Find Your iPhone's IMEI Number Step by Step

What Is an IMEI Number and Why You Might Need It

An IMEI number stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It's a unique 15-digit code assigned to every cellular device, including iPhones. Think of it like a serial number—just as your car has a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), your iPhone has an IMEI. This number identifies your specific phone on cellular networks around the world.

Free Guide to Growing Lemon Trees From Seeds →

The IMEI serves several practical purposes. Carriers use it to connect your phone to their network and track which device is associated with your account. If your iPhone is lost or stolen, law enforcement and carriers can use the IMEI to potentially locate or disable the device remotely. Insurance companies may request your IMEI when you file a claim for a damaged or missing phone. Repair shops sometimes need it to verify the device they're working on matches your service records.

You might also need your IMEI when traveling internationally, especially if you want to use local SIM cards in different countries. Some carriers require the IMEI to confirm your phone is compatible with their network bands and technology standards. Additionally, if you're selling your iPhone, a potential buyer may want to verify the IMEI to check if the phone has been reported as stolen or blacklisted.

Understanding what your IMEI is helps you recognize why someone might ask for it and when it's appropriate to share this information. While the IMEI is not as sensitive as a Social Security number, it's still wise to only provide it to legitimate entities like your carrier, repair shops you trust, or official Apple services.

Practical takeaway: Your IMEI is a unique identifier for your iPhone that carriers, insurance companies, and repair shops may need. Knowing what it is and where to find it helps you respond quickly when someone requests this information.

Method 1: Finding Your IMEI Through the Settings App

The most straightforward way to locate your IMEI is through your iPhone's Settings app. This method works on all current iPhone models, including iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13, and earlier versions. The process takes less than one minute and requires no special tools or external devices.

Free Guide to Street-Legal Motorcycle Speed and Safety →

Start by opening the Settings app on your home screen—it's the gray icon with white gears. Once the app opens, look for "General" in the menu and tap it. Within General, scroll down until you see "About." Tap "About," and you'll see a list of information about your iPhone, including the device name, storage capacity, and more. In the About screen, scroll through the various details until you find the field labeled "IMEI." The number displayed next to IMEI is your device's unique identifier.

If you have an iPhone with dual SIM capability—which includes most modern iPhones—you may see two IMEI numbers listed. The first IMEI corresponds to your primary cellular line, and the second belongs to your secondary line (whether that's a physical SIM or eSIM). Both numbers are valid IMEIs for your device, but they represent different cellular connections.

Once you've found your IMEI, you can take a screenshot by pressing the volume up button and the side button simultaneously (on newer iPhones), then releasing both. The screenshot saves automatically to your Photos app. Alternatively, you can write down the IMEI number on paper or copy it to your notes app for safekeeping.

Practical takeaway: Open Settings > General > About and scroll to find your IMEI number. This method is quick and available on any iPhone without needing other devices or tools.

Method 2: Finding Your IMEI by Dialing a Code

Another simple method to locate your IMEI uses a built-in phone code that works on virtually every iPhone. This approach requires nothing more than the Phone app, which comes standard on all iPhones. The code method is particularly useful if you're having trouble navigating the Settings app or prefer a faster route.

Learn About VA Disability Rating Increases →

Open the Phone app on your home screen and look at the bottom navigation. You'll see several icons, including "Keypad." Tap the Keypad option, which displays the phone dialer with numbers 0-9 and the standard phone keypad layout. In the number entry field at the top of the screen, type the code *#06# (asterisk, pound sign, zero, six, pound sign). Do not press the call button—simply typing this code triggers an automatic response on your iPhone.

Once you've typed *#06#, your iPhone will display a popup window showing your IMEI number (or two IMEI numbers if your phone supports dual SIM). The popup appears within seconds. This code works because it's a standard Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) code recognized by cellular networks and devices worldwide. It doesn't make an actual phone call; instead, it queries your device's information directly.

The code method doesn't require an active cellular connection or Wi-Fi, though your phone must be powered on. Even if you don't have service at that moment, the code will still display your IMEI because the information is stored directly on your iPhone's hardware. This makes it a reliable backup method if you're in an area with poor signal or between carriers.

Practical takeaway: Open the Phone app, tap Keypad, type *#06#, and your IMEI appears instantly on your screen. This method is faster than navigating Settings and works without an internet connection.

Method 3: Finding Your IMEI on Your Original Packaging and Documentation

When you purchased your iPhone, the original box and documentation contained your IMEI number. This information is printed on multiple parts of the packaging, making it a valuable reference if you no longer have access to your phone or need to verify the IMEI without turning on your device.

Learn About Importing Calendar Files to Google Calendar →

Check the back of your original iPhone box. Most boxes display a barcode label that includes several pieces of information about the device. Your IMEI is typically printed on this label along with other details like the serial number, model number, and regulatory information. The IMEI may be labeled directly as "IMEI" or sometimes appears within a longer barcode.

Your original purchase documentation, including receipts, packing slips, or warranty cards, may also contain the IMEI. If you purchased your iPhone from an Apple Store, a carrier's retail location, or an authorized reseller, your receipt might display the IMEI. Some carriers include the IMEI on the SIM card packaging that came with your phone.

Additionally, if you registered your iPhone with Apple or your carrier when you first set it up, they maintain records of your IMEI associated with your account. You can contact Apple Support or your cellular carrier with your account information, and they can look up your device's IMEI in their systems. This proves particularly useful if you've lost access to your phone entirely or need historical documentation for insurance or legal purposes.

Keeping the original iPhone box in a safe location provides a handy backup reference for your IMEI and other device specifications. If you've discarded the box, don't worry—you can still locate your IMEI through the Settings or dialing methods described in previous sections.

Practical takeaway: Your IMEI is printed on your iPhone's original box and may appear on purchase receipts or warranty documentation. These sources provide a backup way to find your IMEI if you can't access your phone.

Method 4: Finding Your IMEI Through Your Carrier's Account

Your cellular carrier—whether that's Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or another provider—maintains records of your iPhone's IMEI in their customer database. Accessing this information through your carrier's website or customer service represents another reliable method, particularly if you need to confirm the IMEI on file matches your actual device.

Get Your Free Hilton Team Member Login Guide →

Log into your carrier's website using your account credentials. Most carriers provide a "My Account" or "Account Information" section in their online portal. Navigate to your devices or equipment section, which typically lists all phones and devices associated with your account. The IMEI for your iPhone should appear alongside details about your plan, billing information, and service status.

If you can't locate the information online, you can contact your carrier's customer service by phone. Call the number on the back of your billing statement or use your carrier's official customer service number. When you reach a representative, provide your account information (usually your phone number, account number, and a form of identification verification