What Is the ICCID Number of the SIM Card

Here we will explain what the ICCID number is and what is encrypted in this identifier. We will also share information on how to find out the ICCID of Android and iOS gadgets and whether you can find the phone's location using the ICCID. In addition, we will tell you how to check the ICCID number of the SIM card and eSIM chip.

What is ICCID?

ICCID, or integrated circuit card identifier, is the encrypted serial number of the SIM card. This international identifier contains information about the subscriber number, SIM card, mobile service provider, and country where the chip is registered. In addition, ICCID makes it easier to recognize the owner of the number and track the activity level of the gadget.

All this information is not necessary if you are buying a new phone. But when contacting private individuals, ICCID information can protect against the purchase of stolen equipment.

The number is unique and is never repeated, regardless of the number of SIM cards issued. Each SIM card is mandatorily assigned an ICCID, which consists solely of digits. Many manufacturers indicate this combination directly on the plastic that frames the SIM card.

When a phone is lost, ICCID helps to identify third parties who have turned on the gadget. It is unlikely that you will be able to work with such information and technologies on your own. But when contacting the police, the owner of a missing cell phone is likely to be assisted in this way.

Read also: How to Use the Phone without a SIM Card: 7 ways

What information is encrypted in the ICCID number: examples

The new numbers consist of 19 digits; older cards had 20 digits in the code.

The transcript looks something like this:

1. The digit 89 is always first: this coding denotes the code of the telecommunication service area. 2. The next group of digits from one to three is the mobile code of a certain country. For example, for Ukraine, it is +380, for Moldova +373, for Poland +48, for Latvia +371, for Lithuania +370, and for Estonia +372. 3. The next group usually has two to four digits: it means the code of the operator who issued the card. 4. Another combination of 11 digits is the SIM card code itself, IID. The technology does not work according to common standards, but it is necessary because it securely binds the SIM card to the software that is released or controlled by the mobile operator.

The last digit is an additional control number. It can be in the form of a letter and is not considered part of the ICCID number.

Operators prefer not to share most of this information with users. This is because, according to the law, they have the right to disclose encrypted information only at the request of law enforcement agencies. Usually, such requests are made due to the theft or loss of a cell phone.

And when your phone is fine, you can be sure you'll stay connected in any situation. This is especially important when traveling abroad for business or leisure. Start the digital analog of a SIM card on your smartphone via the Yesim application.

Enjoy affordable mobile internet data plans all around the world. It is especially convenient that there are payment options tied to data volume and time of stay in other countries.

To activate eSIM technology in any country, simply download the Yesim application on your smartphone, select a data plan, and transfer the prepayment for communication services online using any of the available methods. It will only take a few minutes.

Before installation, we recommend making sure that your gadget supports eSIM technology on the official page of the service. Such support is usually provided in the newest models of iOS and Android smartphones, as well as in the latest iPad versions. But to be on the safe side, it is better to check compatibility.

If your gadget supports eSIM, check which version of Yesim is installed. Update the application to the latest release, and only then start using communication services.

Where is the ICCID on a SIM card?

There are several proven ways to do this:

1. Take the SIM card out of the phone and examine it carefully from all sides. Often, manufacturers write the ICCID directly on the plastic that surrounds the chip. 2. Go to Google Play and download the ICCID app. It was originally developed to service Android devices, but you can find apps for other operating systems as well.

Sharing information on how to find out the ICCID of a SIM card on Android OS. This algorithm works on some Android models:

1. Go to Settings and go to “About Phone”. 2. Find the "General Information" section, and from it go to the "SIM Cards" sub-item.

It is important not to forget to install the SIM card in the mobile device, otherwise, the algorithm will not work.

We tell you how to find out the ICCID of your iPhone. The owners of Apple gadgets have their own, almost as simple, way of doing it. Go to the "Settings" section, select the "Basic" subsection, and go to the "About Device" tab.

There is also an active option to enter via iTunes:

1. Connect the gadget to your computer or laptop. 2. Activate the application and log in via PC or laptop. 3. Once the devices are synchronized, go to the "Browse" menu. 4. In a new window find and click on the column "Phone Number", and in a second the necessary information will appear on the screen.

How to locate your phone by ICCID

The location of the SIM card is more often found with the help of mobile operator services. But, as a rule, companies cooperate only with representatives of law enforcement agencies. This will work if the phone is lost or stolen. In this case, the owner writes a report to the police, which takes all necessary measures.

If on the Internet you see a service to determine the coordinates of the phone by ICCID for money, in 100% of cases it is a scammer who just wants to make money at the expense of gullible citizens who understand little of modern technology.

Attention! Remember once and for all — it is impossible to calculate the exact location of the phone by ICCID.

Be extremely careful: under no circumstances send prepayment for the service of phone search by ICCID; do not give anyone your contact information, as well as passport details, bank cards, and other confidential information.

Read also: What is IMEI, and What is It for

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