Where to find your iPhone's IMEI number

Your iPhone's IMEI number (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit code that identifies your specific device to cellular networks. You need it when you're switching carriers, filing an insurance claim, reporting a lost phone, or checking whether a used iPhone is legitimate. Apple gives you three straightforward ways to find it without leaving your phone or computer.

The fastest method is to open Settings, tap General, then About — your IMEI appears on that screen as "IMEI". If you don't have the phone in front of you, you can find the same number on your original Apple receipt, in your carrier's account online, or by dialing *#06# on any phone connected to that line. Each method takes under a minute.

Key Takeaways

  • Your IMEI is a 15-digit number unique to your iPhone that identifies it to cellular networks and is required for carrier switches and insurance claims.
  • The quickest way to find it is Settings > General > About, where it appears as "IMEI" on the screen.
  • If you don't have your phone, check your Apple receipt, your carrier's online account, or call your carrier's customer service line.
  • Dialing *#06# on any phone on your carrier's network will display your IMEI when ready, though this works only on active lines.

Finding your IMEI through iPhone Settings

Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap General. Scroll down and tap About. Your IMEI appears in the list as "IMEI" — it's a 15-digit number. You can tap it to copy it to your clipboard, then paste it wherever you need it.

This method works on any iPhone model and any iOS version. You don't need internet, and the number never changes for that device. If you're selling or trading in your phone, this is the clearest way to confirm the number matches what the buyer or trade-in service expects.

Finding your IMEI without your phone

If you don't have your iPhone available, check your original Apple receipt or invoice from when you bought it — the IMEI is printed there. You can also log into your carrier's website or app (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or your regional carrier) and view your account details; most carriers display the IMEI under device information or account settings.

If you need the number urgently and can't access your receipt or online account, call your carrier's customer service line. They can look up your IMEI by your phone number and account. Have your account PIN or the last four digits of your Social Security number ready, as carriers ask for this before sharing device details.

Using the *#06# dialing shortcut

Dial *#06# on any phone that's active on your carrier's network — it can be any phone, not just an iPhone. A screen will appear when ready showing your IMEI. This works because the code is a universal shortcut that carriers recognize; it doesn't require internet or any app.

This method is useful if your iPhone is lost or broken but you still have access to another phone on the same account. The IMEI that appears is for whichever phone you're dialing from, so make sure you're using the line associated with the iPhone you're looking up. If you're on a different carrier's line, the shortcut may not work.

Why you need your IMEI and when to use it

Your IMEI is required when you switch to a new carrier — they use it to confirm your phone is compatible with their network and not reported as stolen. Insurance companies ask for it when you file a claim for a lost or damaged phone. If you're buying a used iPhone, you can ask the seller for the IMEI and check it against Apple's database to confirm it hasn't been reported lost or blacklisted.

Some carriers also use your IMEI to unlock your phone after your contract ends or when you pay it off. If you're troubleshooting network problems with your carrier's support team, they may ask for your IMEI to pull up your device's history on their system. Keep a record of your IMEI in a safe place — a note in your email, a password manager, or a photo on your computer — so you have it if your phone is lost.

Checking if a used iPhone is legitimate

If you're considering buying a used iPhone, the IMEI tells you whether the phone is clean or has problems. Ask the seller for the IMEI, then visit Apple's coverage check page (support.apple.com/en-us/HT202471) and enter the number. Apple will tell you whether the phone is may be able to access for support and whether it's been reported as lost or stolen.

You can also check the IMEI against your carrier's database — most carriers have a tool on their website where you can enter an IMEI and see whether it's blacklisted or has an outstanding balance. If a seller refuses to give you the IMEI or becomes evasive when you ask, that's a sign to walk away. A legitimate seller should have no reason to hide it.

What to do if your IMEI doesn't appear

If you go to Settings > General > About and don't see an IMEI listed, your phone may not have a cellular connection set up, or there may be a software issue. Try restarting your iPhone by holding the power button and sliding to power off, then turning it back on. If the IMEI still doesn't appear, connect to Wi-Fi and try again — sometimes the About screen needs an internet connection to load all details.

If restarting doesn't work, your iPhone may need a software update. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates, then check the About screen again. If you still can't find your IMEI after updating, contact Apple Support or your carrier's customer service — they can retrieve it from their records even if your phone isn't displaying it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone use my IMEI to track my phone?

No. Your IMEI identifies your phone to the network, but it doesn't enable location tracking. Only your carrier and law enforcement with a warrant can use your IMEI to locate your phone. Sharing your IMEI with a buyer or service provider is safe — it's not a password or security code.

Is the IMEI the same as the serial number?

No. Your iPhone has both an IMEI and a serial number, and they're different. The IMEI is for cellular networks; the serial number is for warranty and support. Both appear in Settings > General > About, and both are on your original receipt.

What if my IMEI starts with a different number than other iPhones?

That's normal. Different manufacturers and regions use different starting digits. As long as your IMEI is 15 digits and appears in your phone's settings, it's valid. Apple's coverage check will confirm whether it's legitimate.

Do I need my IMEI to unlock my iPhone after I pay it off?

Not always. Most carriers unlock your phone automatically after your contract ends or you pay off the device. If they don't, you'll contact them to request an unlock, and they may ask for your IMEI to look up your account. Having it ready speeds up the process.

Can I change my IMEI number?

No. Your IMEI is hardcoded into your iPhone's hardware and cannot be changed. Attempting to change it is illegal in most countries and will damage your phone's ability to connect to networks.