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A cellphone serial number is the device manufacturer’s identifier for an individual unit, used in manufacturer records and support. It is not automatically the same as an IMEI: Apple, for example, lists the serial number and IMEI/MEID as separate fields.
What a cellphone serial number means
A manufacturer serial number identifies a particular device in the manufacturer’s support and records systems. It is assigned by the manufacturer, and formats can differ between manufacturers. There is no universal cellphone serial-number format established here, so a serial number should not be assumed to reveal a phone’s model, factory, or production date.
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If a repair, warranty, or support form requests a serial number, enter the field labeled “Serial Number” on the device or in its manufacturer account—not a different identifier just because it also identifies the phone.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsHow a serial number differs from an IMEI
An IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit identifier for a cellular device on a mobile network. GSMA describes its parts as a Type Allocation Code (TAC), a serial-number portion, and a check digit. The word “serial” in that technical description refers to digits embedded in the IMEI; it is not the separate manufacturer serial-number field.
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| Identifier | What it identifies or does | Format established by the sources |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer serial number | A particular unit in the manufacturer’s support and records context | Manufacturer-specific; no universal format is established |
| IMEI | A cellular device for mobile-network identification | 15 digits: 8-digit TAC, 6-digit serial-number portion, and final check digit |
| IMEI SV | A related IMEI representation that includes software-version digits | 16 digits, with two software-version digits in place of the IMEI check digit; not every phone or form uses it |
| MEID | An electronic device identifier associated with CDMA technology devices | 14 digits |
| ESN | An electronic device identifier associated with CDMA technology phones | 8 or 11 digits |
The TAC helps identify a device type or model; it is allocated to manufacturers for compliant device models. MEID and ESN are other identifiers, not alternate names for a manufacturer’s serial number.
How the device identifier differs from a SIM identifier
The IMEI identifies the device, while a SIM identifies a subscription. A mobile network can associate a device identifier with the subscription currently using it, but the two identifiers answer different questions: which handset is involved, versus which subscription is in use.
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- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41
- Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
Where to find a cellphone serial number or IMEI
On iPhone or iPad
- Open Settings > General > About.
- Read the separately labeled fields. Apple lists the serial number apart from EID, IMEI/MEID, and ICCID.
- If you cannot access Settings, check the original packaging, Finder, Apple Devices or iTunes on a computer, or the device listing in your Apple Account.
Physical markings depend on the model. Some older iPhones show IMEI information on the SIM tray or body; iPhone 14 models and later do not have an IMEI/MEID engraving.
On other phones
GSMA Device Check says some phones display the IMEI/MEID/ESN when you enter *#06# in the phone app keypad. Some devices also have an identifier on a label behind the back cover or under the battery. Menus and markings vary by manufacturer, model, and region, so consult the phone maker’s instructions for the exact location. Do not treat an IMEI shown this way as the manufacturer serial number unless the device explicitly labels it as such.
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- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
What an IMEI status check can—and cannot—tell you
Operators may block a device’s IMEI after it is reported lost or stolen. A GSMA Device Check result reflects information reported by participating network operators and approved commercial device owners; it is a network-status check, not a standalone ownership certificate. A result cannot by itself prove lawful ownership, guarantee future service, or establish that a handset is genuine.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Use the identifier the form actually requests
- Manufacturer support, warranty, or device records: use the manufacturer serial number if the field asks for the serial number.
- Mobile-network identification or a network block-status check: use the IMEI when requested.
- Older CDMA-related records: a form may request MEID or ESN; these are distinct identifiers with their own formats.
- SIM or subscription details: use the SIM-related identifier requested, not the handset’s IMEI or manufacturer serial number.
Check the label beside each number before submitting it. Similar names—and the serial-number portion within an IMEI—do not make these fields interchangeable.
Quick Recap
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- GSM Unlocked: Enjoy seamless connectivity with your preferred GSM carrier. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, AT&T, Cricket, Mint Mobile and other GSM networks. SIM card not included. For network compatibility, please check with your carrier. Note: Not compatible with CDMA networks like Verizon (Visible, Spectrum Mobile, US Mobile, Total Wireless, Straight Talk Wireless)
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- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Sources
- GSMA: IMEI Database
- Apple: Find the serial number, EID, or IMEI on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- GSMA Device Check: FAQs
- IETF RFC 7254: The IMEI URN
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