Find Your IMEI Number Phone Guide
What Is an IMEI Number and Why It Matters
An IMEI number stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It is a unique 15-digit code assigned to every mobile phone and tablet that connects to cellular networks. Think of it like a serial number for your device—no two phones have the same IMEI number. This number identifies your specific device to cell phone companies, helps track stolen phones, and is used during repairs and warranty claims.
Learn How to Forward Text Messages to Email →
The IMEI number serves several important functions. Wireless carriers use it to register your device on their network and ensure you are the authorized user. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can report the IMEI to your carrier, and they can block it from being used on their network. This makes the phone much less valuable to thieves. Insurance companies may also request your IMEI when processing claims for damaged or missing devices. Law enforcement can use IMEI numbers to track stolen phones, though this requires proper legal channels.
Understanding your IMEI number is useful in several situations. If you are switching carriers or selling your phone, you may need to provide this number. When contacting customer support for technical issues, representatives sometimes ask for your IMEI to look up your device information. If you are traveling internationally, some countries require device registration using the IMEI. Knowing where to find this number and how to read it can save you time when you need it.
The IMEI number is different from your phone's serial number, though they are related. The serial number is a manufacturer's identifier, while the IMEI is specific to cellular connectivity. Not all devices have an IMEI—tablets without cellular service, WiFi-only devices, and older phones may not have one. However, any phone that connects to a cellular network will have an IMEI number.
Practical takeaway: Your IMEI is a permanent identifier for your phone that carriers and manufacturers use to track and manage your device. Knowing how to locate it prepares you for situations where you may need to provide this information to your carrier, insurance company, or repair service.
How to Find Your IMEI Using Dial Codes
The fastest way to find your IMEI number is by using a dial code on your phone. This method works on almost all smartphones, regardless of brand or operating system. Open your phone's dialer app—the same app you use to make phone calls. Then type a special code and press the call button. Within seconds, your phone displays a screen showing your IMEI number and other device information.
Free Guide to U-Haul Pickup Truck Rental Rates →
The universal dial code for finding IMEI information is *#06#. To use it, unlock your phone and open the Phone app or Dialer. Tap the keypad to make sure the number pad is visible. Type the asterisk, pound sign, zero, six, pound sign sequence exactly as shown: *#06#. After typing this code, press the green call button or the call icon. Your phone will not place an actual call. Instead, a pop-up window appears displaying your IMEI number or numbers.
If your phone has two SIM cards, you will see two IMEI numbers listed—one for each SIM. This is normal. Write down both numbers if you need them. The display usually shows the IMEI in large, easy-to-read text. You can take a screenshot of this screen to save the information, or write the number down in a safe place. Some phones may show additional information like your device serial number or IMSI, but the IMEI is the 15-digit number you are looking for.
This dial code method works on iPhones, Android phones, Samsung devices, and most other smartphone brands. It even works on some older phones and feature phones. The advantage of this method is that it requires no settings navigation or menus—you get the information in seconds. It also works on phones with locked screens or forgotten passwords, making it useful if you cannot access your phone's regular settings.
Practical takeaway: Typing *#06# into your phone's dialer is the quickest way to see your IMEI number. This method takes only a few seconds and works on nearly all phones with cellular service.
Finding Your IMEI Through Phone Settings on iOS
If you prefer to access your IMEI through your iPhone's settings menu rather than using a dial code, you can do so in a few steps. This method is useful if you want to write down the number while viewing other device information at the same time. On an iPhone, your IMEI is listed alongside your phone's serial number, model information, and other technical details in the About section of Settings.
Get Your Free Virginia License Plate Guide →
Start by unlocking your iPhone and opening the Settings app. Look for the gray gear icon on your home screen. Tap it to open Settings. Once in Settings, scroll down to find "General." Tap on General to open this menu. Inside General, look for an option labeled "About." This section contains all the technical information about your device. Tap on "About" to view these details.
On the About page, scroll through the list of information. You will see several fields including Device Name, Model, Model Number, Serial Number, and other entries. Look for the field labeled "IMEI." The IMEI number appears as a 15-digit code in this field. Some iPhones also display this information under "Cellular Data" or similar headings depending on the iOS version. Take a screenshot or write down the number for your records.
The exact appearance of this information may vary slightly depending on which version of iOS your iPhone is running. Newer iOS versions may display IMEI information more prominently, while older versions may require more scrolling to find it. If you have multiple phone lines or eSIMs on your iPhone, you may see multiple IMEI numbers listed—one for each line. Each number corresponds to a different SIM or eSIM card on your device.
Practical takeaway: On an iPhone, access Settings → General → About and scroll to find your IMEI number listed with your device's other technical information. This method lets you view your IMEI alongside other important device details.
Finding Your IMEI Through Phone Settings on Android
Android phones store IMEI information in the Settings app, though the exact location varies between manufacturers and Android versions. The process is slightly different from iPhone, but equally straightforward. Most Android users can find this information by navigating through the About Phone section of Settings, where device identifiers are grouped together.
Free Guide to Making Homemade Chicken Alfredo Pasta →
Begin by unlocking your Android phone and opening the Settings app. This is usually represented by a gear icon. Scroll down through the Settings menu to find an option labeled "About Phone" or simply "About." The location may vary—some phones put this at the very bottom of the Settings list, while others place it near the top. Tap on "About Phone" to open the device information screen.
On the About Phone screen, look for a field labeled "IMEI," "IMEI1," or "IMEI2" if you have a dual-SIM phone. The IMEI number is displayed as a 15-digit code. You may also see other information on this screen such as your phone model, Android version, build number, and serial number. Write down or screenshot your IMEI for future reference. If you have two SIM cards installed, you will see separate IMEI numbers for each one.
Some Android manufacturers place this information in slightly different locations. Samsung phones may label it under "Device Information" rather than "About Phone." Some budget or older Android phones might display it under "Phone Information" or a similar heading. If you cannot find it in the first location you check, try scrolling down further in the Settings menu. The dial code method (*#06#) always works on Android phones if navigating through menus proves difficult. Additionally, some phones allow you to access this information by going to Settings → System → About Phone, depending on your Android version.
Practical takeaway: On Android devices, navigate to Settings → About Phone (or similar) and look for the IMEI field. The exact menu location varies by manufacturer, but this information is always available in your phone's Settings app.
Finding Your IMEI on the Device Itself
Your IMEI number is printed on your phone, usually in a location that is easy to access without powering on the device. This method is useful if your phone is damaged, not functioning, or powered off. The IMEI label can typically be found in multiple places depending on your phone model, allowing you to locate it even if one location is damaged or
This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.