Where to find your IMEI on an iPhone

Your iPhone's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit number that uniquely identifies your phone to cellular networks. You can find it in four places without needing any special apps or tools: in the Settings app, on the physical SIM tray, printed on the original box, or by dialing a short code.

The fastest method is opening Settings, tapping General, then About, and scrolling to the line labeled IMEI. Write down or screenshot the number — it appears as a single 15-digit string. If you need it right now and your phone is powered off or won't turn on, check the SIM tray or the box your phone came in instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Your IMEI appears in Settings > General > About, where you can see it on one line without scrolling through multiple screens.
  • The physical SIM tray has the IMEI printed on it, so you can find it even if your iPhone won't power on.
  • Dialing *#06# from the Phone app displays your IMEI when ready, though this method works on some carriers and not others.
  • The original iPhone box prints the IMEI on the back label, which is useful if you no longer have the phone.

Finding your IMEI through Settings

Open the Settings app on your home screen. Tap General (the second option in most cases), then scroll down and tap About. The screen will show several lines of information about your phone — scroll down until you see the line labeled IMEI. The 15-digit number next to it is your IMEI.

This is the most reliable method because it works on every iPhone model and every iOS version. The number will not change unless you replace the phone's logic board, which almost never happens in normal use. If you need to share this number with your carrier or insurance company, you can take a screenshot by pressing the side button and volume-up button at the same time, then holding until the camera shutter sound plays.

Checking the SIM tray for your IMEI

The SIM tray — the small metal slot on the side of your iPhone — has your IMEI printed directly on it. To access it, use the SIM ejector tool that came in your iPhone box (a thin metal pin), or straighten a paperclip and use that instead. Insert the tool into the small hole next to the SIM tray until the tray pops out slightly, then pull it the rest of the way by hand.

Look at the metal tray itself, not the SIM card. The IMEI is printed on the tray in small text, usually near the top or bottom edge. This method is especially useful if your iPhone won't turn on or if you need the IMEI before setting up the phone. Write down the number carefully, as the text is small and straightforward to misread — double-check each digit before you use it.

Using the dial code to display your IMEI

Open the Phone app and tap the keypad at the bottom. Type *#06# and press the call button. On most carriers, your IMEI will appear on the screen when ready without actually placing a call. This method is fast and requires no navigation through menus.

However, this shortcut does not work on all carriers or all iOS versions — some networks block it for security reasons. If nothing appears after you dial, go back to the Settings method instead. This is not a failure on your part; it straightforward means your carrier has disabled this feature.

Finding your IMEI on the original box

The back of your iPhone's original retail box has a label with several numbers printed on it. The IMEI is listed on this label, usually in a section labeled IMEI or IMEI/SN. If you kept the box, this is a quick way to find the number without touching the phone itself.

The box label is also useful if you no longer have the iPhone — for example, if it was lost, stolen, or you sold it. Keep the box in a safe place if you think you might need this information later. The IMEI on the box matches the IMEI inside the phone and will never change.

Why you might need your IMEI

Your carrier uses your IMEI to set up your phone on their network and to track it if it is lost or stolen. Insurance companies ask for your IMEI when you file a claim, because it proves you owned that specific phone. If you are selling your iPhone, the buyer may ask for the IMEI to verify the phone's history and make sure it is not blacklisted by another carrier.

Some repair shops also request your IMEI before servicing your phone, especially if they are replacing parts. Having the number written down or saved in a note means you can provide it quickly without fumbling through Settings or digging out the box.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between IMEI and IMSI?

Your IMEI identifies the physical phone itself and stays the same for the life of the device. Your IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) is tied to your SIM card and changes when you switch carriers or get a new SIM. You need the IMEI for phone-related issues; your carrier uses the IMSI for account purposes.

Can someone use my IMEI to track my phone?

Your carrier and law enforcement can use your IMEI to locate your phone, but a private person cannot. Sharing your IMEI with a repair shop, insurance company, or buyer is safe — it does not give them access to your location, messages, or data. The IMEI is not a secret like a password.

Will my IMEI change if I update iOS?

No. Your IMEI is stored on the phone's hardware and does not change with software updates, backups, or factory resets. It only changes if the phone's logic board is replaced, which is rare and usually only happens after severe physical damage.

What should I do if the IMEI on my phone does not match the box?

Contact your carrier or the retailer where you bought the phone. A mismatch usually means the box belonged to a different phone, but it could also indicate the phone was refurbished or replaced under warranty. Your carrier can verify which IMEI is correct by checking their records.