Get Your Free Guide to Finding Device IMEI Numbers

What Is an IMEI Number and Why You Might Need to Find It

An IMEI number stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It's a unique 15-digit code assigned to every mobile phone and tablet that connects to cellular networks. Think of it like a fingerprint for your device—no two phones have the same IMEI number. This number helps cellular networks identify and track devices on their systems.

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The IMEI serves several practical purposes in daily phone ownership. If your phone gets stolen, you can report the IMEI number to your carrier or to law enforcement, and the device can be blocked from connecting to cellular networks. Insurance companies sometimes request IMEI numbers when processing claims for lost or damaged phones. International travelers might need this number when crossing borders or registering devices in different countries. Repair technicians often ask for the IMEI to verify warranty status or to ensure they're working on the correct device during service.

You might also need your IMEI when switching carriers, selling a used phone, or checking if a device has been reported as lost or stolen before purchasing it secondhand. Some people need this information when filing disputes about unauthorized charges or when working with their carrier to troubleshoot network connection problems. Understanding what an IMEI is and how to locate yours puts you in control of your device information.

Knowing where to find your IMEI takes only a few minutes, and there are multiple methods to locate it. Most people never need this information, but having it available when you do need it can save time and frustration. This guide walks through the different ways to find your IMEI depending on what type of device you own and what tools you have available.

Practical Takeaway: Write down or screenshot your IMEI number and store it in a safe place, such as a document with other important phone information. If your phone is ever lost, stolen, or needs service, you'll have this number readily available.

Finding Your IMEI on Android Devices

Android phones offer several straightforward ways to locate your IMEI number. The most common method works on nearly all Android devices made in the past decade. Open the Phone app—the one you use to make calls—and look for the keypad or dialer screen. Tap into the number field and type *#06# without pressing the call button. Within seconds, a pop-up window will appear displaying your IMEI number on the screen. Write this number down or take a screenshot before closing the window.

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If you prefer not to use the dialer method, you can find your IMEI through your phone's settings menu. Navigate to Settings, then look for an option called "About Phone" or "Device Information." This menu location varies slightly depending on your phone's manufacturer and Android version, but the name is consistent across most devices. Once you're in this section, scroll down until you see "IMEI" or "IMEI 1" listed. If your phone has two SIM card slots, you may see both "IMEI 1" and "IMEI 2" listed separately, with each SIM card having its own IMEI number.

For older Android devices or specific brands like Samsung, Motorola, or OnePlus, the settings path might vary slightly. On Samsung phones, you might find this information under Settings > About Phone > Status. On some devices, it appears under Settings > Device Information > Status Information. If you have trouble locating it, a quick search for your specific phone model and "find IMEI" will show you the exact menu path for your device.

Another method involves looking at the physical phone itself. Many Android devices print the IMEI number on a sticker inside the battery compartment. If your phone has a removable battery, you can power it off and open the back panel to view this sticker. However, most modern Android phones have non-removable batteries, making this method less practical for newer models. Additionally, if you've owned the phone for several years, the sticker may have faded or become illegible.

Practical Takeaway: The *#06# method is the fastest way to find your Android IMEI. Test this method on your phone right now while reading this guide, and store the number in your contacts or notes app for future reference.

Finding Your IMEI on iPhones and Apple Devices

iPhones store IMEI information in the same general location as Android devices, though the menu names differ slightly. Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap "General." Next, tap "About," and you'll see a list of information about your device. Scroll through this menu until you locate "IMEI." Tap on the IMEI number to highlight it, then hold down on the highlighted text until a "Copy" option appears. You can then paste this number into Notes or another app to save it for later reference.

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If you have an iPad or other Apple device that connects to cellular networks, follow the same process. Tablets that use Wi-Fi only do not have IMEI numbers because they don't connect to cellular carriers. These devices instead have a number called an UDID (Unique Device Identifier) for other identification purposes, but this is different from an IMEI. Only devices with cellular capability—iPhones, cellular iPads, and cellular Apple Watches—will display an IMEI in the About menu.

Like Android devices, you can also find the IMEI by using the Phone app. Open the Phone app and access the keypad, then dial *#06#. This works on iPhones just as it does on Android phones and will display your IMEI in a pop-up window. This method is particularly useful if you've forgotten how to navigate to the Settings menu or if you want to verify the number you found in Settings.

Your iPhone's original packaging and receipt may also list the IMEI number. If you've kept the box your phone came in, look on the side of the box or on any documentation inside. Additionally, your carrier stores your IMEI information in their system. If you call your carrier's customer service line, they can provide your IMEI over the phone. This is helpful if you've lost your phone and need to report the IMEI quickly to have the device blocked from the network.

Practical Takeaway: Store your iPhone's IMEI in the Notes app or your contacts section. Ensure this information is backed up to your iCloud account so you can retrieve it from another device if your iPhone is lost.

Using Your Carrier's Website and Customer Service

Your wireless carrier—whether it's Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or another provider—maintains detailed records about your phone, including the IMEI number. Logging into your carrier's online account portal is one of the most reliable ways to find this information. Visit your carrier's website and sign in with your account credentials. Look for a section called "My Devices," "Device Information," "Equipment," or "My Account." Most carriers display your IMEI prominently in the device details section, along with other information like your phone's model, color, and activation date.

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If navigating the website seems complicated, you can also call your carrier's customer service line and speak with a representative. They can verify your identity by asking for your phone number, account PIN, or other identifying information, then provide your IMEI directly over the phone. This method is particularly helpful if you're trying to locate the IMEI for a phone you no longer have access to, such as a device that was stolen or that you're selling to someone else. Keep in mind that carrier representatives may take several minutes to locate this information in their system, so calling during non-peak hours (typically early morning or late evening on weekdays) may result in shorter wait times.

Many carriers also offer chat or text support options on their websites. These options can be faster than phone calls, especially if you're in a situation where you can't talk on the phone. The chat agent can pull up your account information and provide your IMEI while you continue with other tasks. Some carriers even text IMEI information directly to your phone number on file if you request it through their automated phone system.

When contacting your carrier, have your account number or phone number ready to speed up the process. If you're looking for the IMEI of a phone you no longer own or that's no longer active on your account, the carrier may still have records of it in their system. They may ask you to describe the phone or provide the approximate date you had it active on their network to help locate the correct information.

Practical Takeaway: Visit your carrier's website today