Where to find your iPhone's IMEI in Settings

The fastest way to find your iPhone's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is through the Settings app. Open Settings, tap General, then tap About. Scroll down until you see the line labeled "IMEI" — that 15-digit number is what you need. Write it down or take a screenshot, because you may need it for carrier support, insurance claims, or if you report your phone lost or stolen.

This method works on any iPhone running iOS 13 or later. The IMEI appears as a single number on that About screen, and it does not change unless you replace your phone's logic board — which almost never happens in normal use.

Key Takeaways

  • Your IMEI is a 15-digit number found in Settings > General > About, listed as "IMEI".
  • You can also find your IMEI by dialing *#06# on any phone, though this works best on iPhones with active cellular service.
  • Your carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) can look up your IMEI if you call them with your phone number and account details.
  • Keep your IMEI written down or saved in a safe place — you will need it if your phone is lost, stolen, or needs warranty service.
  • Your IMEI is not the same as your phone number, SIM card number, or serial number, though all three appear on the About screen.

Using the dial code *#06# to retrieve your IMEI

On any iPhone with cellular service, you can dial *#06# and your IMEI will appear on the screen automatically. You do not need to press call — the phone recognizes this as a system code and displays the number without connecting to anyone. This method works even if you do not have an active plan, as long as the SIM card slot has been used before.

This dial code works on nearly every phone ever made, not just iPhones. It is a standard way to retrieve the IMEI without opening menus, which is useful if your phone is damaged or if Settings is not responding.

Getting your IMEI from your carrier

If you cannot access Settings or use the dial code, your carrier can retrieve your IMEI over the phone. Call Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or whichever carrier you use and give them your phone number and account PIN. They will look up your IMEI in their system and read it back to you. This usually takes less than a minute.

Carriers keep IMEI records for every phone on their network, so this method works even if your phone is off, lost, or not in your possession. You will need to verify your identity with your account PIN or the last four digits of the Social Security number on file.

Finding your IMEI on your original receipt or box

If you bought your iPhone new from Apple, Verizon, AT&T, or another retailer, the IMEI may be printed on your receipt or on the box the phone came in. Check the original paperwork first — it is often faster than dialing or navigating Settings, and it gives you a paper record you can store safely.

The IMEI on the box is usually printed on a label on the back or side. On receipts, it may appear under "device IMEI" or "equipment number." If you no longer have the box or receipt, the Settings method or carrier lookup will get you the same number.

Why you might need your IMEI and what it is used for

Your IMEI identifies your specific phone to cellular networks and manufacturers. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can give your IMEI to your carrier and they can block it from connecting to their network — this prevents someone else from using it on that carrier. If you report your phone to police, the IMEI goes into a database that carriers check, making the phone harder to resell.

Insurance companies also ask for your IMEI when you file a claim for a lost or damaged phone. Warranty service at Apple or an authorized repair shop may require your IMEI to pull up your device history and confirm what repairs or replacements have been done. Some carriers use the IMEI to verify that a phone is compatible with their network before you switch to their service.

Your IMEI is not sensitive information in the way a password is — it is printed on your box and visible to anyone who handles your phone. However, it is still worth keeping private, because someone with your IMEI could contact your carrier and attempt to impersonate you if they also have other account details.

The difference between IMEI, serial number, and other iPhone identifiers

Your iPhone has several different numbers, and they serve different purposes. The IMEI is for cellular networks. The serial number is for Apple and warranty tracking — it is also 15 characters but usually includes letters. The SIM card number (also called ICCID) is specific to your SIM card, not your phone, and changes if you swap SIM cards. Your phone number is assigned by your carrier and can change if you switch carriers or plans.

All four of these numbers appear on the About screen in Settings. The IMEI is labeled "IMEI," the serial number is labeled "Serial Number," and the SIM card number is labeled "ICCID." Your phone number appears at the top under "Phone Number." It is straightforward to confuse them, but they are not interchangeable — if someone asks for your IMEI, they do not mean your serial number or phone number.

What to do if your iPhone does not show an IMEI

If you go to Settings > General > About and do not see an IMEI listed, your phone may not have cellular service activated yet. iPhones without a SIM card or with a SIM card that has never been activated sometimes do not display an IMEI until the phone connects to a carrier. Insert a SIM card, turn the phone off and back on, and check Settings again.

If you still do not see an IMEI after that, try the dial code *#06# — it may display even when Settings does not. If neither method works, your phone may have a hardware issue with the cellular radio. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to have them check the phone. They can retrieve the IMEI from their system using your device serial number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IMEI the same as my phone number?

No. Your phone number is assigned by your carrier and can change if you switch carriers or plans. Your IMEI is a permanent identifier for your specific phone hardware. Both appear in Settings, but they are different numbers used for different purposes.

Can someone use my IMEI to track my phone?

Not directly. Your IMEI identifies your phone to cellular networks, but it does not contain location data. However, if someone has your IMEI and other account details, they could contact your carrier and attempt to impersonate you. Keep your IMEI reasonably private, though it is not as sensitive as a password or PIN.

What should I do if my iPhone is stolen?

Call your carrier when ready and give them your IMEI. They can block the phone from connecting to their network. You can also report the theft to police and provide them with the IMEI — it goes into a database that carriers check when activating used phones. Use Find My iPhone through iCloud.com to locate or remotely erase the phone if it is still powered on.

Do I need my IMEI to switch carriers?

Not always. Many carriers can look up your phone using your phone number and account details. However, some carriers ask for the IMEI to verify that your phone is compatible with their network before you switch. It is useful to have it on hand when you contact a new carrier.

Will my IMEI change if I update iOS?

No. Your IMEI is tied to your phone's hardware, not its software. Updating iOS, restoring from backup, or factory resetting your phone will not change your IMEI. It only changes if you replace the phone's logic board, which is rare.