Understanding TAC Codes: The DNA of Every Mobile Device
· TR Vertriebs GmbH
The first 8 digits of every IMEI — the Type Allocation Code — reveal manufacturer, model, and origin. Here's how to decode them.
The Type Allocation Code (TAC) is the backbone of IMEI identification. Assigned by the GSMA, the TAC occupies the first 8 digits of any 15-digit IMEI and uniquely identifies the device model and its manufacturer. When you see an IMEI starting with 35390011, you can immediately determine it belongs to a specific Apple iPhone model.
TAC databases are maintained by the GSMA and updated continuously as new devices enter the market. IMEI Safe maintains a synchronized copy of this database, allowing instant model identification without querying external services. This is why our basic model checks are near-instantaneous.
For developers integrating IMEI checks, understanding TAC codes can optimize your workflow. If you only need model identification, a local TAC lookup is faster and cheaper than a full IMEI check. Our API returns both the TAC-derived model info and the full carrier/blacklist data in a single response.
The TAC system also helps detect counterfeit devices. If a phone claims to be an iPhone 15 Pro but its TAC maps to a different manufacturer, it's likely a clone. Our API flags such mismatches automatically in the response.