean IMEI will always be able to get the highest price, while certain issues tied to that number can quickly lower (or even eliminate) its resale value.
Understanding how these scenarios work can help you avoid costly mistakes and make smarter decisions when buying or selling a device.
Here are three common IMEI situations that can directly impact how much your phone is worth.
The Financial Impact of a Blacklisted IMEI
A blacklisted IMEI number renders a phone nearly worthless on the legitimate secondary market. No reputable buyback company or carrier will purchase a device that has been reported lost or stolen.
This is why it is so important to purchase used phones from trusted sources. If you buy a phone from an unverified seller, you run the risk of purchasing a blacklisted device, which means you will have wasted your money on a phone that cannot be activated.
How a Locked IMEI Affects Your Payout
A carrier-locked IMEI doesn’t kill your phone’s value, but it does limit it. A phone that is locked to a specific carrier can only be used by customers of that carrier, which shrinks the pool of potential buyers. As a result, the trade-in value for a locked phone is always lower than for an unlocked one.
However, the good news is that many online buyback companies will still purchase carrier-locked phones. They have the resources to manage and resell these devices, giving you a cash option that you wouldn’t have otherwise.
The Hidden Risk of a Financed IMEI
There’s another category that can cause problems: a financed IMEI. This means the phone is still under a payment plan with a carrier. Even if the phone isn’t blacklisted, it is still technically owned by the carrier until it is paid off. If you sell a financed phone and the original owner stops making payments, the carrier can blacklist the IMEI, rendering the phone useless for the new owner.
This is a major risk for buyers and is why most reputable buyback companies will not purchase phones that are still being financed. It’s also why selling to a trusted company that checks for this is so important.
Making the Smart Choice
Your phone’s IMEI is more than a technical detail. It’s a direct link to its history and its value. By understanding what it is and how to check it, you can protect yourself as a buyer and empower yourself as a seller. A clean IMEI is a green light, signaling that your device is ready to be converted into cash. A locked, financed, or blacklisted IMEI, on the other hand, is a red flag that requires careful consideration.
No matter your phone’s status, knowledge is power. Use that knowledge to make a smart financial decision: take the time to find your IMEI, check its status, and get a quote from a reputable online buyback company. This is the best way to get the most value when you sell your old device.
FAQs About IMEI Numbers
What if my phone has two IMEI numbers?
If your phone has two IMEI numbers, it means it is a dual-SIM device. Both numbers are valid, and you can use either one when checking your phone’s status or trading it in.
Can a blacklisted phone be un-blacklisted?
A phone can be removed from the blacklist by the original owner who reported it lost or stolen. If you purchase a used phone that is blacklisted, you have likely bought a stolen device and have very little recourse.
Does a bad IMEI mean the phone is broken?
Not necessarily. A “bad IMEI” simply means the phone has been blacklisted. The phone itself might be in perfect physical condition, and will work on WiFi, but it will be unable to connect to any cellular network.
Do I need to check my IMEI before selling to SmartphonesPLUS?
While it’s a good idea to know your phone’s status, you don’t have to. At SmartphonesPLUS, we will always check the IMEI for you as part of our free inspection process.
Why is a cash offer better than a carrier credit?
A cash offer gives you complete freedom. You can use the money for anything you want, whereas a carrier credit locks you into a long-term contract and can (usually) only be used to pay your phone bill. A cash offer is a true reflection of your phone’s value, with no strings attached.
