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 cellular networks. You can find it in three places: in the Settings app, on the physical SIM card tray, or by dialing a code on the phone itself. The Settings method is fastest if your phone is working; the SIM tray method works even if the device won't turn on.

You'll need your IMEI if you're reporting a lost or stolen phone to your carrier, checking whether a used iPhone is blacklisted, or troubleshooting network problems with your provider. Some carriers also ask for it when you're switching phones or adding a device to your account.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, tap General, then About to see your IMEI listed as "IMEI" on the screen.
  • If your phone won't turn on, remove the SIM card tray with the included tool and read the number printed on the tray itself.
  • You can also dial *#06# on any iPhone to display the IMEI on the screen without opening any menus.
  • Write down or screenshot your IMEI and keep it somewhere safe in case you need to report your phone lost or stolen.

Using Settings to check your IMEI

This is the most straightforward method if your iPhone is powered on and responding. Open the Settings app, then tap General. Scroll down and tap About. The IMEI appears on the screen labeled as "IMEI" — it's a 15-digit number. You can tap it to copy it to your clipboard, then paste it into a note or email.

This same screen also shows your phone's model, storage capacity, iOS version, and serial number, which can be useful if you need to provide multiple pieces of information to your carrier or Apple Support.

Reading the IMEI from your SIM tray

If your iPhone won't power on or the screen is broken, you can still find the IMEI by removing the SIM card tray. Use the small metal tool that came with your iPhone (or a straightened paperclip) to eject the tray from the side of the phone. The tray itself has the IMEI printed on it — look for the 15-digit number on the metal or plastic surface.

This method works on any iPhone model, even if the device is completely dead or damaged. The number printed on the tray is the same as the one stored in the phone's software, so it's equally valid for any purpose.

Using the dial code to display your IMEI

On any working iPhone, you can dial *#06# using the Phone app's keypad. The IMEI will appear on the screen when ready without opening Settings. This method is useful if you want to check the number quickly without navigating through menus.

This code works on every iPhone model and doesn't require you to have an active cellular plan — the phone displays the IMEI even if you're not connected to a network. The code is the same across all iPhone models and all carriers.

Why you might need your IMEI

If your iPhone is lost or stolen, your carrier can blacklist the IMEI so the phone won't connect to any cellular network, even if someone else inserts a different SIM card. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent unauthorized use. You'll need to contact your carrier directly with the IMEI to request this.

When buying a used iPhone, you can ask the seller for the IMEI and check it against your carrier's blacklist database or Apple's set up lock status. Some carriers offer online tools where you can enter an IMEI to see whether the phone has outstanding payments or is flagged as stolen. This protects you from purchasing a device that won't work on your network.

Keeping your IMEI safe

Write down or screenshot your IMEI and store it somewhere you can find it quickly — a note in your email, a document on your computer, or a photo in cloud storage. If your phone is lost or stolen, you'll need this number when ready to contact your carrier, and you won't have access to the phone itself to look it up.

Don't share your IMEI publicly or with people you don't trust. While the IMEI alone cannot be used to unlock or access your phone, it is linked to your account with your carrier, and someone with both your IMEI and your account details could potentially cause problems. Treat it the same way you'd treat your account number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the IMEI the same as the serial number?

No. The IMEI identifies your phone to cellular networks, while the serial number identifies it to Apple. Both appear in Settings under General > About. You may need either one depending on whether you're contacting your carrier or Apple Support.

Can I change my iPhone's IMEI?

No. The IMEI is hardcoded into your phone's hardware and cannot be changed through any legitimate method. If someone claims they can change it, they are describing an illegal modification that would violate federal law.

What should I do if my IMEI appears twice in Settings?

iPhones with dual SIM capability (physical SIM plus eSIM, or two eSIMs) show two IMEIs — one for each SIM slot. Both numbers are valid and belong to your phone. If you're reporting the phone lost, provide both numbers to your carrier.

Can I find someone's IMEI without their permission?

No. The IMEI is stored on the device itself and in your carrier's records. You cannot look up someone else's IMEI without access to their phone or their carrier account. Attempting to do so without permission is illegal.

Does my IMEI change if I update iOS?

No. The IMEI never changes, regardless of software updates, factory resets, or any other changes you make to the phone. It remains the same for the entire life of the device.