What is an ICCID number, and how can you find it?
Have you ever gotten a new SIM card and wondered what that long string of numbers on the back of it is? Those digits may seem completely random, but they're not random at all. Each ICCID (or integrated circuit card identifier) serves a specific purpose — it helps identify your SIM card and manage your mobile services. In this article, we’ll explain what an ICCID number is and show you how to find your ICCID number on different devices.
Table of Contents
- What is an ICCID number?
- The ICCID number format
- What is the ICCID number used for?
- SIM card identification
- Device activation
- Troubleshooting
- User management
- Security
- Roaming
- Is the ICCID number the same as the SIM phone number?
- Does an eSIM have an ICCID number as well?
- IMEI vs. ICCID vs. IMSI
- How to find the ICCID number
- How to find the ICCID on an iPhone
- How to find the ICCID on an Android
- FAQ
- Can I track a lost phone using the ICCID?
- Is it possible to change the ICCID on an iPhone or Android?
- Is it safe to share the ICCID number?
What is an ICCID number?
An ICCID (integrated circuit card identifier) is a unique identifier number assigned to every SIM card, typically made up of 18 to 22 digits. You’ll find it printed on the back of your SIM card or stored within the SIM card’s memory 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.
The ICCID number format
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) determined the country code.
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 is completely unique to each SIM.
The very last digit, also called the 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 and ensures that it hasn’t been entered incorrectly or tampered with.
What is the ICCID number used for?
With the “what” covered, let's talk about the “why” behind it. The ICCID number makes 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, 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 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 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.
Is the ICCID number the same as the SIM phone number?
While it may seem that ICCID is the same number as the phone number assigned to the SIM card, they are two different identifiers used for different purposes:
The ICCID is a unique identifier for the SIM card itself. It’s typically 18 to 22 digits long and includes important information about the SIM card, such as its origin and the network it’s associated with. The ICCID will change when you switch SIM cards.
The SIM phone number is the number people use to call or text you. Like the ICCID, it also contains the mobile country code, which is the first two or three digits. This number is tied to your subscriber account and can remain the same or change if you switch SIM cards.
Does an eSIM have an ICCID number as well?
Each SIM is assigned an ICCID, 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.
In addition to the ICCID, each eSIM has an EID number (embedded identity document), a unique identifier carriers use during eSIM activation. While activation usually happens automatically in the background, some carriers may request your EID to link the eSIM to your device.
IMEI vs. ICCID vs. IMSI
In mobile communications, three mobile network identifiers – IMEI, ICCID, and IMSI – are used most often. Each of them has a different role:
The IMEI (international mobile equipment identity) is 15 digits long and identifies the mobile device. This number allows phone carriers to recognize valid devices and block stolen ones.
The ICCID ranges from 18 to 22 digits and uniquely identifies each SIM card. It’s used for managing SIM cards.
The IMSI (international mobile subscriber identity) typically consists of 15 to 17 digits and is used to identify the mobile service user. It helps the network authenticate the user and grant them access to its services.
How to find the 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
Open “Settings” on your iPhone.
Scroll down until you find a tab called “General.”
Tap on “About.” Here, you’ll find various information about your device.
Scroll down until you see “ICCID.” The number will be listed next to it.
How to find the ICCID on an Android
Start by opening the “Settings” app on your phone.
Scroll down and tap on “About phone” (or “About device,” depending on your model).
Tap on “Status.”
Go to "SIM status."
Look for “ICCID” to see your number listed.
Sometimes, network providers might limit access to the ICCID number on your phone for security reasons. If you can’t find it, reach out to your mobile service provider to ask about any restrictions or special steps to access it.
FAQ
Can I track a lost phone using the ICCID?
You can't track a phone directly using the ICCID. While the ICCID identifies your SIM card on the network, it's not meant for tracking. If your phone is lost, you can use other methods like the IMEI number or GPS to locate it.
Is it possible to change the ICCID on an iPhone or Android?
The ICCID can only be changed if you switch SIM cards. If you need to change your ICCID number, contact your mobile carrier's customer service.
Is it safe to share the ICCID number?
While the ICCID isn't highly sensitive information, it still would be better not to share it. Only share the ICCID when absolutely necessary, for example, with your carrier’s customer support.