Phone & IMEI Guides

Practical, honest information on IMEI numbers, buying used phones, carrier lock, iCloud status, and more.

Basics

What Is an IMEI Number?

Everything you need to know about the 15-digit identifier that makes every phone unique.

How-To

How to Find Your IMEI on iPhone & Android

Every method — dial code, settings, SIM tray, box — for single and dual-SIM phones.

Blacklist

How to Check If a Phone Is Blacklisted

What a blacklist is, why it matters, and which official carrier tools to use.

Technical

TAC Code Explained — The First 8 Digits of Your IMEI

What the Type Allocation Code reveals about a device and why it matters.

Carrier Lock

How to Check If a Phone Is Carrier Unlocked

The reliable ways to test carrier lock status before buying a used phone.

Apple

iPhone Activation Lock: What It Is & How to Check

Understanding iCloud Activation Lock and how to verify it before buying an iPhone.

Basics

IMEI vs Serial Number — What's the Difference?

Two identifiers, two purposes. Know which one to use for which check.

Buying Guide

How to Buy a Used Phone Safely

A complete checklist covering what to verify online and in person.

Security

What to Do If Your Phone Is Stolen

Step-by-step actions: report, blacklist, lock, and track your stolen device.

FAQ

Does Changing the SIM Card Change the IMEI?

No — and here's why that matters for tracking and used-phone checks.

Security

IMEI Cloning: What It Is and How to Spot It

How fraudsters duplicate IMEI numbers and what it means for used-phone buyers.

Selling Guide

How to Sell Your Phone Safely

Protect your data and your identity when selling a used phone.

Recommendations

Best Phones to Buy Second-Hand in 2025

Models that hold up well used, with good software support and part availability.

Inspection

How to Check Battery Health Before Buying a Used Phone

Built-in settings and third-party tools to assess battery condition.

iPhone 18

iPhone 18 Pro — IMEI Guide, Specs & Buying Checklist

Variable aperture, A20 Pro chip, eSIM-only — what to verify before buying a used iPhone 18 Pro.

iPhone 18

iPhone 18 Pro Max — IMEI Guide & Used Phone Checklist

45-hour battery, 6.9-inch display, $1,299–$2,499 — the complete verification checklist for the 18 Pro Max.

iPhone 18

iPhone Duo (Foldable) — IMEI Guide & What to Check

Apple's first foldable iPhone — unique IMEI checks, foldable-specific risks, and buying advice.

iPhone 18

iPhone 18 vs iPhone 17 — IMEI & TAC Differences

How TAC codes distinguish the two generations — and how to spot a model mismatch before you pay.