What is an IMEI?
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique, usually 15-digit number identifying a cellular modem on the network.Why is the IMEI missing for a SIM?
- Network did not provide it: Some networks do not provide IMEI with every data session. Some networks do not provide IMEI consistently between sessions. We show the IMEI whenever it is available, and default to showing the last known IMEI when we have it.
- No connections yet: SIMs that have not connected to a network will not have IMEI information.
- Device/SIM swapped: If a SIM was moved to another device, you may see the previous IMEI until a new session occurs.
Note: As a best practice, store the device’s printed IMEI alongside the SIM’s ICCID in your inventory before deployment. If you change modules or move SIMs, the IMEI will change.
What can I do about a missing IMEI?
Confirm the SIM has connected
IMEI is only reported once a SIM completes a data session on the network. A SIM that has never connected will not show an IMEI.
Trigger or wait for a session
Power on the device and confirm it connects. The IMEI typically appears after the next successful session.
Check the IMEI on the device
If you need the value immediately, read the IMEI printed on the modem or device label, or query it directly from the module (often with the
AT+CGSN command).