Understanding your SIM card's ICCID number

Managing mobile or IoT connectivity at scale is more challenging than it appears. As device fleets grow, so do the challenges: provisioning takes longer, SIM tracking becomes manual, and network access errors can grind deployments to a halt.

Today’s connected products need more intelligent, more scalable systems for identifying and managing SIMs—especially across global deployments, multi-network footprints, and evolving compliance requirements.

That’s where SIM card ICCID numbers come in. These globally unique identifiers serve as the foundation for secure provisioning, authentication, and lifecycle management.

In this post, we’ll break down what a SIM card ICCID number is, how it works, where to find it, and why it’s essential for teams managing mobile and IoT deployments at scale.

What is a SIM card ICCID number?

A SIM card ICCID number, or Integrated Circuit Card Identifier, is a globally unique number that identifies every physical or virtual SIM card. Typically 19 to 20 digits long, this number encodes key information about the SIM's origin, network affiliation, and individual identity.

As IoT ecosystems become increasingly complex and the number of devices requiring connectivity grows, the ICCID plays a vital role in ensuring reliable network operations and device interoperability.

The ICCID plays a central role in provisioning, authenticating, and tracking devices on cellular networks. Whether you're shipping connected products worldwide or managing a fleet of mobile devices, the ICCID helps account for every SIM and ensures they operate as expected.

Understanding ICCID format

Each ICCID is structured in a standardized way, with specific segments revealing different attributes of the SIM. A typical ICCID might look like this:

Here's how it breaks down:

• 89: The industry identifier, signaling that the card belongs to the telecommunications sector.
• 310: The country code, indicating that the SIM was issued in the United States.
• 210: The issuer identifier, which corresponds to the mobile network operator, in this case Telnyx.
• 000038120: A unique SIM card identifier that distinguishes it from every other SIM issued.
• 9: A checksum digit used for error detection when reading or transmitting the ICCID.

This format enables eSIM carriers and management platforms to determine the origin of a SIM, who issued it, and how it should behave on the network, all by parsing the ICCID.

ICCID vs. IMSI vs. EID: key mobile identifiers explained

The ICCID isn’t the only identifier involved in mobile connectivity. It works in concert with other numbers that manage network access, user identity, and device provisioning.

The IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) is tied to the mobile user and is used for authenticating devices on cellular networks. Unlike the ICCID, which tracks the SIM itself, the IMSI links to the subscriber profile stored on the SIM.

Then there's the EID (Embedded Identity Document), which is unique to the eUICC chip embedded in devices that support eSIM. This identifier is used to manage multiple SIM profiles remotely and plays a critical role in modern eSIM deployments.

Together, these identifiers help carriers and platforms manage the full lifecycle of connectivity, from device manufacturing through to deployment and support.

How to find your SIM card ICCID number

Knowing how to locate the ICCID number for a SIM card is essential for device setup, troubleshooting, and provisioning. Here's how to find it across common platforms and formats:

Android smartphones

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Scroll down and select About Phone or About Device.

3. Tap Status or SIM Status.

4. Look for ICCID or SIM Serial Number.

iPhones

1. Go to Settings.

2. Tap General.

3. Select About.

4. Scroll down to find the ICCID listed.

Physical SIM cards

You’ll usually find the ICCID printed directly on the card. It’s typically a 19- or 20-digit number printed beneath the barcode or chip.

eSIM profiles

For devices using eSIM, the ICCID is part of the downloaded SIM profile and can be viewed in the phone’s settings using the same steps as above.

If you’re using Telnyx, you can also access all active ICCIDs through the SIM Management Portal or retrieve them programmatically using the Telnyx API—ideal for bulk lookups, automated provisioning, and diagnostics at scale.

Why ICCID numbers matter for connectivity management

The SIM card ICCID number is more than just a technical identifier—it’s essential for provisioning, authenticating, and managing SIMs throughout their entire lifecycle. As IoT ecosystems scale and compliance demands increase, teams require clear and consistent methods to track and manage connectivity. ICCIDs provide the foundation for this control.

Device provisioning

During device manufacturing or field deployment, ICCIDs can be mapped to SKUs, regions, or hardware serial numbers. This allows teams to assign network credentials and activate SIMs in bulk, with confidence that each device is correctly configured and connected. Accurate provisioning ensures a smooth rollout and faster time to value.

SIM lifecycle management

From activation to suspension to retirement, ICCIDs offer a stable anchor for managing SIM states over time. Teams use them to monitor SIM health, apply usage policies, and automate service changes based on location, data consumption, or business rules. This level of control is critical when scaling fleets across geographies and managing IoT roaming solutions across multiple networks.

Compliance tracking

In regulated industries such as healthcare, logistics, or financial services, maintaining an auditable record of connectivity is crucial. ICCIDs provide a unique traceable ID for each SIM, enabling organizations to demonstrate usage history, enforce security policies, and respond quickly to audits or investigations.

Take complete control of SIM management with Telnyx

Tracking and controlling SIM card ICCID numbers shouldn’t be a manual, error-prone process, especially when you’re managing thousands of devices across global networks. As connectivity becomes mission-critical for business operations, teams need infrastructure that delivers real-time visibility, automation, and control from the start.

Telnyx makes that possible.

Our platform gives you the tools to manage SIM and eSIM deployments with precision. The Telnyx SIM Management Portal offers instant access to all your ICCIDs, complete with tagging, filtering, and metadata support for fleet-wide insight. Developers can leverage our Wireless API to automate provisioning, retrieve diagnostics, and perform bulk updates programmatically.

And because Telnyx owns its own global network infrastructure, you get end-to-end performance, direct carrier access, and complete control, without third-party dependencies.

Skip the carrier complexity and manage your SIM infrastructure from a single, powerful platform.