What is MEID? Difference Between IMEI and MEID
MEID is a unique device identifier used primarily on CDMA networks. This guide explains what MEID is, how it differs from IMEI, which phones use it, and how to check your device.
What is MEID?
MEID stands for Mobile Equipment Identifier. It is a globally unique 14-character hexadecimal number used to identify mobile devices on CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) networks. MEID was introduced in 2006 as a replacement for the older 32-bit ESN (Electronic Serial Number), which was running out of available codes.
Like IMEI, MEID serves as a digital fingerprint for mobile devices. It is assigned by manufacturers and registered with a global database maintained by the telecommunications industry. Each MEID is unique to a specific device and cannot be changed without specialized (and typically illegal) equipment.
MEID uses a hexadecimal format, meaning it can contain the digits 0–9 and the letters A–F. This allows a larger number of unique identifiers within 14 characters compared to a purely decimal system. The MEID is typically printed on the device packaging, the SIM tray, or accessible through the phone's settings menu.
MEID Structure Explained
A MEID number consists of 14 hexadecimal characters divided into three parts:
1. Regional Code (RR) — First 2 characters
The first two characters identify the regional reporting body that allocated the code. For example, "A0" indicates a code allocated by the TIA (Telecommunications Industry Association) in North America, while "99" is used by the global administrator.
2. Manufacturer Code — Next 6 characters
This segment identifies the device manufacturer and is assigned by the regional reporting body. Each manufacturer receives a unique block of codes.
3. Serial Number — Last 6 characters
The final six characters are a sequential serial number assigned by the manufacturer to distinguish individual devices within the same model line.
Example: MEID A1 000012 3456AB
A1 — Regional code (TIA, North America)
000012 — Manufacturer code
3456AB — Serial number
IMEI vs MEID: Key Differences
While IMEI and MEID serve the same fundamental purpose—identifying mobile devices—they differ in several important ways. Understanding these differences is crucial when checking device compatibility, especially for used phone purchases.
| Feature | IMEI | MEID |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 15 digits | 14 hex characters |
| Character set | Decimal (0–9) | Hexadecimal (0–9, A–F) |
| Network type | GSM / LTE / 5G | CDMA |
| Check digit | Yes (Luhn algorithm) | No (dropped from IMEI) |
| Introduced | 1983 | 2006 |
In practice, the MEID is simply the IMEI without the final check digit. If your phone has an IMEI of 35 238091 234567 8, the corresponding MEID would be A1 000012 3456AB (converted from decimal to hexadecimal and truncated). This means that both numbers essentially identify the same device.
Which Phones Use MEID?
MEID is primarily associated with CDMA network devices. Here's a breakdown of which phones typically use MEID:
CDMA Carrier Phones (US)
Historically, phones sold by Verizon and Sprint in the United States used CDMA technology and were identified by MEID. This included popular models from Apple, Samsung, and Motorola that were specifically manufactured for CDMA networks.
China Telecom Devices
In China, China Telecom operates a CDMA network. Phones designed for this carrier—particularly older models and some dual-SIM variants—carry MEID identifiers alongside IMEI.
Modern 4G/5G Phones
With the global shift to 4G LTE and 5G networks (which are based on GSM standards), most modern smartphones now use IMEI as their primary identifier. Even phones sold by former CDMA carriers like Verizon now use IMEI, as their networks have transitioned to LTE/5G. However, these devices may still display a MEID in their settings for backward compatibility.
Dual-Mode Phones
Some phones, particularly older iPhone models (iPhone 4S through iPhone 6s), were "world phones" that supported both GSM and CDMA. These devices had both an IMEI and a MEID, allowing them to work on any network type globally.
How to Find Your MEID
Finding your device's MEID is straightforward. Here are the most common methods:
Method 1: Dial Code
Open your phone's dialer and enter *#06#. A pop-up will display both the IMEI and MEID (if your device supports CDMA). This works on virtually all smartphones.
Method 2: Device Settings
iPhone: Go to Settings → General → About → scroll down to find MEID.
Android: Go to Settings → About Phone → Status Information → look for MEID.
Method 3: Physical Locations
The MEID is printed on:
- The original device packaging (near the barcode)
- The SIM card tray (on many models)
- The back of the phone (on some older devices)
What Can MEID Tell You?
Running a MEID check provides valuable information about a device:
- Device model and brand: Confirm the phone matches what the seller claims
- Carrier lock status: Check if the device is locked to a specific carrier
- Blacklist status: Verify whether the phone has been reported lost, stolen, or has unpaid balances
- ESN/MEID cleanliness: A "clean" MEID means the device can be activated on a network
- Activation status: Whether the device is currently active on any network
For more information on device identifiers, check our guide on what is EID (eSIM identifiers) and what is a serial number.
Why MEID Still Matters in 2026
Even though CDMA networks are being phased out globally, MEID remains relevant for several reasons:
First, millions of older devices still in circulation carry MEID identifiers. If you're buying a used phone—especially an older model—checking the MEID ensures it hasn't been blacklisted or reported stolen.
Second, some carriers still maintain CDMA blacklists. A phone with a bad MEID may be blocked from activation even if the IMEI is clean. This is particularly important when purchasing used devices from online marketplaces.
Finally, law enforcement agencies use MEID to track stolen devices. If your phone is ever lost or stolen, having the MEID on hand helps authorities identify and recover your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can MEID and IMEI be converted?
Yes, MEID and IMEI can be converted between each other. The MEID is essentially the IMEI without the last check digit. To convert an IMEI to MEID, simply drop the 15th digit. To convert a MEID to IMEI, calculate the Luhn check digit and append it. However, both identifiers reference the same device.
Which phones use MEID?
MEID is primarily used by CDMA network devices, including older Verizon and Sprint phones in the US, as well as some Chinese telecom devices (China Telecom). Modern 4G LTE and 5G phones typically use IMEI regardless of carrier, as LTE/5G networks are based on GSM standards.
What can MEID tell you?
MEID can reveal device brand, model, manufacturing date (on some devices), and carrier lock status. It is also used for blacklist checking on CDMA networks (ESN blacklist). A MEID check can help verify if a used phone is lost, stolen, or financed.
How many digits is MEID?
MEID is a 14-character hexadecimal number, meaning it uses digits 0-9 and letters A-F. This differs from IMEI, which is a 15-digit decimal number (0-9 only). The hexadecimal format allows MEID to represent more combinations in fewer characters.
Conclusion
MEID is a 14-character hexadecimal identifier used primarily for CDMA network devices. While modern smartphones have largely transitioned to IMEI with the shift to 4G LTE and 5G networks, understanding MEID remains important—especially when buying or selling used phones that may have originated from CDMA carriers. By checking both IMEI and MEID, you can ensure a device is clean, authentic, and ready for activation on any network.
Need to check your device? Use IMEICheck to run a comprehensive check by entering your IMEI or MEID number and get instant results on device status, blacklist, carrier, and more.