TAC Database Explained
The TAC (Type Allocation Code) database is a global registry that maps the first 8 digits of every IMEI to a specific device brand and model. Over 250,000 devices are catalogued, making it the foundation of mobile device identification worldwide.
Updated April 2026 Β· ~6 min read
What is the TAC Database?
The TAC database is a registry maintained by the GSMA (GSM Association) that stores every Type Allocation Code ever assigned to a mobile device. Each TAC is an 8-digit code that uniquely identifies a device manufacturer and model.
Before any mobile phone, tablet, or IoT device can be sold, its manufacturer must apply to the GSMA for a TAC. This registration process ensures that every device on every network can be identified by its IMEI number, with the TAC serving as the key to unlock device information.
The TAC corresponds to the first 8 digits of any IMEI. When you enter an IMEI into a lookup tool, the TAC portion is extracted and matched against the database to reveal the device brand, model, chipset, and supported network bands.
TAC Structure
A TAC consists of 8 digits split into 2 blocks:
- RBI (Reporting Body Identifier). The first 2 digits identify the GSMA-approved body that assigned the TAC. Different reporting bodies operate in different regions.
- Manufacturer Code. The remaining 6 digits identify the specific brand and device model. This block is what distinguishes a Samsung Galaxy S24 from an iPhone 16 Pro.
What Information Does a TAC Reveal?
The TAC immediately identifies the device manufacturer: Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, Huawei, OnePlus, and hundreds of others.
Each TAC maps to a specific model variant, such as Galaxy S24 Ultra, iPhone 16 Pro, or Pixel 9 Pro, down to regional hardware revisions.
Advanced TAC databases also reveal the chipset (e.g., Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, MediaTek Dimensity 9300) and the modem powering the device.
The TAC can map to the device's supported radio bands and technologies: 5G NR (n78, n77), LTE (B3, B7, B20), VoLTE, VoNR, and carrier aggregation combos.
Who Uses the TAC Database?
Operators query the TAC database to verify device compatibility, enforce BYOD policies, and understand the device mix on their network for capacity planning.
Police and regulatory agencies use TAC data to track stolen devices through the GSMA CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) blacklist system.
Insurers verify the TAC to confirm the exact device model in a claim, detect fraud (e.g., claiming a premium device when a budget model was insured), and assess device value.
RF and RAN engineers use TAC data to identify UE capabilities (carrier aggregation, MIMO layers, VoLTE support) for network optimization and troubleshooting.
HiCellTek TAC Database
HiCellTek maintains one of the most comprehensive TAC databases available, covering over 250,000 devices from more than 1,200 manufacturers. The database is updated weekly to include the latest device releases.
Use our free TAC lookup tool to query any TAC or full IMEI and instantly retrieve the device brand, model, chipset, and supported bands. For bulk queries, an API is available with flexible pricing.
Unlike the GSMA's commercial database, HiCellTek enriches TAC records with additional technical data: chipset details, modem information, supported frequency bands, carrier aggregation capabilities, and more.
TAC Database FAQ
How many TACs exist in the world?
Who assigns TAC numbers?
Can two different phones have the same TAC?
How often is the TAC database updated?
Is the TAC database free to access?
Can I use the TAC to find a phone's location?
Learn More
Enter a TAC or full IMEI to instantly identify the brand, model, chipset, and supported bands of any device.