Get the model number, serial number, and firmware version number of your smartphone. You will need them in future hacks.

The Model Number
Nokia smartphones are identified by cryptic model numbers, such as Nokia 6600, 6230, 3650, etc. Do you know which phone you own? Well, it’s actually easy to find out your model number, even if you lost the original packaging box and order receipt. First, power off your phone, and then open the back cover of the device and remove the battery. You can read the Nokia model number off the white label. Make a note of this number, as you will need to refer to it when applying hacks discussed throughout this book.

if you Google for your Nokia phone’s model number (e.g., searching Nokia 6600), you can quickly jump to Nokia’s official product page, which contains detailed technical information, related software downloads, and accessories for the phone.

The IMEI and Software Version Numbers
The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) code is a 15-digit number that uniquely identifies your mobile phone. It is useful for many purposes. For example, the wireless operator can associate your IMEI code with your account and identify stolen phones, locking them out of the network. Third-party software on Nokia Series 60 devices often uses the IMEI code to tie the software license to the specific device it is installed on. There are two ways to discover your phone’s IMEI number:

The first method is to look it up on the phone’s label. The IMEI number should appear on the phone’s packaging box. If you lost the original box, you can find it on the white sticker underneath the battery.

The second method is to type XS*#06# from your keypad as if you are dialing a phone number (do not press the green Send key). Immediately after you type those digits, the phone should display the IMEI number.

Another useful piece of information about your phone is its software version number. Devices with the same model number (i.e., the same hardware) but different software versions have slightly different behaviors. Some of the advanced hacks and applications depend on the device software version. Many of the technical bulletins published by Forum Nokia identify specific problems and bugs with specific software version numbers. To obtain the version number of your phone, enter the code *#0000# from your keypad on the idle screen, as though you are dialing a telephone number (see “Query and Change Service Settings” for some other special operation codes). If your phone has an outdated firmware version, you can upgrade the firmware by “reflashing” the phone’s main memory. You can send the phone to a service shop to perform such upgrades.

NOTE: If you purchase a phone from a third-party dealer, it is a good idea to make sure the IMEI number returned by the phone’s software (the second method) matches the IMEI number on the sticker. A mismatch might indicate that the phone is stolen or counterfeit.

Reflashing your phone’s firmware can harm the device in some cases. It is not covered under your regular warranty, so do it at your own risk!