User talk:2409:4065:284:D161:97BD:8949:E20D:544C

Devices without a SIM card slot usually don't have the IMEI code. However, the IMEI only identifies the device and has no particular relationship to the subscriber. The phone identifies the subscriber by transmitting the International mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) number, which it stores on a SIM card that can, in theory, be transferred to any handset. However, the network's ability to know a subscriber's current, individual device enables many network and security features.

IMEI and the law
Many countries have acknowledged the use of the IMEI in reducing the effect of mobile phone thefts. For example, in the United Kingdom, under the Mobile Telephones (Re-programming) Act, changing the IMEI of a phone, or possessing equipment that can change it, is considered an offence under some circumstances. In the United States, changing the IMEI of a phone is not illegal. A bill was proposed to Congress by Senator Chuck Schumer in §3186 of the 112th Congress in 2012 but has not been approved.