Where to find your IMEI on your iPhone right now

Your iPhone's IMEI number is a 15-digit code that identifies your specific device to cellular networks. You can find it in three places without leaving your phone: in Settings, on the physical SIM tray, or by dialing a code. The fastest method is Settings — go to General, then About, and scroll down until you see "IMEI". Write it down or take a screenshot, because you'll need it if your phone is lost, stolen, or you're switching carriers.

If you don't have the phone in front of you, the IMEI is also printed on the original box it came in, on your carrier's account page, or on any receipt from purchase. Apple Support can look it up if you have your Apple ID and proof of purchase.

Key Takeaways

  • The fastest way to find your IMEI is Settings > General > About, where it appears as a 15-digit number in the list.
  • You can also find your IMEI by removing your SIM tray and reading the number printed on the metal tray itself.
  • Dialing *#06# on any iPhone will display your IMEI on the screen when ready, though this works only if the phone powers on.
  • Your IMEI is printed on your original iPhone box and appears in your carrier's account if you bought the phone through them.
  • You need your IMEI to report a phone as lost or stolen, to unlock a carrier lock, or to check if a used phone is blacklisted.

Method 1: Find it in Settings on your iPhone

This is the most reliable method because it works on every iPhone model and requires nothing but your phone. Open Settings, tap General, then tap About. Scroll down the list — you'll see Carrier, Model Name, Model Number, and other details. Keep scrolling until you see the line labeled IMEI. The 15-digit number next to it is what you're looking for.

Take a screenshot or write it down when ready. If you need to share it with your carrier or Apple, a screenshot is safer than typing it out by hand, because one wrong digit makes the number useless. Some carriers let you copy the number directly from their website instead, which eliminates typing errors.

Method 2: Check the SIM tray for the printed number

Your iPhone's SIM tray has the IMEI printed directly on the metal or plastic tray itself. To access it, use the SIM ejector tool that came with your phone — it's a thin metal pin. On the side of your iPhone (usually the right side), you'll see a small hole. Insert the ejector tool straight in until the tray pops out slightly, then pull it out by hand.

Look at the tray itself, not the SIM card. The IMEI is printed on the tray in small text. This method is useful if your phone won't turn on or if Settings is not responding, but the number can be hard to read if the printing is faded. If you can't read it clearly, use one of the other methods instead.

Method 3: Dial the code to display your IMEI

On any working iPhone, open the Phone app and dial *#06#. The IMEI will appear on your screen when ready — you don't need to press call. This works even if you don't have cellular service, as long as the phone powers on. Write down or screenshot the number before you close the Phone app.

This method is fastest if you're already on a call or if you want to verify the number without navigating menus. It also works on older iPhone models where the Settings menu layout might be different.

Finding your IMEI without the phone

If your iPhone is lost, stolen, or you don't have it with you, check the original box it came in. Apple prints the IMEI on a label on the back of the box, along with the serial number and other details. Keep this box in a safe place for this reason.

If you bought the phone through your carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or another provider), log into your account on their website or call their customer service line. They can tell you the IMEI associated with your phone number. If you bought it from Apple directly, sign into your Apple ID on apple.com, go to your account settings, and look for your device list — the IMEI appears there. You'll need to know your Apple ID password to access this information.

Why you need your IMEI and what to do with it

Your IMEI serves several important purposes. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can give the IMEI to your carrier, and they can block the phone from connecting to their network — this prevents someone else from using it on that carrier. You can also report it to Apple and to local police, and include the IMEI in the report.

If you're switching carriers or unlocking your phone, the new carrier may ask for your IMEI to check whether the phone is compatible with their network or whether it's been reported as lost or stolen. When buying a used iPhone, you can use the IMEI to check Apple's blacklist — visit apple.com/support and use their "Check Coverage" tool to see if the phone is reported as lost or stolen. If you're having trouble with set up or cellular service, Apple Support will ask for your IMEI to troubleshoot the issue.

Protecting your IMEI and keeping it safe

Your IMEI is not a secret like a password, but it's still worth protecting. Don't share it in public forums, emails, or with people you don't trust. If someone has your IMEI, they can't access your data or accounts, but they could potentially report the phone as lost to a carrier and cause problems with your service.

Store a copy of your IMEI in a safe place — a password manager, a note in your email, or a photo in cloud storage. If your phone is ever lost or stolen, you'll be able to find the number quickly without having to contact your carrier or Apple. Write it down and keep it with your phone's original box and receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between IMEI and serial number?

Your IMEI identifies your phone to cellular networks, while your serial number identifies it to Apple. Both appear in Settings > General > About. The IMEI is 15 digits; the serial number is shorter and contains letters. You need the IMEI for carrier issues and the serial number for Apple warranty or repair claims.

Can I change my IMEI number?

No. Your IMEI is burned into your phone's hardware and cannot be changed through software. Attempting to change it is illegal in most countries. If your IMEI is blacklisted because the phone was reported stolen, your only option is to contact the original owner or carrier to have it removed from the blacklist.

What does it mean if my IMEI is blacklisted?

A blacklisted IMEI means the phone has been reported as lost or stolen to a carrier. The phone will not connect to cellular networks on that carrier. If you bought a used phone and discovered it's blacklisted, contact the seller when ready. You may be able to return it or ask them to contact the original carrier to remove the block.

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

No. You don't need your IMEI to set up a new iPhone or transfer data from an old one. You'll need your Apple ID and password, and your carrier will set up service using your phone number. Your IMEI becomes relevant only if you're switching carriers, reporting the phone as lost, or troubleshooting network problems.

Is my IMEI the same as my phone number?

No. Your phone number is assigned by your carrier and can be transferred between phones. Your IMEI is unique to your specific device and never changes. You can have the same phone number on multiple phones over time, but each phone has its own IMEI.