What an IMEI number is and why you need it

An IMEI number is a 15-digit code that uniquely identifies your phone on cellular networks. Think of it like a serial number for your device — no two phones have the same IMEI, even if they're the same model and color. Your phone broadcasts this number to your carrier every time it connects to the network.

You'll need your IMEI if your phone is stolen and you want to block it from being used on any network, if your carrier asks for it during troubleshooting, or if you're selling the phone and the buyer wants proof it's not blacklisted. Some countries also require the IMEI when you cross a border with a phone. If your phone has two SIM cards, it has two IMEI numbers — one for each slot.

Key Takeaways

  • Your IMEI appears on the original box your phone came in, on your carrier's account page, and inside your phone's settings — you do not need to open the device.
  • On Android, go to Settings, then About Phone, then scroll to IMEI or IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 if your phone has two SIM slots.
  • On iPhone, open Settings, tap General, then About, and look for IMEI near the bottom of the screen.
  • You can also dial *#06# on any phone to see the IMEI on the screen when ready, though this does not work on all carriers.
  • Write down or screenshot your IMEI and store it somewhere safe in case you need it later for your carrier or to report theft.

Finding your IMEI on Android phones

The fastest way on Android is to open the Settings app, then tap About Phone. Scroll down until you see IMEI or IMEI 1. If your phone has two SIM cards, you'll see IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 listed separately — each one controls one SIM slot. Write down or screenshot whichever number you need.

Some Android phones bury this information deeper. If you don't see it under About Phone, look for a section called Device Information or Phone Information instead. The exact name varies by manufacturer — Samsung calls it Device Information, while Google Pixel phones call it About Phone. If you're still stuck, try the universal code: dial *#06# from your phone's dialer app and the IMEI will appear on your screen within seconds.

Finding your IMEI on iPhone

On any iPhone, open Settings and tap General. Scroll down and tap About. Your IMEI appears near the bottom of the screen, labeled as IMEI. If your iPhone has two SIM cards (a physical SIM and an eSIM), you'll see IMEI 1 and IMEI 2. Screenshot or write down the number you need.

If you're looking at an older iPhone or one with a physical SIM tray, you can also remove the SIM tray and look at the small card inside — the IMEI is sometimes printed on the tray itself, though the Settings method is more reliable. The universal code *#06# works on iPhones too, though it's slower than checking Settings.

Checking your carrier's account or the original box

Your carrier has your IMEI on file. Log into your account on your carrier's website or app — usually under Account, Device Information, or My Devices — and your phone's IMEI will be listed there. This is useful if you can't access your phone or if you want to verify the number matches what's in your device.

If you still have the original box your phone came in, the IMEI is printed on a sticker on the back or inside. This is the easiest way if you're looking at a phone you no longer use. For phones you bought secondhand, ask the seller for the original box or ask your carrier to confirm the IMEI matches the device you're holding.

What to do once you have your IMEI

Write it down or take a screenshot and store it somewhere you can find it later — a notes app, a document, or even a photo in your cloud storage. If your phone is stolen, you can give this number to your carrier and they can block it from connecting to any network worldwide, making it useless to a thief. You can also report the IMEI to the police as part of the theft report.

If you're selling your phone, the buyer may ask you to confirm the IMEI matches the device. You can also check whether a used phone is blacklisted by visiting your carrier's website — most carriers have a tool where you enter the IMEI and it tells you whether the phone is clear to use or flagged as stolen or unpaid.

The universal code *#06# and when it works

Dialing *#06# from your phone's dialer app is the fastest way to see your IMEI on the screen, but it does not work on all carriers or all phones. It works reliably on most Android phones and iPhones, but some carriers disable it or it may not display correctly on older devices. If you dial it and nothing happens, your carrier may have blocked it — this is not a problem, just use the Settings method instead.

This code is useful if your phone is damaged and you can't navigate to Settings, or if you need the IMEI right now and don't want to dig through menus. The code is safe to dial — it only displays information, it does not change anything on your phone or your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find the IMEI if my phone won't turn on?

Yes. Check the original box, your carrier's website, or your purchase receipt — all of these have the IMEI printed on them. If you don't have access to any of those, your carrier can look it up by your account number or phone number.

What's the difference between IMEI and IMSI?

IMEI identifies the phone itself. IMSI identifies your SIM card and your account on the carrier's network. You need the IMEI to block a stolen phone; you need the IMSI only in rare technical situations your carrier would ask for.

Is it safe to share my IMEI with someone?

Yes. The IMEI alone cannot be used to access your account, make calls, or steal data. A buyer checking whether a used phone is blacklisted needs the IMEI, and it's safe to give it to them. Never share your PIN, password, or SIM card number.

Do tablets and smartwatches have IMEI numbers?

Only if they connect to a cellular network. WiFi-only tablets do not have an IMEI. Smartwatches with cellular service do have one, and you can find it the same way — Settings, About, scroll to IMEI.