ICCID number: What it means and where to find it on an iPhone or Android device

What is an ICCID number?

An ICCID (integrated circuit card identifier) is a unique identifier number assigned to every SIM card, typically 18 to 22 digits long. It can be found printed on the back of a SIM card or with the information stored on a SIM card, which can be found in your device’s settings menu. 

But why should you care about this seemingly random string of numbers? Each ICCID number is like the fingerprint of a SIM card — completely unique. It helps your network provider identify your SIM, but it is more than just a fancy ID. 

The ICCID makes sure your phone can connect to cellular networks worldwide and stays traceable and connected, no matter where you are.

What ICCID numbers mean

While it might look like just a long string of random numbers, every ICCID follows a specific format, and each section provides important information about your SIM card. Let’s take this number as an example:

89 123 4567 8901 2345 6789

• The first two digits are always “89.” This is the major industry identifier (MII), which shows that this product is related to telecommunications. This number sets SIM cards apart from other types of chip cards, such as credit cards or ID cards.

• The next two or three digits will be the country code. This code tells us the country associated with the SIM card. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) determines the country code. 

• The issuer identifier (II) or mobile network code (MNC) is one to four digits long. This number helps identify which mobile network operator issued the SIM. The mobile network code is very important because it helps the SIM connect to the device's home network.

• The last set of digits is the SIM number or the account ID. This part of the ICCID number is completely unique to each SIM.

• The very last digit, also called the checksum, or check digit, is calculated using the Luhn algorithm. This algorithm is a specific formula used to validate various identification numbers, including credit card numbers and international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) numbers. The check digit verifies the integrity of the ICCID number and ensures that it hasn’t been entered incorrectly or tampered with.

What is the ICCID number used for?

To put it simply, the ICCID number is used to make sure your SIM functions properly. You or your network provider may need your SIM card’s ICCID for various reasons. 

• SIM card identification. The ICCID is most often used to identify and register a SIM card with the network provider. By checking the ICCID number, the provider can identify the SIM card issuer and access the subscriber’s account details.

• Device activation. When you need to activate a new mobile phone, the ICCID number helps connect the device to the correct network. The carrier uses the ICCID to confirm that your specific SIM card is associated with your account. 

• Troubleshooting. If you experience SIM-related issues, the ICCID can help you identify the problem. For example, if your phone isn’t connecting to the network, a quick check of the ICCID number can show if it matches your carrier’s records. If it doesn’t match, it could mean that the SIM is faulty or wasn’t properly activated.

• User management. The ICCID helps network providers manage their subscribers. It allows providers to track how many SIM cards are currently issued or active. If you lose your phone, the provider uses the ICCID to quickly identify and deactivate the correct SIM card.

• Security. Since every ICCID number is unique, it helps prevent unauthorized access to the network. The network provider can block access using the ICCID if a SIM card is lost or stolen.

• Roaming. When a user travels abroad and their mobile device connects to a different network, the ICCID helps identify the user’s home carrier. This process is necessary so the user has a proper connection and the billing process runs smoothly.

ICCID vs. IMEI, EID, and IMSI

In mobile communications, three mobile network identifiers – the IMEI, ICCID, and IMSI numbers – are used most often. Each of them has a different role.

ICCID vs. IMEI

The key differences between the ICCID and the IMEI are their length and purpose. 

The IMEI number (international mobile equipment identity) is 15 digits long and identifies the mobile device instead of SIM card. This number allows phone carriers to recognize valid devices and block stolen ones.

The ICCID number  ranges from 18 to 22 digits and uniquely identifies any SIM card. Mobile operators and SIM card manufacturers may use it to identify and manage a specific SIM card in their systems.

ICCID vs. EID

In short, the EID number (eUICC identifier, sometimes also known as an embedded identity document) identifies your eSIM chip, while the ICCID pinpoints your SIM card. Some providers may request your EID during eSIM activation, for example, to link the eSIM to your device. 

Unlike the ICCID, an EID is permanent and remains tied to the device’s physical eSIM chip, meaning the only way to get a new EID is to get a new mobile device.

ICCID vs. IMSI

Contrary to the ICCID, an IMSI (international mobile subscriber identity) is shorter and typically consists of 15 to 17 digits. In addition, unlike the ICCID, an IMSI is stored inside the SIM, typically hidden from the user (for security reasons). 

While the ICCID is used to identify SIM cards, mobile network operators use the IMSI number to identify the network user, helping the network authenticate and grant them access to mobile services, such as texts, calls, or data roaming.

How to find a SIM’s ICCID number

Finding your SIM card's ICCID number is easy and can be done directly on your phone. You don’t really need to remove the SIM card from its tray or search for the number directly on it.

How to find the ICCID on an iPhone

1. Open “Settings” on your iPhone.

   

2. Scroll down until you find a tab called “General.”

   

3. Tap on “About.” Here, you’ll find various information about your device.

   

4. Scroll down until you see “ICCID.” The number will be listed next to it.

   

How to find the ICCID on an Android device

1. Start by opening the “Settings” app on your phone.

2. Tap on “Connections.”

3. Tap “SIM manager.”

4. Pick your SIM or eSIM.

5. Look for “ICCID” to see your number listed.

Sometimes, network providers might limit access to the ICCID number (particularly for SIM cards) on your phone for security reasons. If you can’t find it, try typing *#06# in your phone’s keypad. If that doesn’t work, reach out to your mobile service provider to ask about any restrictions or special steps to access it.

Understanding ICCID lookup and checkers

ICCID lookup and checker tools are online services that let you quickly check your ICCID’s information, such as:

• The industry the ICCID belongs to (for example, telecommunications).

• The carrier that issued the ICCID number.

• The ICCID’s country of origin.

• The ICCID’s validation (for example, whether the ICCID is of the proper length and has the right digit order).

• The SIM’s status (active, inactive, or suspended).

Some information (such as the SIM’s status) might be available only if the carrier is willing to provide it. While most of this data can be found manually by browsing your device’s settings, ICCID lookup tools save time, and only require your ICCID number to deliver the same information in seconds.

Does an eSIM have an ICCID number as well?

Each SIM is assigned an ICCID number, and eSIMs are no exception. An eSIM, or embedded SIM, operates similarly to a traditional SIM card but is built directly into your device.

One of the benefits of eSIM technology is that each eSIM chip can support multiple ICCIDs, or SIM profiles. You can easily switch between mobile plans or providers without changing a physical SIM card. This flexibility allows you to manage multiple numbers or data plans on a single device, which is particularly useful for frequent travelers or anyone who wants to separate work and personal numbers. 

The ICCID number: Key takeaways 

So, to recap — the ICCID is a unique number that helps SIM manufacturers and mobile operators to recognize your SIM card and manage your mobile services. Unlike the IMEI number that identifies your mobile device, or the IMSI which identifies you as a subscriber to a mobile network, the ICCID is strictly a SIM card identification number.

You can find your SIM card’s (or eSIM’s) ICCID number on your mobile device’s settings, typically in the “about phone” section or the SIM card settings. While the ICCID is not something you might need on a daily basis, you can sometimes use it for online ICCID lookup tools to quickly find information about your SIM card’s carrier, validity, country of origin, and current status.

The ICCID is a fixed number that can’t be changed once it gets assigned to a SIM card. However, you can change it by getting a new SIM card, if for some reason the old one stops working properly (for more information, check out our article: Can SIM cards go bad?)