If your Samsung phone’s IMEI is missing or reported as invalid, first check whether it is absent only from one screen. Look in Settings > About phone, try *#06# in the Phone app where supported, and compare the result with the phone’s box, Samsung Members, and your carrier or purchase records. If the IMEI appears in records but not on the phone, contact Samsung support or an authorized service center; if the IMEI is present but your SIM or mobile network is not working, troubleshoot that separately with your carrier.
First, find out what “missing” or “not recognized” means
An IMEI identifies the phone; SIM detection and mobile-network access are separate issues. A phone can show an IMEI correctly while failing to recognize a SIM, and a carrier may report a device as unrecognized even when its IMEI is visible on the phone.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| What you see | What to check next | Who to contact |
|---|---|---|
| No IMEI on the phone, but a number appears on the box, in Samsung Members, or in purchase or carrier records | Compare the records and check the phone’s alternate IMEI display locations | Samsung support or an authorized service center for device diagnosis |
| IMEI appears on the phone, but a SIM is not detected or mobile service fails | Check SIM status and follow SIM/network troubleshooting | Your carrier for activation, account restrictions, or network recognition |
| IMEI appears, but a carrier or blacklist check rejects it | Ask the carrier or seller about the specific status and local remedy | Carrier or seller; procedures depend on country |
How to find your Samsung phone’s IMEI
Check Settings
Open Settings > About phone. On some older Galaxy devices, the IMEI is under a Status submenu instead. Samsung notes that menu names and screens can vary by model, carrier, and software version. See Samsung’s guide to finding a Galaxy IMEI.
Try the Phone app code
Open the Phone app and enter *#06#. Samsung says this method works where supported by the carrier. If no number appears, do not assume the phone has no assigned IMEI; check the other records below.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Compare with external records
- Check the original phone box and any device markings, where applicable.
- Check Samsung Members if the phone was registered.
- Review the carrier account and the receipt or bill of sale.
These records can help establish which IMEI was assigned to the device without relying on its current display. If the phone has more than one IMEI listed in its records, compare the relevant entry with the information requested by your carrier.
If the IMEI is absent from the phone itself
If Settings and the supported dial code do not show an IMEI, but the box or other records list one, treat this as a device-service issue rather than a SIM problem. Contact Samsung support or an authorized repair center and ask them to diagnose the phone. Samsung’s published support guidance explains how to find an IMEI and request service, but does not provide consumers with a procedure for rewriting or restoring a missing IMEI.
Rank #2
- 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.
Do not count on a factory reset, network-settings reset, SIM replacement, or a third-party IMEI-writing tool to restore the number. Samsung’s SIM troubleshooting steps address SIM detection and network connectivity, not a missing device IMEI. For repair, Samsung’s US portal says cost depends on diagnosis, warranty status, and repair type; service availability may depend on the country where the product was purchased. See Samsung US repair options.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
If the IMEI is present but the SIM or network is not recognized
Samsung explains that when calls and mobile-network connections stop working, the SIM card may not be recognized properly. Its guidance identifies possible SIM, insertion, temporary software, or carrier-setting issues; it does not treat these as evidence that the IMEI is missing. Start by checking the SIM status, then try the steps that fit your device.
Rank #3
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Check the SIM status
On Samsung’s US instructions, open Settings > About phone > Status information > SIM card status and see whether your carrier name appears under Network. Menu paths may differ by model or software version. Samsung’s steps are at Samsung’s SIM card troubleshooting guide.
Try basic SIM and network checks
- Check whether a carrier SIM-protection feature is preventing activation.
- Restart the phone.
- Power down and reseat the SIM, or test another active SIM if available.
- Reset mobile network settings if the SIM is detected but service remains unavailable.
- If the SIM contacts are dirty, wipe them gently with a soft, dry cloth. Do not force the SIM or tray.
- Run SIM diagnostics in Samsung Members if the feature is available on your phone.
These steps are for SIM recognition or network access. A replacement SIM may help if your carrier determines the SIM itself is faulty; it is not a remedy for an IMEI missing from the device.
Rank #4
- AWESOME SCREEN. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES: Elevate your content no matter where you are with the 6.7" Super AMOLED display¹ of the Galaxy A37 5G. Enjoy massive detail and stunning clarity on the go
- LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Whether it’s family moments or important calls, stay powered without the wait with Galaxy A37 5G. Super Fast Charging 2.0² ensures you’re back up and running quickly
- NEVER MISS THE SHOT, EVEN IN LOW LIGHT: With effortless Nightography, you can capture clear high-quality photos and videos on your phone automatically without adjusting manual settings
- PRO SHOTS, NO PROBLEM: Capture every moment effortlessly on Galaxy A37 5G with the advanced triple-lens camera system featuring a 50MP HDR main camera and a studio-grade front camera
- MORE POWER. MORE AWESOME: Enjoy smooth performance on Galaxy A37 5G. From detailed graphics while gaming to quick app launches and effortless multitasking, the Exynos 1480 keeps everything running
Contact the carrier when it still will not connect
Ask your carrier to check SIM activation, account restrictions, and whether its system recognizes the device. If the carrier says the IMEI is blocked or otherwise restricted, ask what status it is seeing and which local process applies. A carrier’s “not recognized” message alone does not establish that the IMEI is absent from the phone.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11If an IMEI or blacklist check rejects the phone
Blacklist checks and remedies are not universal. They depend on the country, carrier, and seller. Use the relevant local carrier or official service rather than applying one country’s instructions elsewhere.
Best Value
- 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.
- Canada: Samsung Canada advises contacting the carrier or seller about removing a blacklist status and considering a return or exchange if needed. See Samsung Canada’s blacklist guidance.
- India: The government’s CEIR service provides a country-specific IMEI check and advises against buying a phone whose status is black-listed, duplicate, or already in use. Use CEIR’s IMEI verification service.
For a used-phone purchase, check the status through the appropriate local channel before buying where an official checker is available. If a check flags the phone, contact the seller or carrier about your options rather than trying to alter the device identifier.
Quick Recap
What not to do
- Do not treat SIM troubleshooting as an IMEI restoration method.
- Do not assume a reset or new SIM will make a missing IMEI reappear.
- Do not use third-party tools that claim to write or repair an IMEI; Samsung’s cited consumer guidance does not provide this as a supported fix.
- Do not assume blacklist procedures from Canada or India apply in another country.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
