Where to find your IMEI on Android

Your Android phone's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit number that identifies your specific device to cellular networks. You can find it in three places without downloading anything: in your phone's settings, by dialing a code, or on the original box or SIM card tray.

The quickest method is to open Settings, tap About phone, then scroll down to find IMEI or IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 (if your phone has two SIM cards). The exact wording varies by manufacturer — Samsung calls it "Phone info", Motorola calls it "About phone", and Google Pixel uses "About phone" as well — but the path is always Settings followed by an About section.

Key Takeaways

  • Your IMEI appears in Settings under About phone, and you can take a screenshot to save it without writing it down.
  • Dialing *#06# on any Android phone displays your IMEI on the screen when ready, even if you have no service.
  • Dual-SIM phones show IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 separately, and you may need both numbers if you report the phone lost or stolen.
  • The IMEI is printed on your original box, under the battery (on older phones), and on the SIM card tray of newer models.
  • You need your IMEI to report a phone stolen, unlock a carrier lock, or verify your device with your mobile provider.

Using the dial code to see your IMEI when ready

Open your phone's dialer (the app you use to make calls) and type *#06#, then press the call button. Your IMEI will appear on the screen within a second. This method works on every Android phone and requires no navigation through menus.

This approach is useful if your phone is acting up or if you want to check the number without touching Settings. The screen will show your IMEI and then close automatically, or you can press the back button to dismiss it. If you have two SIM cards, both IMEI numbers will display at once.

Finding your IMEI on the physical phone and box

If your phone is new or still under warranty, check the original box. The IMEI is printed on a label on the back or side of the box, usually near the barcode. This is the fastest way to find it if you have the box available.

On older Android phones (before 2015), you could remove the battery and find the IMEI printed on a sticker underneath. Modern phones have sealed batteries, so this method no longer works. On newer phones, the IMEI is sometimes printed on the SIM card tray — the small slot on the side of the phone that holds your SIM card. You can eject the tray with a SIM ejector tool (a small pin that came with your phone) and look for the number printed on the plastic tray itself.

Why you need your IMEI and what to do with it

Your IMEI serves as proof of ownership and device identity. If your phone is stolen, you can give your IMEI to your mobile carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or another provider) and they can block the phone from connecting to their network, making it useless to a thief. Many carriers have a national database that shares this information, so the phone may be blocked across multiple networks.

You also need your IMEI if you want to unlock your phone from a carrier lock — the restriction that ties your phone to one specific carrier. Some carriers require your IMEI to process an unlock request. Additionally, if you are selling your phone, the buyer may ask for your IMEI to verify the device is legitimate and not reported stolen.

Keep a record of your IMEI in a safe place, such as a note in your email or a photo in cloud storage. This way, if your phone is lost or stolen, you can retrieve the number without accessing the device itself.

Understanding IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 on dual-SIM phones

If your phone has two SIM card slots, it will have two separate IMEI numbers: IMEI 1 and IMEI 2. Each number corresponds to one SIM slot and one cellular connection. When you report your phone stolen or request an unlock, you may need to provide both numbers so your carrier can block both connections.

Some phones allow you to use two different carriers at the same time (one in each slot), while others let you choose which slot is active. Check your phone's settings under Dual SIM or SIM management to see how your phone handles multiple SIM cards. If you only use one slot, you still have both IMEI numbers assigned to your device, even if the second slot is empty.

What to do if you cannot find your IMEI

If the dial code (*#06#) does not work or your Settings menu looks different, your phone may be running an older or heavily customized version of Android. Try the physical methods first: check the original box, look at the SIM card tray, or contact your mobile carrier with your phone number. Your carrier can look up your IMEI in their system and provide it to you.

If your phone is damaged and will not turn on, the original box and SIM card tray are your only options. Take a photo of the IMEI on the box or tray and send it to your carrier. If you no longer have the box, your carrier's customer service can retrieve your IMEI from their records using your account information and phone number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IMEI the same as my phone number or SIM card number?

No. Your phone number is assigned by your carrier and can change if you switch carriers or get a new SIM card. Your SIM card has its own number (the ICCID). Your IMEI is tied to the physical phone itself and never changes, even if you switch carriers or SIM cards.

Can someone use my IMEI to track my phone?

No. Your IMEI is not a tracking tool. It is a device identifier that carriers use to manage network access. Sharing your IMEI with someone does not let them locate your phone. If you are concerned about tracking, focus on your location services and app permissions instead.

What if my phone shows two different IMEI numbers in different places?

This usually means you have a dual-SIM phone and you are looking at IMEI 1 in one place and IMEI 2 in another. Both numbers are correct and belong to your device. If you see the same IMEI listed twice, it is likely a display error and you can ignore it.

Do I need my IMEI to switch carriers?

Not always. Most carriers can look up your device using your phone number and account. However, some carriers ask for your IMEI when processing a carrier unlock or when you are switching from another provider. Having it on hand speeds up the process.

Will my IMEI change if I factory reset my phone?

No. A factory reset erases your data and settings but does not change your IMEI. The IMEI is stored in your phone's hardware and cannot be altered by software changes.