ICCID in UVEOS: decoding, where it is located and why it is needed in the ERA-GLONASS system

If you are the owner of a modern car manufactured after 2017, you have probably come across the abbreviation UVEOS — device for calling emergency services. This is a mandatory element of the system ERA-GLONASS, which automatically transmits data about an accident to the rescue service. But few people know what is hidden inside this device. SIM card with its own unique number - ICCID. What is this code, where can I find it and why is it important for the system to work? Let's sort it out in order.

ICCID (from English. Integrated Circuit Card Identifier) is a 19 or 20 digit number that is assigned to every SIM card in the world. In the context of UVEOS, this identifier is needed to link the device to a telecom operator (usually MTS or MegaFon), which provides data transmission about road accidents. Without the correct ICCID, the system may not work and the vehicle will not pass inspection. Next, we will tell you how to find this number in your car, what to do if it is inactive, and why it cannot be ignored.

What is ICCID and how is it related to UVEOS

ICCID is unique SIM card serial number, which consists of several parts:

• 🔢 Operator prefix (first 6-7 digits) - identifies the country and mobile operator (for example, 8960 for MTS in Russia).
• 📌 Individual card number (next 10-12 digits) - unique for each SIM.
• 🔄 Check digit (last character) - calculated using the Luhn algorithm to check the correctness of the number.

B UVEOS (emergency call device) uses a specialized SIM card, which:

• 📡 Works online LTE-M or NB-IoT — energy-efficient standards for IoT devices.
• 🔒 Has limited functionality: it can only send data about accidents, but not receive calls.
• 📅 Has a validity period of up to 10 years (unlike regular SIMs, which require replacement every 2-3 years).

Why is this important? Without a valid ICCID:

• ❌ UVEOS will not be able to connect to the operator’s network.
• ❌ System ERA-GLONASS will not receive a signal about an accident.
• ❌ The car will not pass inspection (since 2023, UVEOS inspection is mandatory).

Where is the ICCID in the car: step-by-step instructions

ICCID can be found in two ways: physically (on the SIM card itself inside UVEOS) or programmatically (via diagnostic equipment). Let's consider both options.

Method 1: Physical inspection of UVEOS

The device is usually located in one of the following locations (varies by vehicle model):

• 🚗 Under the front panel (driver or passenger side).
• 🔧 In the fuse box (sometimes integrated with ECU).
• 📡 Under the rear seat (in cars with eSIM or module V2X).

To remove the SIM card:

1. Disconnect the battery (required! to avoid short circuit).
2. Remove the plastic cover of the UVEOS (usually secured with latches).
3. Carefully remove the SIM tray (if present) or look for the ICCID sticker on the device body.

Disconnect the battery|Have a flat-tip screwdriver ready|Take a photo of the location of the connectors|Do not touch the contacts with bare hands-->

Attention! In some vehicles (eg Lada Vesta or Kia Rio 2020+) SIM card is soldered into the UVEOS board. In this case, the ICCID is indicated on a sticker on the device body or in the service book.

Method 2: Diagnostics via OBD-II

If you don't want to disassemble the car, the ICCID can be read using a diagnostic scanner (eg Launch X431 or Autel MaxiCOM). To do this:

1. Connect the scanner to the connector OBD-II (usually located under the steering wheel).
2. Select menu Electronics → UVEOS/ERA-GLONASS.
3. Find a section SIM Info or Communication module - there will be a line ICCID.

⚠️ Attention: Not all scanners support reading ICCID. If your device does not display this option, try using specialized software such as ERA-GLONASS Test Tool (available for authorized service centers).

How to check ICCID activity in UVEOS

Even if you found the ICCID, this does not guarantee that the SIM card is active. You can check its status in several ways:

Test method	What to do	Result
Call the ERA-GLONASS call center	Dial 020 (from mobile) and call ICCID	The operator will inform you about the activation status
Online service MTS/MegaFon	Enter ICCID on the website era.glonass.ru	The system will show whether the number is linked to the car
Diagnostics in the service	Connect the car to the scanner and run a communication test	Shows signal strength and network registration status

If the ICCID is inactive, the reasons may be:

• ⏳ SIM card is not activated (you need to contact a service center or dealer).
• 📵 The device is not connected to the network (check the UVEOS antenna).
• 🔧 ICCID is not tied to the car’s VIN (registration in the database is required ERA-GLONASS).

