> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.hologram.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Why is my device not showing an IMEI?

> IMEI may not always be available for a SIM. This can be expected in some cases.

## 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>
  **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.
</Note>

## What can I do about a missing IMEI?

<Steps>
  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Trigger or wait for a session">
    Power on the device and confirm it connects. The IMEI typically appears after the next successful session.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Account for device or SIM swaps">
    If the SIM was moved to a new device, the previous IMEI may show until a new session occurs.
  </Step>
</Steps>

If a SIM has had successful sessions and the IMEI still never appears, [contact support](/guides/get-started/contact-support).

## What does the SIM details page show if no IMEI is available?

If no IMEI has been seen for a SIM, the SIM details page shows "Not available" for Last known IMEI.