A Samsung tablet IMEI number identifies cellular device hardware, while an EID identifies the embedded SIM component used for eSIM provisioning. They can appear near each other in Settings, but they are not interchangeable. A Galaxy tablet may also show a serial number and, after a mobile plan is installed, an ICCID. Choosing the correct identifier prevents failed lookups, carrier delays, and reports run against the wrong value.
Short Answer: Use IMEI for Device Checks and EID for eSIM Setup
The right number depends on the task:
- Use the IMEI for device identity, carrier compatibility, and IMEI-based status reports.
- Use the EID when a carrier specifically asks for the embedded SIM identifier during eSIM provisioning.
- Use the serial number for Samsung product support, registration, or warranty workflows that request it.
- Use the ICCID to identify a particular SIM or downloaded eSIM profile when the carrier asks for that value.
Do not shorten an EID to 15 digits or paste a serial number into an IMEI checker. A valid form should tell you which identifier it accepts.
What Is a Samsung Tablet IMEI Number?
The IMEI is the International Mobile Equipment Identity assigned to cellular-capable device hardware. The GSMA IMEI Database overview describes it as a 15-digit identifier for a device on a mobile network.
The first eight digits are the Type Allocation Code, or TAC. That portion can identify the brand and model family. The remaining digits distinguish the device and include a check digit used to catch many typing errors.
Only cellular tablets need an IMEI
A Wi-Fi-only Galaxy Tab has no cellular modem to register on a mobile network, so it normally has no IMEI. Samsung's current SIM and eSIM guidance explicitly notes that Wi-Fi-only tablet models do not support eSIM functionality.
If About tablet shows only a serial number and model code, confirm that you own the Wi-Fi version before assuming anything is missing. A retail family such as Galaxy Tab can include both Wi-Fi and cellular variants with similar names.
A Dual SIM tablet may show two IMEIs
Some cellular tablets support more than one cellular line through physical SIM and eSIM combinations. They may display IMEI1 and IMEI2. Each IMEI belongs to a cellular identity on the same tablet.
When ordering a report or asking a carrier for help, use the IMEI connected to the line or slot being evaluated. Keep both numbers complete and labeled.
What Is an EID?
EID stands for eUICC Identifier. The eUICC is the secure component that stores downloadable eSIM profiles. The GSMA explains that an eUICC is identified by a globally unique EID in its 5G security and eSIM overview.
An EID is generally much longer than an IMEI. It identifies the eSIM hardware, not the tablet model and not one carrier plan. A carrier may request it to prepare or transfer an eSIM profile to the correct device.
EID does not replace IMEI
Even when a Galaxy tablet uses eSIM, the carrier may need both values:
- The IMEI to evaluate the cellular device or map the correct radio identity.
- The EID to provision the downloadable profile to the embedded SIM hardware.
Entering the EID into an IMEI checker will not produce a valid IMEI result because the formats and purposes differ.
Serial Number and ICCID Are Different Again
Four identifiers can appear in one support conversation, so it helps to give each a clear job.
| Identifier | What it identifies | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| IMEI | Cellular device identity | Model lookup, compatibility, device-status reports |
| EID | Embedded SIM hardware | eSIM provisioning or transfer |
| Serial number | Individual Samsung product | Product registration, support, service records |
| ICCID | A SIM or eSIM profile | Carrier line and SIM-profile support |
Serial number
Samsung assigns a serial number to the individual tablet. Samsung's device identifier guide explains that IMEI, model, and serial information may be available through Settings, Samsung Members, supported dial codes, packaging, and other records.
A serial number can be useful even on a Wi-Fi-only tablet. That does not make it an IMEI, and it should not be submitted to a service that explicitly requires 15 IMEI digits.
ICCID
The ICCID identifies the SIM profile or removable SIM card. If you replace the physical SIM or install a different eSIM profile, the ICCID can change while the tablet's IMEI remains the device identifier.
An ICCID is carrier-related information. Do not publish it or send it to anyone who is not involved in your own account or device support.
