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We need to start from the ( SIM ) "Subscriber Identification Module" is a chip that stores:
- International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)
- ICCID – unique serial number
- Security authentication and ciphering information
- Info that is stored temporarily and stored to your local network
- List of services available for user
- Personal identification number (PIN)
- Personal unblocking code (PUK)
How it works: Your own iPhone sends IMSI number to the current network while registering. IMSI number allows network hardware to recognize the subscriber, to prevent the interception IMSI is sent as rarely as it's possible. Sometimes rather than IMSI number, the device sends TMSI (Temporarily generated code for mobile subscriber identity).
NOTE: You should never to confuse IMSI and IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity, it's 15-digit number which is unique for each device). Your IMEI number is additionally provided for the carrier by signing up in network. Also, IMEI number can be simply used for tracking phones or blocking stolen devices.
But you are not able to find your IMSI number (or you don't understand what it really is), then just keep reading this post. IMSI number is the original SIM card number, it includes 15 digits which can be split in three groups:
- MCC (Mobile Country Code) – first 3 digits of IMSI code.
- MNC (Mobile Network Code) – fourth and fifth for EMEA countries (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) or fourth, fifth and sixth digits from the code for the other (NAR) countries.
- MSIN (Mobile Station Identification Number) – the last 9 /10 digits from the IMSI code.
IMSI code for EMEA countries:
IMSI code for NAR countries:
How to locate where is IMSI stored locally:
All of the IMSI bundles are saved in /System/Library/Carrier Bundles. For example, if you are using AT&T SIM, his identify name will be ATT_US.bundle var/mobile/Library/Carrier Bundles. Now iOS will generate shortcut to that folder that will look like this: var/mobile/Library/Carrier Bundle.bundle.
You should use two tested methods to locate your iPhone's IMSI number:
- 1st method is to check your IMSI by running minicom in terminal:
AT+CIMI
After that press Enter, now your IMSI number will be displayed.One mechanism if you have access to terminal software and can send AT commands (see: http://www.codeproject.com/Articles/85636/Introduction-to-AT-commands-and-its-uses ) to your mobile device, the command: AT+CIMI will return the IMSI as long as the SIM is initialized (will not return IMSI if the SIM is locked).
How to find your original carrier within IMSI number:
- If you found the IMSI number click here
- Type it into the field called "Enter IMSI number".
- It's going to display your SIM carrier’s country, operator, your MCC and MCC code
Full IMSI list of International Carriers:
IMSI to Operator
IMSI generator
Operator Codes
Finally, enter your IMSI number to "By Country and Carrier activation method":
We can imagine that your IMSI number is 234150829436108:
- Country: 234 - United Kingdom
- Carrier: 15 - Vodafone LTD
- SIM ID: 23416