The serial number identifies an individual Samsung product in the manufacturer’s records; the IMEI identifies a phone or other mobile communication device in global mobile-network contexts. They refer to the same handset but serve different identification systems. Samsung says either may help network providers deal with a lost or stolen device. Samsung Canada Support
IMEI, serial number, and model number are not interchangeable
Samsung describes the IMEI and serial number as “two forms of identification” for a Galaxy phone or tablet. The serial number is assigned by the manufacturer to an individual product and can identify products across categories. The IMEI is an identifier for mobile communication devices, used at a global level rather than only within one manufacturer’s product records. Samsung Canada Support notes that both may help network providers with lost or stolen devices.
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| Identifier | What it identifies | Where it is relevant |
|---|---|---|
| Serial number | An individual Samsung product | Manufacturer and product-support records; Samsung says it may also help network providers in lost-or-stolen situations |
| IMEI | An individual mobile communication device | Global mobile-device identification and mobile-network contexts |
| Model number | A product range or variant, not one individual handset | Identifies the type of device; details may differ by factors such as year, color, or carrier |
A model number is the one most likely to be shared by many phones. Use the serial number or IMEI when a form or support representative asks for an individual device identifier, and follow the instructions for the specific task: a carrier, repair provider, warranty process, or promotion may request a particular one. Samsung Canada Support Samsung US Support
Find them in Settings first
- On a Galaxy phone, open Settings > About phone.
- Look for the entries labeled IMEI and Serial number. On a tablet, Samsung’s path is Settings > About tablet.
Samsung notes that screens and settings can vary by device model, software version, and wireless provider, so labels or placement may not look identical on every Galaxy device. Samsung US Support
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If the phone is unavailable
If the handset will not turn on, is missing, or cannot be unlocked, try existing records rather than opening it:
- Original packaging: check the product label on the box.
- Samsung Members: check the app if the device was registered to your account.
- Carrier account: some carriers show device details on their website or in the account portal.
- Purchase paperwork: review the bill of sale or other purchase record.
- Dialer code: where supported by the carrier, enter *#06# in the phone app to display device identifiers.
Some older Galaxy devices with removable batteries may have identifier information beneath the battery. This applies only to certain devices; do not try to remove a non-removable battery. Samsung lists these lookup options in its US support guide.
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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.
Do not rely on a label on the rear panel as a universal fallback: Samsung Singapore notes that the IMEI, serial number, and model number may no longer be printed there if the back panel has been replaced. Samsung Singapore Support
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Identifier lengths are only a regional clue
Samsung Ireland’s support page describes a serial number as 11 characters and an IMEI as 15 digits. Treat those lengths as Samsung Ireland’s guidance, not a guarantee for every Samsung product or market; use the labels shown in Settings or the device records to tell them apart. Samsung Ireland Support (last updated March 19, 2026)
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Which number should you provide?
Provide the exact identifier requested by the carrier, Samsung support, repair service, or promotion. An IMEI is the mobile-device identifier most directly associated with network contexts; the serial number is the manufacturer-assigned product identifier. Samsung says both can help with lost-or-stolen situations, but that does not mean every carrier or service uses them interchangeably or follows the same process. Check the request and the relevant provider’s requirements before submitting either number.
Keep both identifiers private where practical. Share them only with a carrier, manufacturer, repair provider, or service that has a legitimate reason to identify the device.
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- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
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- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
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