The operator network tells the service provider which phone is currently being used with a phone number. The information comes from the operator network. You can request the full identifier, just the model information, or just an anonymous ID.
The response includes the phone's serial number (IMEI) and can also include its manufacturer and model.
If you only need the phone model, request the manufacturer and model.
Use an anonymous ID when you need to recognize the same phone without its serial number.
Information sourceThe information comes from the operator network, without relying on the app to report it.
Three endpointsChoose the full identifier, model information, or anonymous ID as needed. Every response includes the time last checked.
Device Identifier: How it works
- Send device detailsThe service provider sends device identifiers, such as a phone number or IP address.
- Network lookupThe operator identifies the physical phone currently being used with this phone number.
- Information responseThe response includes the full identifier, model information, or anonymous ID, depending on the endpoint called.
Device Identifier: API spec
POST /retrieve-identifier, POST /retrieve-type, POST /retrieve-ppiddevice: phone number, IPv4/IPv6 address, etc.| Response fields | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| imei/imeisv | The phone's international mobile equipment identity | 4901542032375181 |
| tac | Type allocation code (first 8 digits of the IMEI) | 49015420 |
| manufacturer/model | Manufacturer and model | Nokia/3110 |
| ppid | Anonymous ID | b083f65c… |
| lastChecked | Time the operator last checked the information | 2024-02-20T10:41:38Z |
Responses for three scenarios (excerpts)
NokiaBrand3110Model4901542032375181International mobile equipment identity49015420323751800Identifier including the software versionNokiaBrand3110Model49015420Type allocation code (first 8 digits of the IMEI)b083f65ccdad365d7489fff24b6d5074b30c12b6d81db3404d25964ffd908813Anonymous ID for this phone2024-02-20T10:41:38ZTime last checked by the operatorSpec source: CAMARA DeviceIdentifier r2.2 (Device Identifier v0.3.0)
Device Identifier: GSMA use cases
Fraud Detection in Mobile Insurance Claims
Problem to solveFraudulent claims for lost or stolen phones are increasing. Manual checks are slow and prone to errors.
Device Identifier's roleChecks whether the phone used to file a claim is the same one reported stolen.
Used together: SIM Swap, Device Swap
GSMA source ↗Online Ticketing Protection
Problem to solvePrevents bots from bypassing online queues and buying large numbers of tickets for resale.
Device Identifier's roleDetects multiple people queuing on the same device, which may indicate bots.
Used together: Know Your Customer Match, Number Verification
GSMA source ↗Detection of Bot Traffic
Problem to solvePrevents fraud such as fake clicks that inflate advertising metrics.
Device Identifier's roleVerifies that network access comes from a real phone rather than a cloud server.
Used together: Number Verification
GSMA source ↗Sources: GSMA Open Gateway Use Case Library and API Descriptions (accessed 2026-10-14). Descriptions are summaries.