How to Retrieve the IMSI

Techwalla may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
A man on his smart phone
Image Credit: jakubzak/iStock/Getty Images

IMSI stands for International Mobile Subscriber Identity; it is an identification code used to individually represent cell phones on the GSM and UMTS networks. IMSI is associated almost exclusively with Android-based cell phones, and is the functional equivalent to IMEI and MEID codes used across different cell networks to identify telephony-equipped electronic devices. Retrieving your IMSI is a fairly straightforward task regardless of the operating system your phone uses, and it should take no more than five minutes to learn and complete.

Advertisement

Using Android OS

Video of the Day

Step 1

Open the app drawer, then open the "Settings" app.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Tap "About Phone" from the settings menu.

Advertisement

Step 3

Tap "Status," then scroll down to the IMSI heading. Your IMSI number will be listed below this heading.

Using Symbian or Palm OS

Step 1

Power up your phone.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Step 2

Ensure that your phone has service, and that it is not in airplane mode.

Step 3

Dial "*#06#" on the keypad, then press "Send." Your phone should display its IMSI number after a short delay.

Advertisement

Advertisement

references & resources