How to Find the Correct Identifier on a Galaxy Tablet
Start with the tablet itself:
- Open Settings.
- Tap About tablet.
- Review the model name, model number, serial number, and IMEI fields shown.
- If your cellular model supports eSIM, open the SIM manager or status details to locate the EID when your carrier requests it.
- Copy the complete value or take a private reference screenshot.
Samsung notes that screens can vary by carrier, software version, and model. Use the labels displayed on your tablet instead of guessing from the number's position.
Compare against the packaging
The original box may list model, serial, and IMEI information. Match the box to Settings character by character. A mismatch can mean the box belongs to another tablet, the seller copied the wrong line, or the device has a service history that needs explanation.
Do not treat packaging alone as proof. The on-device value is the better input for checking the tablet in front of you.
When *#06# does not work
Some cellular devices display IMEI information after *#06# is entered, but Samsung notes that availability can depend on the carrier or device. Tablets without a traditional Phone app may not support that route. Use Settings > About tablet or Samsung Members instead.
What an IMEI Lookup Can Tell You
An IMEI service reads the 15-digit IMEI, not the EID or ICCID.
Free model identification
The free imeihub IMEI check resolves TAC information to return the brand, model, and basic specifications. It is useful for checking whether the IMEI maps to the Galaxy tablet family you expect.
It is not advertised as a free warranty, Knox Guard, blacklist, carrier, or eSIM-provisioning report.
Paid Samsung information
The Samsung Info + Knox Guard service is a paid report listed for Galaxy model, warranty, original carrier, purchase country, and Knox Guard status. Review the current description and price before ordering, and submit the correct IMEI rather than the EID.
That report does not install an eSIM, transfer a mobile plan, remove Knox Guard, unlock a carrier restriction, or correct a Samsung account issue. It reports the fields the selected service makes available.
Which Number Should You Give the Carrier?
Follow the carrier's exact prompt. If it asks for both IMEI and EID, provide both from the same tablet.
Before contacting support, prepare:
- The tablet's full model number.
- IMEI1 and IMEI2, if both appear.
- The EID, if the device supports eSIM and the carrier requests it.
- The ICCID of the relevant SIM profile, if already installed.
- Your own carrier account and order details.
Never send an entire set of identifiers in a public forum. A support agent normally needs only the values relevant to your account and task.
A valid EID does not guarantee activation
eSIM support can depend on the exact Galaxy model, sales region, carrier, software, and plan. Samsung maintains regional lists of supported Galaxy devices and carriers. The presence of an EID is useful evidence of eSIM hardware, but the intended carrier must still confirm that it can provision that tablet variant.
A clean IMEI result does not provision eSIM
An IMEI report can help identify the device or return a status field. It cannot download a carrier profile. Only the carrier or its approved activation process can issue and activate the eSIM for your line.
Avoid These Identifier Mistakes
- Do not enter the EID into a 15-digit IMEI field.
- Do not assume a Wi-Fi-only Galaxy Tab has a hidden IMEI.
- Do not use a box IMEI until it matches the tablet.
- Do not mix digits from IMEI1 and IMEI2.
- Do not treat the serial number as a blacklist identifier.
- Do not expect an IMEI lookup to activate or unlock the tablet.
- Do not share IMEI, EID, ICCID, or serial values publicly.
If a form rejects a number, reread the label first. Repeatedly editing a long EID until it fits an IMEI field will only create an invalid identifier.
Use the Identifier That Matches the Job
A Samsung tablet IMEI number identifies cellular device hardware; an EID identifies the embedded SIM component; a serial number identifies the Samsung product; and an ICCID identifies a SIM profile. Read the label, copy the complete value from the tablet, and give each service only the identifier it requests.
Need to confirm which Galaxy model an IMEI belongs to? Start with imeihub's free IMEI check, then review the paid Samsung Info + Knox Guard report only if its listed fields answer your remaining question.
Ready to try it? Run a free IMEI check →