What an IMEI number is and why you might need it

An IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit code unique to your iPhone. It identifies your specific device to cellular networks worldwide. Think of it like a serial number for your phone's connection to the network, separate from the device's overall serial number.

You may need your IMEI if you're switching carriers, filing a theft claim with your insurance company, checking whether a used iPhone is legitimate before buying it, or troubleshooting network problems with your carrier. Some carriers also use it to unlock your phone when your contract ends.

The IMEI does not contain personal information about you — it's purely a hardware identifier. It's safe to share with your carrier, insurance company, or the seller of a used phone you're considering.

Key Takeaways

  • You can find your iPhone's IMEI by dialing *#06# on the phone itself, or by going to Settings > General > About and scrolling to IMEI.
  • The IMEI appears on your original iPhone box, your carrier's account page, and in iTunes or Finder if you've synced the phone to a computer.
  • A legitimate IMEI check tells you whether a used iPhone is reported stolen or blacklisted by a carrier, but does not verify the phone's condition or history of repairs.
  • Free IMEI checkers exist online, but use only those run by carriers or established phone retailers, since some collect data or display ads aggressively.
  • If a used iPhone's IMEI shows it is blacklisted, the phone cannot connect to cellular networks even with a new SIM card.

Finding your IMEI on your iPhone right now

The fastest way is to dial *#06# on your iPhone's keypad. The IMEI appears on the screen when ready. You do not need to press call — the number displays as soon as you finish typing it. Write it down or take a screenshot.

If dialing does not work, go to Settings > General > About and scroll down. The IMEI appears in the list under "IMEI." On some older iPhones, you may see two IMEI numbers if the phone has dual SIM capability — both are legitimate identifiers for your device.

If you cannot access the phone itself, the IMEI is printed on the original box your iPhone came in, on the back of the phone (on older models), and in the SIM tray on some iPhones. You can also find it on your carrier's website by logging into your account and viewing your device details.

Finding the IMEI on a used iPhone before you buy

Ask the seller to dial *#06# or show you the Settings > General > About screen with the IMEI visible. Take a photo of the screen or write down the number. Do not rely on the seller's word — see it yourself.

Once you have the IMEI, you can check it against carrier blacklists. Your own carrier (if you plan to use the phone on their network) can tell you whether the IMEI is flagged as stolen or blocked. Some carriers offer this check on their website; others require a phone call.

Be aware that a clean IMEI check means the phone is not reported stolen or blacklisted — it does not tell you whether the phone has been repaired, whether the battery is original, or whether the screen has been replaced. Those are separate questions about the phone's condition and history.

Using online IMEI checkers safely

Several websites offer free IMEI checks that show whether a phone is blacklisted. The most reliable are run by carriers themselves or by large retailers like Apple or Best Buy. Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and other major carriers often have IMEI lookup tools on their websites.

If you use a third-party IMEI checker, stick to well-known phone retailers or carriers. Avoid sites that ask for your personal information beyond the IMEI itself, or that require you to read an app. Some free checkers display aggressive ads or collect data about your searches.

The information you get back is usually straightforward: the phone is either flagged as stolen or blacklisted, or it is not. Some checkers also show the phone's model, color, and original carrier, which can help you verify the seller's claims about what they are selling.

What a blacklisted or stolen IMEI means

If an IMEI is blacklisted, the phone cannot connect to any cellular network, even with a new SIM card from a different carrier. The phone will still work on Wi-Fi, but it cannot make calls, send texts, or use cellular data. This is a permanent block unless the original owner or carrier removes it.

A blacklisted phone is usually reported stolen, lost, or associated with unpaid bills or fraud. Do not buy a phone with a blacklisted IMEI — there is no way to use it on a cellular network, and the original owner could report it stolen at any time, complicating your ownership.

If you already own a phone and discover its IMEI is blacklisted, contact your carrier when ready. If you bought it used, you may have grounds to dispute the transaction with the seller or your payment method (credit card, PayPal, etc.).

IMEI versus other phone identifiers

Your iPhone has several different numbers that identify it. The IMEI identifies the device to cellular networks. The serial number identifies the device to Apple and is used for warranty and repair purposes. The UDID (Unique Device Identifier) was used by app developers but is now deprecated. Your phone number is separate from all of these.

For most purposes — checking if a used phone is stolen, switching carriers, or filing an insurance claim — you need the IMEI. For warranty service or repairs at Apple, you need the serial number. The serial number appears in the same Settings > General > About screen, listed as "Serial Number."

When you actually need to check an IMEI

Check your IMEI before buying a used iPhone to confirm it is not blacklisted. Provide it to your insurance company if you file a theft or loss claim. Give it to your carrier if you are switching phones or troubleshooting network problems. You do not need to check it for everyday use — the IMEI works in the background automatically.

If you are selling a used iPhone, the buyer may ask for the IMEI so they can verify it is not stolen. Providing it is safe and normal. If a buyer refuses to check the IMEI before purchasing, that is a red flag for them, not for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone use my IMEI to steal my phone or access my data?

No. The IMEI is a hardware identifier for the cellular network only. It does not unlock the phone, access your accounts, or let someone track your location. Sharing your IMEI with a carrier, insurance company, or potential buyer is safe.

What if the IMEI on the box does not match the IMEI on the phone?

This is unusual and suggests the phone may be a replacement unit or refurbished device. Contact Apple or your carrier to clarify. If you are buying a used phone and the numbers do not match, ask the seller why before completing the purchase.

Does a clean IMEI mean the phone is not stolen?

A clean IMEI means the phone is not reported stolen or blacklisted by a carrier. It does not may provide the phone is legitimate or that the seller owns it — only that it has not been reported to a carrier's blacklist. Always buy from trusted sellers when possible.

Can I change my iPhone's IMEI?

No. The IMEI is hardcoded into your phone's hardware and cannot be changed without physically replacing the modem. Attempting to change it is illegal in most countries and will not work on modern iPhones.

Why does my iPhone show two IMEI numbers?

If your iPhone has dual SIM capability (iPhone XS and newer), it has two separate IMEI numbers — one for each SIM slot. Both are legitimate and identify the same physical device to different networks. You only need one IMEI to check if the phone is blacklisted.