Boneyard Tools

IMEI Validator and Check Digit Tool

Paste a phone IMEI to check whether it is a valid 15-digit number and see its TAC, serial number and Luhn check digit. Validation runs entirely in your browser; spaces and dashes are ignored.

How to validate an IMEI

  1. Find your IMEI by dialing *#06# or checking Settings, the SIM tray or the box.
  2. Paste the 15 digits into the box. Spaces and dashes are stripped for you.
  3. Read the valid or invalid result, plus the TAC, serial number and check digit breakdown.

Examples

A valid IMEI

490154203237518
valid: true, TAC: 49015420, serial: 323751, check: 8

One wrong digit fails the checksum

490154203237519
valid: false (the check digit should be 8, not 9)

Frequently asked questions

What is an IMEI number?

An IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit number that uniquely identifies a phone or cellular device on a mobile network. The last digit is a check digit, so a single typo can be detected.

What is the TAC in an IMEI?

The TAC (Type Allocation Code) is the first 8 digits of the IMEI. It identifies the device model and the body that issued it, so two phones of the same model share the same TAC but have different serial numbers.

How is an IMEI validated?

This tool checks that the number is exactly 15 digits and runs the Luhn algorithm over all 15 digits. The 15th digit is a check digit chosen so the Luhn checksum comes out to a multiple of 10.

Does a valid IMEI mean the phone is genuine or not blocklisted?

No. This tool only confirms the number is well-formed and passes the Luhn checksum. It does not tell you the model, carrier lock, warranty, or whether the device is reported lost or stolen, which requires a carrier or GSMA lookup.

What is the check digit and how do I compute it?

The check digit is the final digit, derived from the first 14 with the Luhn formula. Use the check digit helper here to compute it for any 14-digit body, which is handy when one digit is smudged on a label.

Is my IMEI sent anywhere?

No. All validation happens locally in your browser, so the IMEI you paste never leaves your device and is not logged or stored.

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