Free Guide to Finding Your Device's IMEI Number

What Is an IMEI Number and Why It Matters

Your device's IMEI number is a 15-digit code that serves as a unique identifier for your phone or tablet. Think of it like a serial number for vehicles—no two devices share the same IMEI. The term stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity, and it's assigned during manufacturing. Every mobile device that connects to cellular networks carries this code, whether it's a smartphone, tablet, or mobile hotspot device.

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The IMEI number gets used in several practical situations. If your phone gets stolen, law enforcement and your service provider can use this number to track or block the device from connecting to networks. When you're selling a used phone, potential buyers often request the IMEI to verify the device hasn't been reported as lost or stolen. Insurance companies may ask for it when processing claims. Some people need their IMEI when contacting customer support for technical issues, as it helps identify their specific device in the carrier's system.

Understanding your device's IMEI also protects you from fraud. Counterfeit phones sometimes carry fake or cloned IMEI numbers. Legitimate devices from authorized retailers will have genuine, registered IMEIs. When you purchase a secondhand phone, checking the IMEI against databases that track reported stolen devices can prevent you from buying a blacklisted phone.

Different from other identifiers, the IMEI is permanent and doesn't change when you switch service providers, remove the SIM card, or perform factory resets. Your phone number and SIM card number will change if you switch carriers, but the IMEI stays constant throughout the device's lifespan. This permanence makes it the most reliable way to identify a specific piece of hardware.

Practical takeaway: Locate and record your device's IMEI soon after purchase. Store this information securely—you may need it for insurance purposes, if your device is ever lost, or when selling the phone later.

Finding Your IMEI on Android Devices

Android phones from manufacturers like Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, and others all contain IMEI information that you can access through the settings menu. The process is straightforward and takes less than a minute. Start by opening your Settings app, which typically appears as a gear icon on your home screen or in your app drawer. If you can't locate it, swipe down from the top of your screen to access quick settings, then look for the settings icon.

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Once in Settings, look for options labeled "About Phone," "Device Information," or simply "About." Different Android manufacturers organize their menus differently, so the exact wording may vary. Samsung devices often label this section as "About Phone" under the General tab. Google Pixel phones place it directly under "System" in the Settings menu. When you tap this option, your phone displays a list of technical details about your device.

Scroll through the information on this page until you locate "IMEI," "IMEI 1," or "IMEI 2." Phones with dual SIM capability (ability to use two phone numbers simultaneously) display two separate IMEI numbers, one for each SIM slot. Write down the complete 15-digit number carefully. If your phone supports multiple SIM cards, note which IMEI corresponds to which SIM slot if that information will matter for your purposes.

Some Android users prefer the shortcut method: dial *#06# directly into your phone's dialer app, just as if you were making a phone call. When you press the call button, your device displays a popup showing your IMEI number (or numbers, if your phone has multiple SIM slots). This method works on nearly all Android devices and bypasses the need to navigate through menus.

If neither method reveals your IMEI, check your phone's physical body. Some devices print the IMEI on a sticker underneath the battery, though this applies mainly to older Android phones. Modern devices rarely include this external marking, making the digital methods your most reliable option.

Practical takeaway: Use the *#06# dialer method as your fastest option, or navigate to Settings > About Phone > IMEI if you prefer the menu approach. Screenshot or photograph the number for your records.

Finding Your IMEI on iPhones and iPads

Apple devices handle IMEI information similarly to Android, though the menu structure differs slightly. On any iPhone or iPad running recent iOS versions, open the Settings app and navigate to "General." This section contains most of your device's technical specifications. Look for an option labeled "About" and tap it to view your device information.

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On the About screen, scroll down to locate "IMEI." This 15-digit number appears exactly as it does on Android devices. iPhones with dual SIM capability (which includes iPhone XS models and later) show two separate IMEI numbers listed as "IMEI 1" and "IMEI 2." Each number corresponds to one of your active SIM slots. Write down whichever number(s) apply to your situation.

The dialer shortcut also works on iPhones: open the Phone app's keypad and dial *#06#. Your iPhone displays a popup immediately showing your IMEI number without requiring you to actually place a call. This method provides the quickest access to the information and works across all iPhone models.

For iPads, the process mirrors the iPhone method. Navigate to Settings > General > About and look for the IMEI listing. Note that WiFi-only iPad models (those without cellular capability) don't have IMEI numbers, since the IMEI only applies to devices that connect to cellular networks. If you don't see an IMEI on a WiFi-only iPad, that's normal—the device uses a different identifier system instead.

Another option for Apple device owners involves checking the original product documentation or packaging if you still have it. The IMEI often appears on the product box, invoice, or receipt from your purchase. This approach works well if you're looking up information about a device you no longer actively use but still have the original materials for.

Practical takeaway: On iPhones, Settings > General > About shows your IMEI instantly. The *#06# dialer trick also works, providing an even faster alternative that requires just three taps.

Locating Your IMEI Through Your Service Provider

Your mobile service provider maintains records of your device's IMEI and can provide this information upon request. This method proves particularly useful if you've lost your phone, can't access your device's settings, or want to verify the IMEI on a secondhand device you purchased. Major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and regional providers all retain this information in their customer accounts.

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To obtain your IMEI through your carrier, contact their customer service department by phone or through their website's account portal. Have your account number or phone number ready when you call. Representatives can pull up your account and provide your device's IMEI within moments. Some carriers also display this information directly in their mobile app or online account management system, so check there first—it's often the quickest method.

If you're checking the IMEI of a device you purchased secondhand, you'll need to contact the carrier with the phone number associated with that device. In this case, the current owner (or the person selling to you) should make the inquiry, since carriers typically only release detailed device information to the account holder for privacy reasons. Ask the seller to confirm the IMEI matches the number you recorded from the device itself.

This verification step protects you from purchasing a blacklisted device. When a phone is reported stolen or lost, carriers can flag its IMEI, preventing it from connecting to their network even if the SIM card is changed. Some carriers allow you to check whether a device is blacklisted by providing the IMEI, though this varies by provider. Contact the carrier that will be providing service for the device and ask about their blacklist checking procedures.

Keep in mind that prepaid and MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators—carriers that lease network access from larger carriers) may have different procedures. Your service provider's customer service team can explain their specific process for locating and verifying IMEI information on your account.

Practical takeaway: Log into your carrier's online portal or mobile app first—your IMEI often displays there without needing to call. If not available online, a quick customer service call retrieves it immediately.

Using IMEI Databases to Check Device History