What Is the TAC Code in an IMEI Number?
Understanding the TAC Code in IMEI
Every 15-digit IMEI number begins with an 8-digit TAC — Type Allocation Code. This is the segment that identifies the device type and manufacturer, and it's what IMEI check services use to return device information.
IMEI Number Structure
A standard IMEI breaks down as follows:
- Digits 1–8: TAC (Type Allocation Code) — Identifies the device model and manufacturer
- Digits 9–14: Serial Number (SNR) — Unique serial within the same model
- Digit 15: Check Digit (CD) — Calculated via Luhn algorithm to validate IMEI legitimacy
What the TAC Reveals
The TAC is registered with the GSMA (Global System for Mobile Communications Association) in the Type Allocation Code database. It stores:
- Manufacturer name (Apple, Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.)
- Device model and variant
- Network bands and technology supported
- Release year and region of manufacture
TAC and IMEI Validation
When you run a free IMEI check, the TAC is decoded first. If the TAC is unrecognised (not in the GSMA database), the device is likely a clone or fake. All genuine devices from legitimate manufacturers have registered TAC codes.
Identify the phone before you trust the listing.
Start with the free check to validate the IMEI and compare available device identity details.
Free
A quick first look
Enough to know whether the listing is worth more time.
Why TAC Matters for Buyers
The TAC is the foundation of all IMEI-based device verification. It cannot be changed without physically altering the device's firmware — making it a reliable identifier. A device with a TAC that doesn't match the claimed brand is definitively fake.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a TAC code in an IMEI?
- The TAC (Type Allocation Code) consists of the first 8 digits of an IMEI. It uniquely identifies the manufacturer brand and specific hardware model of the device.
- Who issues TAC codes to phone manufacturers?
- The GSMA (GSM Association) is the global authority that allocates Type Allocation Codes to registered mobile hardware manufacturers.
- What can you determine from just the 8-digit TAC code?
- You can identify the device make, marketing model name, model revision number, and supported cellular radio technologies.
- Can two different phone models have the same TAC?
- No. Every distinct hardware revision and model allocation has its own unique 8-digit TAC registered in the GSMA database.