Meaning
English
An IMEI is the 15-digit number that identifies a mobile phone handset.
Roman Urdu
IMEI 15 hindson ka number hai jo har mobile phone ki alag pehchan hai.
Also called IMEI number, International Mobile Equipment Identity.
Example
A mobile shop records the IMEI of each phone it buys and sells. When a customer returns a phone under warranty, the shop types the IMEI and finds the bill, the date and the price in seconds.
How it works
Every handset has its own IMEI, and dual-SIM phones have two. You can see it by dialling *#06#, on the box label and under the battery or SIM tray. In Pakistan the IMEI matters for two reasons. First, PTA uses it to decide whether a phone may work on local networks. Second, it is the only reliable way to tell two phones of the same model apart for warranty, returns, theft checks and used-phone trade.
A mobile shop should record the IMEI when a phone enters stock and again on the sale bill. Selling a phone without recording its IMEI makes warranty claims and police queries hard to answer.
In Nafaa
The Nafaa mobile pack keeps an IMEI register: each phone is entered with its IMEI and PTA status, the counter sells by IMEI, and returns can be searched by IMEI. Bulk import also takes an IMEI column for phones.
Related terms
- PTA Approved
A PTA-approved phone is a handset registered with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, so it keeps working on Pakistani mobile networks.
- Serial Number Tracking
Serial number tracking records the unique serial of each high-value unit from purchase to sale, so every piece can be traced for warranty, returns and theft.