Where to find your iPhone's IMEI

Your iPhone's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit number that identifies your specific device to mobile networks. You can find it in Settings without opening anything physical, by looking at the box your phone came in, or by dialing a short code on the phone itself.

The fastest method is Settings. Open Settings, tap General, then About, and scroll down until you see "IMEI". Write down all 15 digits exactly as they appear — one wrong number makes the IMEI useless for checking anything.

If your phone won't turn on or Settings won't load, check the original box. Apple prints the IMEI on a small label on the back of the box, usually near the barcode. If you no longer have the box, you can dial *#06# on any phone (including a borrowed one) while your SIM card is in your iPhone, and the IMEI will appear on the screen.

Key Takeaways

  • Your IMEI appears in Settings under General > About, and you should write down all 15 digits exactly.
  • The original iPhone box has the IMEI printed on a label on the back, near the barcode.
  • Dialing *#06# on your iPhone displays the IMEI on screen without opening any app.
  • Your IMEI is useful for reporting a stolen phone, checking if a used phone is blacklisted, or unlocking your device from a carrier.

Why you might need your IMEI

The most common reason to look up your IMEI is to report your phone stolen or lost. When you contact your carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or another provider), they use the IMEI to blacklist the device so it cannot connect to any network, even if someone else inserts a different SIM card.

A second reason is to check whether a used iPhone you are thinking of buying is blacklisted or reported stolen. Websites like IMEI.info and CheckMEID let you enter the IMEI and see the phone's history — whether it is clean, blacklisted, or flagged as lost or stolen. This costs a few dollars but can save you from buying a phone you cannot use.

You may also need your IMEI if you are unlocking your phone from a carrier contract, switching carriers, or dealing with Apple Support about a hardware issue. Keep a photo or written record of your IMEI in a safe place, separate from the phone itself.

The difference between IMEI and other phone numbers

Your IMEI is not the same as your phone number, your SIM card number, or your Apple ID. Your phone number is what people call or text you on — it changes if you switch carriers or get a new SIM card. Your IMEI stays with the physical iPhone hardware for its entire life, even if you change carriers, SIM cards, or phone numbers.

Your SIM card has its own number called an ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card ID), which you can also find in Settings under General > About. The SIM number changes when you get a new SIM card, but the IMEI does not. Your Apple ID is your account login for iCloud, the App Store, and Apple services — it is completely separate from your IMEI and phone number.

What to do if you cannot find your IMEI

If Settings will not open or your phone is too damaged to turn on, the original box is your best option. Look for the small white or silver label on the back of the box near the barcode — the IMEI is printed there along with other device information.

If you no longer have the box and cannot turn on the phone, contact your carrier with your phone number and account information. They can look up the IMEI in their system because they have a record of every device on your account. You will need to verify your identity, usually by answering security questions or providing your account PIN.

If the phone is under warranty or you bought it from Apple, you can also contact Apple Support with your proof of purchase. They can retrieve the IMEI from their records if you provide the serial number or original receipt.

Checking if a used iPhone is legitimate

Before you buy a used iPhone, ask the seller for the IMEI and run it through a checking service. Sites like IMEI.info, CheckMEID, and Swappa's IMEI checker will tell you whether the phone is blacklisted, reported stolen, or flagged as lost. A clean report means the phone can connect to networks and has no known problems.

A blacklisted phone will not work on any carrier, even with a new SIM card, because the IMEI itself is blocked at the network level. A phone flagged as lost or stolen may work temporarily but could be remotely locked or disabled by the original owner at any time. Checking the IMEI before you hand over money takes five minutes and can prevent a costly mistake.

If a seller refuses to give you the IMEI or seems evasive about it, that is a red flag. A legitimate seller should be willing to let you check the phone's history before purchase.

Reporting your iPhone stolen using the IMEI

If your iPhone is stolen or lost, call your carrier when ready with your IMEI. Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and other carriers can blacklist the device within minutes using the IMEI, which prevents anyone from using it on any network worldwide. You will need to verify your account information and may be asked to file a police report.

After you blacklist the phone, contact Apple through Find My iPhone (if you set it up before the theft) to remotely lock or erase the device. You can also report the theft to local police and provide them with the IMEI — some police departments use this information to track stolen devices or help recover them.

Blacklisting the IMEI does not erase the phone or prevent someone from using it on Wi-Fi, but it does make the phone worthless to thieves because it cannot connect to cellular networks. This is why thieves often target phones without Find My iPhone enabled — they are harder to track and lock remotely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone use my iPhone if they have the IMEI?

No. The IMEI alone does not unlock a phone or give access to your data. Someone would need your passcode, Face ID, or Apple ID password to use the phone. However, if they have the IMEI and your phone is not blacklisted, they could sell it to someone else or use it on a different carrier. This is why blacklisting the IMEI when ready after theft is important.

Does the IMEI change if I restore my iPhone?

No. The IMEI is hardcoded into the phone's hardware and does not change when you restore, update, or factory reset the device. It stays the same for the entire life of the phone, even if you erase all data or change carriers.

What does it mean if a used iPhone IMEI check says "blacklisted"?

A blacklisted IMEI means the phone is blocked from connecting to cellular networks by the carrier. This usually happens because the phone was reported stolen, the original owner did not pay their bill, or the phone was used in fraud. A blacklisted phone will not work on any carrier and cannot be unblacklisted by a new owner.

Is it safe to share my IMEI with someone?

Sharing your IMEI with a carrier, Apple Support, or a legitimate used phone checking service is safe. However, do not share it on public forums or with people you do not trust. Someone with your IMEI could potentially claim the phone is stolen or blacklist it themselves, though most carriers require account verification before taking such action.

Can I find the IMEI of someone else's iPhone?

Only if they give you access to their phone or the original box. You cannot look up someone else's IMEI without their permission or account access. If you are buying a used phone, the seller should provide the IMEI willingly so you can verify the phone's history.