Where to find your iPhone's IMEI

Your iPhone's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit number that identifies your specific phone to cellular networks. You can find it in four places: in the Settings app under About, on the physical SIM tray, printed on the original box, or by dialing *#06# on the phone itself.

The fastest method for most people is Settings. Open Settings, tap General, then tap About, and scroll down until you see IMEI. Write it down or take a screenshot — you'll need this number if you report your phone lost or stolen, switch carriers, or troubleshoot network problems.

If your phone won't turn on or you can't access Settings, check the SIM tray on the side of your iPhone. The IMEI is printed there along with other identifiers. You can also look at the original box your iPhone came in — Apple prints the IMEI on the back label.

Key Takeaways

  • Your IMEI is a 15-digit number unique to your iPhone that identifies it to cellular networks.
  • The easiest way to find it is Settings > General > About, then scroll to IMEI.
  • If your phone won't turn on, check the SIM tray on the side of your device or look at the original box.
  • You need your IMEI when reporting a phone as lost or stolen, switching carriers, or fixing network issues.
  • Dialing *#06# on your iPhone will also display the IMEI on your screen.

Using Settings to find your IMEI

Open the Settings app on your home screen. Tap General, which is usually near the top of the list. Then tap About — this screen shows all your phone's hardware and network information.

Scroll down through the About screen. You'll see fields like Model, Serial Number, and Firmware Version. Keep scrolling until you reach IMEI. The number appears as a single 15-digit string with no spaces or dashes. Copy it to your notes app or take a screenshot so you have it saved.

This method works on all iPhone models running iOS 12 or later. If you have multiple lines on your iPhone (a feature called Dual SIM), you'll see two IMEI numbers listed — one for each line.

Finding the IMEI on your SIM tray

On the side of your iPhone, you'll find a small hole or slot. Insert the SIM ejector tool (a thin metal pin that came with your phone, or a straightened paperclip) into the hole and push gently until the SIM tray pops out.

Look at the metal tray itself. The IMEI is printed on the tray in small text, usually near the top. You may also see other numbers like the ICCID (your SIM card's identifier). Write down the 15-digit IMEI number.

This method is useful if your phone won't power on or if you can't navigate to Settings. The SIM tray IMEI is the same number that appears in Settings, so either location gives you the correct information.

Checking the original box and packaging

If you still have the box your iPhone came in, look at the back label. Apple prints several identifiers there, including the IMEI. The label usually shows the model name, serial number, and IMEI in a small-print format.

The box label is helpful if your phone is lost, damaged, or won't turn on. Keep the box in a safe place for this reason — it's proof of ownership and contains your device's key identifiers.

Using the dial code to display your IMEI

Open the Phone app and go to the keypad. Dial *#06# and press the call button. Your iPhone will display a popup showing your IMEI number (and IMEI2 if you have Dual SIM enabled).

This method works on any iPhone that can make calls, even if you don't have an active cellular plan. The number displayed is the same as what you'd find in Settings or on the SIM tray.

Why you need your IMEI and when to use it

Your IMEI serves as proof that you own a specific iPhone. Carriers use it to connect your phone to their network, and they can block a phone from connecting if you report it lost or stolen. If your iPhone is stolen, contact your carrier and give them the IMEI — they can blacklist the device so the thief can't use it on their network.

You'll also need your IMEI when switching carriers. Some carriers ask for it during the transfer process to may support the phone is compatible with their network. If you're troubleshooting network problems — no signal, dropped calls, or slow data — your carrier's support team may ask for the IMEI to check if there are known issues with your specific device.

If you're selling your iPhone, providing the IMEI to the buyer lets them verify the phone hasn't been reported as lost or stolen. Some online marketplaces ask for the IMEI before you can list a used phone.

Keeping your IMEI safe

Your IMEI is not a secret like a password, but you shouldn't share it casually. Only provide it to your carrier, Apple Support, or a buyer you trust. Scammers sometimes use IMEI numbers to impersonate device owners or file false claims.

Store a copy of your IMEI in a find location — a password manager, a note in your email, or a photo in cloud storage. If your phone is lost or stolen, you'll need to provide the IMEI quickly to your carrier, and having it saved elsewhere makes that process faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between IMEI and serial number?

Your IMEI identifies your phone to cellular networks and is used for carrier set up and blacklisting. Your serial number is a separate identifier Apple uses for warranty and repair purposes. Both appear in Settings > General > About, but they're different numbers.

Do all iPhones have an IMEI?

All iPhones with cellular capability have an IMEI. iPad models and Wi-Fi-only devices don't have an IMEI because they don't connect to cellular networks. If your device has a SIM slot or supports cellular data, it has an IMEI.

Can I find my IMEI if my iPhone is off?

Yes. Check the SIM tray on the side of your phone, look at the original box, or contact your carrier — they have your IMEI on file. You cannot use Settings or the *#06# dial code if the phone is powered off.

What does it mean if my IMEI shows as unknown in Settings?

This is rare but can happen if your phone has a software issue or hardware problem. Try restarting your iPhone. If it still shows as unknown, check the SIM tray or original box instead. Contact Apple Support if the problem persists.

Do I need my IMEI to set up a new iPhone?

No. Apple's set up process uses your Apple ID and phone number, not your IMEI. Your carrier may ask for the IMEI during setup to verify the phone is compatible with their network, but it's not required for basic set up.