What an IMEI is and why you need it

Your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit number that uniquely identifies your phone or tablet to cellular networks. It's built into your device's hardware and stays the same for the life of the device, even if you change carriers or SIM cards.

You'll need your IMEI if your phone is lost or stolen and you want to report it to your carrier, if you're switching carriers and they ask for device verification, or if you're troubleshooting network connection problems with customer support. Some carriers also use it to check whether a phone is compatible with their network before you buy it.

The IMEI is different from your phone number or SIM card number — those can change when you switch carriers or get a new SIM. Your IMEI is tied to the physical device itself.

Key Takeaways

  • You can find your IMEI by dialing *#06# on any phone with a cellular connection, and the number appears on screen within seconds.
  • On Android, go to Settings > About Phone > IMEI Information or Status, depending on your manufacturer.
  • On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and scroll to find IMEI.
  • Your phone's original box, receipt, or carrier account page also lists the IMEI if you can't access the phone itself.
  • Write down or screenshot your IMEI and store it somewhere safe in case your phone is lost or stolen.

The fastest way: dial the IMEI code

The quickest method works on almost any phone with cellular service. Open your phone's dialer (the app you use to make calls), type *#06#, and press call. Your IMEI appears on the screen when ready — you don't actually call anyone.

This method works whether your phone is locked or unlocked, whether you have a SIM card in it or not, and whether you're connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data. It's the fastest way if you need the number right now.

Finding your IMEI on Android

On most Android phones, open Settings and look for an "About Phone" or "About Device" section — the exact name varies by manufacturer. Once you're there, look for "IMEI Information," "IMEI," "Device ID," or "Status." Some phones list one IMEI; phones with two SIM card slots list two IMEIs (usually labeled IMEI 1 and IMEI 2).

If you can't find it in About Phone, try Settings > System > About Phone, or Settings > Device Information. Samsung phones sometimes put it under Settings > About Phone > Status. If you're still stuck, the *#06# dial method works on any Android phone.

Finding your IMEI on iPhone

On any iPhone, go to Settings > General > About. Scroll down through the list until you see "IMEI." That's your number. iPhones with dual SIM capability show two IMEIs on this same page.

If you don't have access to the phone itself, you can also find the IMEI on your original iPhone box (printed on the back), on your receipt from purchase, or in your carrier's account page online.

Finding your IMEI if you don't have the phone

If your phone is lost, stolen, or you're buying a used device and need to verify the IMEI before purchase, you have other options. Check your carrier's website — log into your account and look for device information or device details. Most carriers list the IMEI there.

If you bought the phone new, check your original receipt or the box it came in. The IMEI is printed on both. If you bought it from a carrier store, you can call that store and give them your name and purchase date; they can look up the IMEI in their system. If you bought it online, check your email confirmation or order history.

What to do once you have your IMEI

Write down your IMEI or take a screenshot and store it somewhere you can find it later — 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 want this number without having to search for it.

If your phone is stolen, contact your carrier when ready with the IMEI. They can block the device on their network, which makes it much harder for someone else to use it. You can also report it to local police if you choose to. Some carriers have online forms for reporting a stolen device; others require a phone call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone use my phone if they have the IMEI?

No. The IMEI identifies your phone to the network, but it doesn't unlock the device or give access to your data. Someone would still need your passcode or biometric to use the phone itself. However, they could potentially use it on a different carrier if it's not locked to yours.

What's the difference between IMEI and IMSI?

IMEI identifies the physical phone. IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) is stored on your SIM card and identifies your account and subscription. You need both for the phone to work on a cellular network.

Do tablets have IMEIs?

Only tablets with cellular service (LTE or 5G) have an IMEI. Wi-Fi-only tablets don't have one because they don't connect to cellular networks. If your tablet has a SIM card slot, it has an IMEI.

Will my IMEI change if I get a new SIM card?

No. Your IMEI is part of the phone's hardware and never changes. Your SIM card has its own number, but swapping SIM cards doesn't affect your IMEI.

Why do carriers ask for IMEI when I switch?

Carriers use the IMEI to check whether your phone is compatible with their network and to verify the device isn't reported stolen or blacklisted. It's a standard security check.