IMEI vs MEID difference

Client

IMEI serves GSM/LTE handsets (15 decimal digits, Luhn). MEID identifies CDMA-era devices (14 hex digits). This page explains the difference and points you to IMEI Luhn tools when your paste is decimal IMEI.

Quick reference

IMEI: 15 decimal digits, Luhn mod-10, common on GSM/LTE About screens. MEID: 14 hex characters, CDMA heritage—read the device label literally.

Privacy: digits are parsed only in your browser—no carrier or GSMA lookup, no upload. Treat device identifiers like any sensitive paste on shared machines.
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A 15-digit IMEI is commonly described as eight-digit TAC + six-digit serial + Luhn check digit; the trailing digit should satisfy ISO/IEC 7812 mod 10 on the full string—same arithmetic as debit/credit PAN checks. A 16-digit IMEISVappends two software version digits instead of exposing the standalone check position; carriers may still relate it to IMEI numbering but this page stops at segmentation and does not certify assignment.

Result

Passes Luhn mod 10 on the 15-digit string.

  • TAC (8): 35693803
  • Serial (6): 564380
  • Check (1): 9

Common use cases

  • Decode paperwork that mixes MEID and IMEI columns.
  • Train staff on legacy Verizon/Sprint device labels.
  • Choose the correct field before portal submission.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Running IMEI Luhn on MEID hex

    MEID uses hexadecimal layout—different validation path.

  • Assuming every US phone is MEID-only

    Modern LTE devices usually expose IMEI on About screens.

  • Converting MEID to IMEI without official mapping

    Some devices show both—copy the field your form labels.

FAQ

Can a phone have both IMEI and MEID?

Some multi-mode devices display both—use the identifier your carrier form requests.

Does this page validate MEID?

Focus is IMEI decimal Luhn—confirm MEID-specific tools for hex MEID strings.

Which is used for 5G?

5G handsets typically use IMEI layout on consumer labels.

Common search terms

Phrases people search for that match this tool. See the full long-tail keyword index.

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  • calculate imei check digit from 14 digits
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More tools

Related utilities you can open in another tab—mostly client-side.