A Samsung tablet IMEI number identifies a cellular radio interface, so a Galaxy Tab that can use more than one cellular line may display IMEI1 and IMEI2. The two numbers do not mean that you own two tablets, and the second number is not a spare serial number. Each IMEI must be copied and checked as a complete 15-digit identifier for the line or service you are investigating.
This guide explains why two IMEIs can appear, how physical SIM and eSIM support affect the labels, and which number to give a carrier or IMEI-report provider.
The Short Answer
- A Wi-Fi-only Galaxy Tab normally has no IMEI because it does not connect directly to a cellular network.
- A cellular tablet has at least one IMEI.
- A model with two cellular interfaces may show IMEI1 and IMEI2.
- The exact relationship between IMEI1, IMEI2, a physical SIM and an eSIM can vary by model, region, software and active configuration.
- A model lookup should be run with the complete IMEI shown by the tablet, not a mixture of digits from both numbers.
- For activation, use the exact IMEI requested by the carrier for the line being provisioned.
Why a Galaxy Tab Can Have Two IMEI Numbers
An IMEI identifies mobile equipment on a cellular network. It is not the phone number assigned to your plan and it is not the Samsung serial number.
Samsung's current identifier instructions explain that the IMEI and serial number are different forms of identification and can be found under Settings > About tablet. Samsung also notes that available screens and settings vary by carrier, software version and model.
One identifier for each cellular interface
When a tablet is capable of maintaining two addressable cellular lines, the device can expose two IMEIs. The Settings screen may label them IMEI1 and IMEI2, or it may identify one as the eSIM IMEI.
Think of the numbers as identifiers for cellular interfaces, not for SIM cards you can move between devices. Removing a physical SIM does not erase the tablet's IMEI. Downloading a new eSIM profile also does not create a new tablet identity on demand.
Physical SIM plus eSIM
Some current Galaxy Tab models support eSIM in addition to a physical SIM. Samsung's Galaxy eSIM compatibility page lists supported Tab families and warns that support can differ by country of origin. It also states that Wi-Fi-only tablet models do not support eSIM.
On an eligible tablet, the second IMEI may be associated with the eSIM interface. Do not assume this mapping without reading the labels on your tablet, because product variants and carrier configurations can differ.
Two physical SIM paths
In markets where a model accepts two physical SIMs, each active network path may have its own IMEI. Samsung's Dual SIM guidance explains that supported devices manage individual SIMs through Settings > Connections > SIM manager.
The tray shape alone is not enough to prove that a particular regional tablet supports two active SIMs. Confirm the model specification and the options shown in SIM manager.
IMEI1, IMEI2, EID and Serial Number
These values serve different purposes.
| Identifier | What it identifies | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| IMEI1 | First cellular interface | Carrier activation, compatibility and device-status checks |
| IMEI2 | Second cellular interface on supported models | Second SIM or eSIM provisioning and line-specific checks |
| EID | Embedded SIM hardware | eSIM download, transfer and carrier troubleshooting |
| Serial number | The individual Samsung product | Registration, service, repair and warranty administration |
| ICCID | A SIM or eSIM profile | Identifying the installed mobile subscription |
An EID can be much longer than an IMEI. An ICCID identifies the SIM profile, not the tablet hardware. Neither should be shortened or pasted into a form that asks for a 15-digit IMEI.
How to Find Both IMEIs on a Samsung Tablet
Check About tablet first
Open Settings > About tablet. Depending on the software version, you may see the IMEI directly or need to open Status information > IMEI information.
Record every label and number exactly. A screenshot for your own records can prevent IMEI1 and IMEI2 from being swapped later, but avoid posting the screenshot publicly.
Review SIM manager
Open Settings > Connections > SIM manager. This screen shows the SIM and eSIM lines the tablet can manage. Compare the names of those lines with the labels in About tablet.
SIM manager is especially useful after adding an eSIM because it shows which plan is enabled. It does not replace the carrier's eligibility decision.
Use the original packaging as a comparison
The retail box may list one or two IMEIs. Samsung includes packaging among the places where an identifier may appear. Compare every digit with Settings before relying on the label.
If the box and tablet disagree, use the powered-on tablet as the immediate reference and investigate why the packaging belongs to a different unit. Do not combine the first digits from one label with the last digits from another.
Which Samsung Tablet IMEI Number Should You Use?
The correct choice depends on the question.
For a free model lookup
Start with the IMEI tied to the line you intend to use. IMEIhub's free IMEI check returns brand, model and basic specifications based on the identifier. It does not include free blacklist, warranty, carrier or Knox Guard data.
If IMEI1 and IMEI2 return the same model family, that is normally consistent with two interfaces on the same tablet. A substantially different brand or model deserves investigation before activation or purchase.
