What an IMEI number is and why you need it

An IMEI number is a 15-digit code that uniquely identifies your phone or tablet on cellular networks. Think of it like a serial number for your device's connection to the phone network — no two devices have the same IMEI. You need it when reporting a stolen phone to your carrier, when switching carriers, when a technician needs to troubleshoot network problems, or when selling a used device.

The IMEI is different from your phone number or SIM card number. Your phone number changes if you switch carriers; your SIM card is a physical chip you can remove and replace. Your IMEI stays with the device itself, whether it's powered on, has a SIM card, or is connected to anything at all.

Key Takeaways

  • You can find your IMEI by dialing *#06# on any phone — the number appears on screen within seconds, no special permissions needed.
  • On Android, open Settings, go to About Phone, and look for IMEI or IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 if your phone has two SIM slots.
  • On iPhone, go to Settings, tap General, then About, and scroll to find IMEI near the top of the list.
  • If your phone won't turn on, check the original box, the SIM card tray, or contact your carrier — they have your IMEI on file.
  • Write down or screenshot your IMEI and store it somewhere safe in case you need it later for your carrier or insurance.

The fastest way: dial *#06#

The quickest method works on almost every phone, including older models. Open your phone's dialer — the app you use to make calls — and type *#06# exactly as written, then press the call button. Do not dial it as a phone number to a person; just enter it and press call.

Within a second or two, your IMEI number appears on the screen in a popup or notification. If your phone has two SIM card slots (dual SIM), you will see two numbers labeled IMEI 1 and IMEI 2. Write down the number or take a screenshot. Press the back button or close the popup when you are done — nothing is sent anywhere.

This method works even if your phone has no SIM card inserted, no active service, or a locked screen, because the IMEI is stored in the phone's hardware itself.

Finding IMEI on Android through Settings

Open the Settings app on your Android phone. Scroll down and tap About Phone — the exact name varies slightly by manufacturer, but it is always near the bottom of the Settings list. You may see it labeled as "About Device" or "Phone Information" instead.

Once you are in the About section, look for a field labeled IMEI, IMEI 1, or IMEI 2. If your phone has two SIM slots, both numbers will be listed separately. The IMEI is a 15-digit number. Tap and hold on it to copy it, or take a screenshot.

Some Android phones also show the IMEI under a section called "SIM Status" or "SIM Information" within Settings. If you cannot find it in About Phone, try looking there.

Finding IMEI on iPhone through Settings

Open the Settings app and tap General. Then tap About. Scroll through the list until you see a field labeled IMEI — it is usually near the top, above or below the phone number and serial number.

Tap and hold on the IMEI number to copy it, or take a screenshot. iPhones do not have dual SIM slots in the traditional sense, so you will see only one IMEI. If your iPhone supports eSIM (a digital SIM), you may see two IMEI numbers listed — one for the physical SIM slot and one for the eSIM.

What to do if your phone won't turn on

If your device is powered off and you cannot turn it on, you have a few options. First, check the original box or packaging — manufacturers often print the IMEI on a label on the back or inside. Look for a 15-digit number near the barcode or serial number.

Second, remove the SIM card tray (if your phone has one) and look at the tray itself or the slot — some phones print the IMEI there. Third, contact your phone carrier with your account information. They have your IMEI on file from when you first activated the phone, and they can read it to you over the phone or in your online account.

If the phone is under warranty or you purchased it recently, the retailer may also have the IMEI in their system. Bring your receipt or account information.

Storing your IMEI for later use

Once you have found your IMEI, write it down or take a clear screenshot and store it somewhere you can find it later. Keep a copy in a notes app on your phone, in a password manager, or in a document on your computer. If your phone is stolen or lost, you will need this number quickly, and you will not have access to the phone itself.

If you have multiple devices, label each IMEI with the device name — for example, "iPhone 12 IMEI" or "Samsung Galaxy A52 IMEI" — so you do not mix them up. Your carrier and your phone's insurance company will ask for this number, so having it ready saves time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the IMEI the same as the serial number?

No. The IMEI is a 15-digit number specific to cellular networks, while the serial number is a separate identifier printed on your device. Both appear in your phone's About section, but they are different. Your carrier needs the IMEI; Apple or Samsung support may ask for the serial number.

Can someone use my IMEI to track my phone?

Your IMEI alone cannot be used to track your location. However, if someone has your IMEI and your phone number, they could contact your carrier and potentially cause problems. Do not share your IMEI publicly, but it is safe to give it to your carrier, insurance company, or police if needed.

What if the *#06# code does not work on my phone?

Some older phones or phones on certain carriers may not respond to this code. Use the Settings method instead: Android users go to About Phone, iPhone users go to Settings > General > About. If neither works, contact your carrier — they can look it up in their system.

Do I need my IMEI to switch phone carriers?

Your new carrier will ask for it during the switch, but they can usually look it up using your phone number and account information. Having your IMEI ready speeds up the process, especially if you are bringing an unlocked phone from another carrier.

What does IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 mean?

Phones with two SIM card slots have two separate cellular connections, so they have two IMEIs. IMEI 1 is for the first SIM slot, IMEI 2 is for the second. If you only use one SIM, you only need to remember one IMEI, but both are tied to your device.