IMEI vs EID vs ICCID vs MEID: What Each Number Means
IMEI, EID, ICCID, and MEID Explained
Quick answer: IMEI identifies cellular device hardware, EID identifies the embedded eSIM hardware, ICCID identifies a SIM or downloaded eSIM profile, and MEID is a device identifier associated with legacy CDMA systems. They are not interchangeable.
Apple and mobile-identity references reviewed 11 August 2026.
Identifier Comparison
| Identifier | Identifies | Typical use | Changes? |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMEI | A cellular device or radio identity | Device identification, carrier activation, covered blacklist checks | Normally remains with the device |
| EID | The embedded eSIM component | Provisioning eSIM service | Normally remains with the eSIM hardware |
| ICCID | A physical SIM or eSIM profile | Carrier subscription and SIM-profile administration | Changes when the SIM/profile changes |
| MEID | A mobile device identity used in CDMA-era systems | Legacy carrier provisioning and device records | Normally remains with the device |
| Serial number | The manufacturer’s product record | Support, warranty, repair, and product identification | Normally remains with the product |
What Is an IMEI?
An IMEI is normally a 15-digit identifier for a device capable of cellular-network access. The first eight digits are the TAC, which can identify an allocated device family. Dual-SIM and eSIM-capable phones may display IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 because more than one cellular line can be active.
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Use an IMEI for available device identification, official carrier compatibility checks, and reports whose included fields explicitly name the status source you need.
What Is an EID Number?
EID means Embedded Identity Document. It identifies the eSIM hardware used to download and manage carrier profiles. An EID is not a replacement for the IMEI: the EID supports eSIM provisioning, while the IMEI identifies the cellular device identity presented to a network.
What Is an ICCID?
ICCID means Integrated Circuit Card Identifier. It identifies the SIM subscription profile—whether stored on a removable SIM card or delivered as an eSIM profile. Moving a physical SIM to another phone moves the ICCID with the SIM, but it does not move the phone’s IMEI.
What Is an MEID?
MEID means Mobile Equipment Identifier. It is associated with CDMA-era device identification and may still appear in Settings or older carrier workflows. Do not add digits, convert formats, or submit an MEID as an IMEI unless the receiving carrier or official tool explicitly supports that input.
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Where to Find IMEI, EID, ICCID, and MEID
On iPhone, open Settings → General → About and scroll to the relevant fields. Apple also documents finding identifiers through Finder, Apple Devices/iTunes, the Apple Account device list, and original packaging. See Apple’s official identifier instructions.
On Android, open Settings → About phone or Settings → About device. Menu names differ by manufacturer. You can usually display IMEI values by dialing *#06#; EID and ICCID availability depends on the device and active SIM/eSIM configuration.
Privacy: Which Numbers Should You Share?
- Share an IMEI privately only when a legitimate buyer, carrier, repair provider, or verification service needs it.
- Do not publish an EID, ICCID, full IMEI, activation QR code, account PIN, or one-time code in a public listing.
- A buyer can reasonably request an IMEI to identify a used phone, but should not need your carrier password or eSIM activation code.
For devices with two network identities, continue to the IMEI 1 vs IMEI 2 guide or the eSIM IMEI page.