Tools & Lookup
Identify Any Phone from Its IMEI: Model, TAC and Launch Date
The first eight digits of an IMEI are the TAC — the model code. Decoding it gives you the brand, model and approximate launch window without touching the device.
Last reviewed 2026-10-26
An IMEI is 15 digits: eight digits of TAC (Type Allocation Code), six digits of serial, and a Luhn check digit. The TAC identifies the model family, not the individual unit — which is exactly what you need to check a specification, a part number, or a claimed model.
What a lookup gives you
- Brand and model name, including the commercial name people actually use.
- Launch date and, for older devices, discontinuation date.
- Chipset and network technology — useful when a device sold as 5G is actually an LTE model.
- Specifications: display, camera, battery and supported bands (relevant when importing a phone).
When to use a lookup instead of a full report
- You need the model only (listing a device for sale, buying a part).
- You suspect the device is a clone: the TAC resolves to a low-end chipset while the case says flagship.
- You are checking band support before importing — for example whether a US model supports the LTE bands your local network uses.
- You need a launch date to judge “is this really new?” before buying.
Services used in this guide
These are the exact catalogue entries this guide refers to. Prices and turnaround are live.
Open the catalogueFrequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Can the TAC change on a repaired phone?
The TAC is stored in the device’s firmware/EFS. Board swaps and some repairs can change it, which is why a TAC lookup occasionally disagrees with the physical device.
Is the IMEI the same as the serial number for Apple?
No. Apple serial numbers are 10–12 characters and identify the unit; the IMEI identifies the radio. Some Apple services accept either, and the report notes which input type a service needs.
Does a TAC lookup tell me if the phone is stolen?
No — that requires a GSMA blacklist check. TAC only decodes the model.
Related guides
Apple GSX reports
Apple Device Verification: GSX Reports Explained
Apple GSX reports are the closest thing to an official second opinion on a used iPhone. This guide explains warranty, purchase date, carrier, blacklist, replacement and refurbish flags, and when a single check is enough.
GSMA blacklist
GSMA Blacklist Check: Buying a Used Phone Safely
A GSMA blacklist entry is the difference between a working phone and a device that loses signal anywhere in the world. Here is what the flag means, how it is raised, and whether it can be removed.
API automation
Automate IMEI Checks with the Service API
For shops that process dozens of devices a day, the web UI is the slow path. The service API submits the same orders programmatically and returns structured results.