meids

A MEID, or Mobile Equipment Identifier, is a unique 18-digit number assigned to a cellular phone. It is used to identify the physical device itself, distinguishing it from the phone number assigned to the subscriber. The MEID is a globally unique identifier that is hard-coded into the device during manufacturing. It is crucial for network operators to manage their devices and prevent theft or fraudulent activity.

Unlike the older ESN (Electronic Serial Number), the MEID is a hexadecimal number, meaning it uses digits 0-9 and letters A-F. This hexadecimal format allows for a much larger number of unique identifiers, ensuring that every mobile device can have its own distinct MEID. When a phone is activated or registered on a cellular network, its MEID is transmitted to the network. This allows the network to authenticate the device and manage its connection.

The MEID plays a role in various network functions, including device tracking and provisioning. If a phone is reported stolen, its MEID can be blacklisted by network providers, preventing it from being used on any network. Furthermore, when a user switches to a new phone, the MEID of the new device is associated with their account. While users typically do not need to interact directly with their MEID, it is a fundamental component of mobile device management and network security.