What to do if the ICCID is missing or unreadable

Situations where the ICCID cannot be found or read occur in three cases:

1. The SIM card is physically missing (lost during repair or was not installed at the factory).
2. ICCID is erased or damaged (for example, after moisture gets into the UVEOS).
3. The device uses eSIM (virtual SIM card, as in Tesla Model 3 or BMW i4).

Solutions for each problem:

Problem	Actions	Cost
No SIM card	Contact your dealer for a replacement (vehicle VIN required)	1 500–3 000 ₽
ICCID is not readable	Check contacts, clean from oxidation or replace module	2 000–10 000 ₽
Used eSIM	ICCID can be found in the service book or through diagnostics	Free

⚠️ Attention: If you discover that the UVEOS in your car does not have an ICCID (for example, after purchasing a used car), this may mean that:

• 🚨 Device not original (a “dummy” is installed for passing technical inspection).
• 🔧 Previous owner removed the SIM card (for example, to save on subscription fees).
• ⚠️ Car not certified for Russia (imported from abroad without adaptation to ERA-GLONASS).

What happens if you drive without an active ICCID?

Without a working ICCID, the ERA-GLONASS system will not be able to send a signal about an accident, and the car will not pass inspection. In addition, from 2026, a fine of up to 2,000 rubles will be imposed for faulty UVEOS (Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).

How to activate or replace ICCID in UVEOS

If the ICCID is found but inactive, it must be associated with the vehicle. To do this:

1. Check that the vehicle's VIN is registered in the database ERA-GLONASS (can be done on the website era.glonass.ru).
2. Contact authorized service center with vehicle passport (PTS) and ICCID.
3. Pay for activation (cost - from 500 to 1,500 rubles depending on the region).

If the SIM card is lost or damaged, it can be replaced as follows:

1. The service center sends a request to the operator (MTS or MegaFon).
2. You are issued a new SIM with the same or new ICCID (depending on the operator's policy).
3. A connection to the VIN and a communication test are carried out.

Important: ICCID replacement can only be done at a certified center! Self-installation of a SIM card from another operator will lead to blocking of the UVEOS.

Common mistakes when working with ICCID in UVEOS

Many car owners encounter problems due to ignorance of the nuances of the system. Here are the most common mistakes:

• 🔄 Flashing UVEOS — after an unofficial software update, the ICCID may be reset and the device will lose connection to the network.
• 📵 Disabling the antenna — some “craftsmen” turn off the UVEOS antenna in order to “save battery power,” but this makes the ICCID inoperable.
• 🔧 Self-replacement SIM — installing a regular SIM card instead of a specialized one will lead to a registration error in the network.

How to avoid problems:

• 🛠️ Do not interfere with the operation of UVEOS unless necessary (even to clean contacts, use alcohol, not water!).
• 📡 Before selling your car, check that the ICCID is active - the new owner must re-register it in his name.
• 📄 Keep the service book with ICCID data - this will speed up the resolution of problems in case of breakdown.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about ICCID in UVEOS

Is it possible to use a regular SIM card instead of a specialized one in UVEOS?

No. Regular SIM cards do not support the protocol LTE-M, which is used to transfer data to ERA-GLONASS. In addition, operators block registration on the network for uncertified devices.

What to do if the ICCID is found, but the ERA-GLONASS system does not work?

First check:

1. Is there a connection (the network indicator on the UVEOS should light green).
2. Is the antenna damaged (check the cable and connector).
3. Is the SIM card active (call to 020 or check on the website ERA-GLONASS).

If everything is in order, but the system does not work, contact the service to diagnose the module.

Do I have to pay to use ICCID in UVEOS?

No, there is no monthly fee for a SIM card at UVEOS. Payment is covered by the government under the program ERA-GLONASS. However, a one-time fee may be charged for replacing or activating the ICCID in the service (usually up to RUB 1,500).

Is it possible to transfer ICCID from one vehicle to another?

Technically possible, but this is prohibited. Each ICCID is associated with a specific vehicle VIN. When moving the SIM card to another UVEOS system ERA-GLONASS will block it after 30 days. To transfer, you need to re-register through the service center.

How can I find out which operator serves ICCID in my UVEOS?

The operator is determined by the first digits of the ICCID:

• 8960 — MTS.
• 8923 or 8924 — MegaFon.
• 8918 — Beeline (rarely found, usually in old UVEOS until 2020).

The operator is also indicated in the vehicle’s service book or on the UVEOS sticker.