ICCID Number Guide: Purpose and How to Locate on Your Device

You’ve probably seen the term ICCID on your SIM card or in your phone settings — but what exactly does it mean? In this article, we’ll explain what the ICCID number is, what it’s used for, and how you can find it on your device.

Whether you’re setting up a new SIM, switching carriers, or activating an eSIM, understanding your ICCID can help you manage your mobile connectivity more confidently. Let’s break it down step by step.

What does ICCID number mean on a SIM card?

The ICCID, short for Integrated Circuit Card Identifier, is essentially the serial number of your SIM card — a unique code that allows mobile operators to identify and manage it. Unlike your IMSI, which links to your mobile plan, the ICCID is tied to the physical (or digital) SIM itself.

Usually made up of 19 or 20 digits, the ICCID stays the same no matter which phone you use or which carrier you switch to. It acts as your SIM card’s fingerprint, helping carriers handle key operations like activation, network registration, and deactivation. Whether it’s a traditional SIM or an eSIM, the ICCID ensures that your mobile identity remains traceable and secure.

An ICCID number isn’t just a random sequence of digits — every section of it carries specific information. The standard ICCID format is:

MMCC IINN NNNN NNNN NN C x

• MM – The first two digits are almost always 89, which indicates a telecommunications identifier.
• CC – The country code (MCC) identifies the SIM card’s country of origin.
• II – The issuer identifier (MNC) designates the mobile network provider and plays a key role in roaming between countries.
• N – The account ID, which is the longest part of the number, uniquely identifies your specific SIM card.
• C – The check digit, calculated using the Luhn algorithm, ensures the ICCID’s validity.
• x – An optional filler digit (often a “0”) that may appear as the 20th character.

In short, the ICCID is a structured, traceable combination of data that uniquely identifies every SIM card in the world — essential for managing mobile subscriptions and ensuring secure network operations.

How to find the ICCID number on your SIM card

You may need to locate your ICCID number when switching carriers, activating a SIM card, or reaching out to customer support. Fortunately, it’s easy to find — whether you’re using an iPhone or a Samsung phone.

How to find ICCID on iPhone:

1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap General.
3. Select About.
4. Scroll until you see ICCID or SIM Card Number.

Your ICCID will be listed there, and you can copy it directly if needed for forms or technical support.

How to find ICCID on Samsung (or other Android phones):

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap About phone.
3. Select Status or SIM Card Information.
4. Scroll to find ICCID or SIM Card Serial Number.

Your ICCID will appear on the screen, and you can easily note it down or copy it. Whether you’re using iOS or Android, the process takes just a few taps.

When is the ICCID number required?

Your ICCID number can be useful in several situations involving your SIM card or mobile service. Here are some common examples:

• When switching carriers: If you’re changing mobile operators but keeping your current SIM, your new carrier may ask for your ICCID to complete the transfer.
• During number portability: When transferring your phone number to a new network, the ICCID is often needed to generate a portability code (like the RIO code) and correctly link your SIM card.
• For SIM or eSIM activation: When setting up a new SIM or activating an eSIM on an iPhone or Android device, your carrier might request the ICCID to verify the card.
• To fix technical issues: If you face problems such as SIM deactivation or connectivity errors, customer support may need your ICCID to identify and troubleshoot your SIM card.

In short, your ICCID acts as a unique identifier that helps carriers manage and verify your SIM, ensuring smooth transitions and reliable support.

How to recover your ICCID number if your SIM card is lost

If you’ve lost or damaged your SIM card, don’t worry — you can still recover your ICCID number using a few simple methods:

• Check your original SIM documents: When you first received your SIM card, its ICCID number was likely printed on the cardholder, the packaging, or in the paperwork provided by your carrier. If you’ve kept those materials, you can easily find the number there.
• Contact your mobile operator: Even if the SIM card is gone, your carrier can look up the ICCID associated with your line in their internal database. Reach out to their customer service and provide your account details for verification.
• Retrieve it from a connected device: If the SIM is still inserted in a phone but you can’t physically remove it, you can view the ICCID directly from your phone’s settings, following the same steps mentioned earlier.

With these methods, you can quickly recover your ICCID without needing the physical SIM card.

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