How to hide your phone’s IMEI number from the lock screen — and why you should
Making your device's IMEI number easy to access comes with some compromises.
Google has introduced a new setting for Android devices that makes a phone's IMEI number visible on the lock screen. The IMEI, or International Mobile Equipment Identity, is a unique identifier for each device. While this can aid in device recovery, it also poses potential security risks as it could be exploited by malicious actors.
This feature, which is turned on by default for devices running Android 12 or newer and using Personal Safety app, displays emergency information like contacts and medical details along with the IMEI. For devices with eSIM-only connectivity, accessing the IMEI without unlocking the device becomes more challenging. However, the IMEI can still be used to verify ownership if the device is reported lost or stolen, aiding in its recovery.
Disabling this feature can be done through the Personal Safety app settings, which is consistent across most modern Android devices from manufacturers like Samsung and OnePlus, though the exact process may vary slightly. Users can also add trusted contacts or their email as alternative methods to ensure the phone's return.
Written by urgent.news from Android Authority's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