For carrier activation
Give the carrier the IMEI it specifically requests for the physical SIM or eSIM line. If the carrier says “IMEI2” or “eSIM IMEI,” do not submit IMEI1 merely because it appears first in Settings.
Samsung notes that eSIM availability depends on both the device and the carrier. A valid model result cannot force a carrier to accept that tablet, plan or regional variant.
For an eSIM transfer
Have the EID and both IMEIs available. Samsung's eSIM instructions direct users to SIM manager and advise contacting the network carrier when a supported transfer method is unavailable.
The carrier may need the EID to provision the embedded SIM and an IMEI to associate the plan with the correct cellular interface. Follow the carrier's field labels rather than guessing which number belongs in each box.
For a paid Samsung report
IMEIhub's paid Samsung Info + Knox Guard report asks for a 15-digit IMEI and lists model, warranty, original carrier, purchase country and Knox Guard information among its report fields.
Before ordering, confirm that the service supports your tablet model and submit the IMEI relevant to your decision. The report does not activate a SIM, change the tablet's configuration or remove a Knox Guard restriction.
For a blacklist question
A blacklist check is separate from a Samsung information report. On a tablet with two IMEIs, a network restriction may be recorded against the identifier used by that line. If the risk matters to a purchase, ask the report provider or carrier whether both identifiers should be checked.
Do not describe the entire tablet as permanently safe based on a model match from only one number.
What If Only One IMEI Appears?
One IMEI can be completely normal.
The tablet has one cellular interface
A single-SIM cellular model may expose only one equipment identity. It can still be genuine and fully functional on a supported network.
The regional variant differs
Samsung sells different hardware and firmware variants under similar marketing names. eSIM and Dual SIM support can vary by country of origin even when the family name looks the same.
Check the full model code, not only a name such as “Galaxy Tab S” or “Galaxy Tab A.” Then consult Samsung and the intended carrier for that region.
The second interface is not supported or enabled
An eSIM menu may be unavailable because the model, region, carrier or software configuration does not support it. The absence of IMEI2 is not something an online lookup can repair.
It is a Wi-Fi-only tablet
A Wi-Fi-only Galaxy Tab does not need an IMEI. It should still have a Samsung model code and serial number. Entering that serial number into an IMEI-only form will fail because the identifier has a different purpose and format.
What If IMEI1 and IMEI2 Give Different Results?
Small naming differences can come from the lookup source, but a major mismatch should be investigated.
Recopy both numbers
Read them again from Settings. Make sure each number contains 15 digits and that you did not transpose a repeated digit.
Compare the Type Allocation Code
The first eight digits form the TAC, which identifies an approved device type allocation. Different interfaces on one product can be associated with different TAC allocations, so the first eight digits do not always need to be identical. Both results should still make sense for the tablet you own.
Confirm the exact model code
Compare the lookup results with the model code in About tablet and on the packaging. A result for an unrelated manufacturer or incompatible product family is more serious than a difference in regional naming.
Ask before paying for another report
If the basic results conflict, contact the report provider or carrier with the exact labels and identifiers. Do not keep buying reports until the identity mismatch is understood.
Buying a Used Dual-SIM or eSIM Galaxy Tab
Use a layered inspection:
- Confirm that the tablet is a cellular model rather than Wi-Fi-only.
- Record IMEI1, IMEI2 and EID directly from Settings when shown.
- Match both IMEIs with the packaging and seller documentation.
- Run a free model check before ordering a paid status report.
- Ask the intended carrier to verify the exact IMEI it will activate.
- Test authorized setup and confirm that no seller account or management restriction blocks normal use.
- Keep a receipt that identifies the tablet and its IMEI or IMEIs.
Two clean-looking identifiers do not prove ownership, financing status, carrier freedom or absence of account locks. Each risk needs the appropriate evidence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Entering the Samsung serial number in an IMEI field.
- Treating IMEI2 as a duplicate that can be ignored.
- Assuming IMEI1 always means physical SIM in every regional model.
- Assuming any tablet with two IMEIs supports every carrier's eSIM plan.
- Checking only the box without comparing Settings.
- Believing a free model lookup includes paid blacklist, warranty or Knox Guard status.
- Expecting a report to activate eSIM or remove a lock.
Final Checklist
Two Samsung tablet IMEI numbers usually reflect two cellular interfaces, not two devices. The safe approach is to read the labels in Settings, map the active lines in SIM manager and follow the carrier's exact request for IMEI1, IMEI2 or EID.
Begin with IMEIhub's free IMEI check to confirm the model associated with the relevant IMEI. If you need the separately listed Samsung warranty, carrier, country or Knox Guard fields, review the paid Samsung Info + Knox Guard report after confirming that you have selected the correct line identifier.
Ready to try it? Run a free IMEI check →