Where to find your iPhone's IMEI

Your iPhone's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit number that identifies your specific device to cellular networks. You can find it in four places without needing any special tools or apps.

The fastest method is to open Settings, tap General, then tap About. Scroll down and you will see IMEI listed there. If you have an iPhone with dual SIM capability, you will see two IMEI numbers — one for each SIM slot.

You can also find your IMEI by dialing *#06# on your phone's keypad. The number appears on your screen when ready. This works on any iPhone and does not require you to make a call.

If your iPhone is not powered on or will not turn on, check the original box it came in — Apple prints the IMEI on the back. You can also find it on your carrier's bill or account page, or by contacting your carrier directly with your phone number.

Key Takeaways

  • Your IMEI appears in Settings under General > About, or by dialing *#06# from your phone's keypad.
  • Dual SIM iPhones show two separate IMEI numbers, one for each SIM slot.
  • If your phone will not power on, check the original box, your carrier's bill, or contact your carrier to retrieve the IMEI.
  • Your IMEI is needed to report a stolen phone, unlock a carrier lock, or verify your device with your carrier.
  • The IMEI is different from your phone number, SIM card number, or serial number — each serves a different purpose.

Why you need your IMEI

Your IMEI connects your physical phone to your carrier's network. When you report an iPhone as stolen or lost, your carrier uses the IMEI to block that device from connecting to any network worldwide. This makes the phone unusable for calls, texts, or data, even if someone else inserts a different SIM card.

You also need your IMEI if you are switching carriers and your phone is locked to your current one. The carrier uses the IMEI to verify ownership and process an unlock request. Some carriers unlock automatically after a set period; others require you to contact them directly with your IMEI and account information.

If you are selling your iPhone, the buyer may ask for the IMEI to verify the phone is not reported as stolen or blacklisted. You can share this number safely — it does not give anyone access to your data or accounts.

IMEI versus serial number and other identifiers

Your iPhone has several different numbers, and they serve different purposes. The IMEI identifies your phone to cellular networks. The serial number is what Apple uses to track your device for warranty and repair. Your phone number is what your carrier assigns to your SIM card, not your phone itself — you can move a SIM to a different phone and keep the same number.

The SIM card number (also called ICCID) is printed on your SIM card and identifies that specific card to your carrier. If you switch SIM cards, this number changes, but your IMEI stays the same because it is tied to the phone hardware, not the SIM.

You can find your serial number in the same Settings > General > About menu where your IMEI appears. Apple also prints it on the back of your iPhone and on the original box.

What to do if you cannot find your IMEI

If dialing *#06# does not work or Settings does not show the IMEI, your phone may have a software issue. Try restarting your iPhone by holding the power button and volume down button together until the power-off slider appears, then slide to power off. Wait 30 seconds and power it back on, then check Settings again.

If the IMEI still does not appear, contact your carrier with your phone number and account information. They can look up your IMEI in their system and provide it to you. You can also visit an Apple Store with your phone and proof of purchase — they can retrieve the IMEI from their system.

For a phone that will not power on at all, your carrier is your fastest option. Have your account number or phone number ready when you call.

Reporting a lost or stolen iPhone using the IMEI

If your iPhone is lost or stolen, contact your carrier as soon as possible with your IMEI. They will blacklist the device, which prevents it from connecting to any cellular network. This happens within minutes on most carriers.

You should also sign into iCloud.com from another device and use Find My iPhone to locate your phone or erase it remotely. Blacklisting the IMEI and erasing the phone through iCloud are separate actions — both are worth doing because they protect you in different ways.

After you report the phone, ask your carrier for a replacement SIM card and a new phone number if you want one. Some carriers will transfer your existing number to a new phone when ready.

Checking if an iPhone is blacklisted before you buy it

If you are buying a used iPhone, you can check whether it has been reported as stolen or blacklisted. Ask the seller for the IMEI and contact your carrier — they can tell you whether that IMEI is blacklisted on their network. Some carriers have online tools where you can enter an IMEI and get a status when ready.

You can also use third-party IMEI checking websites, but results vary by carrier and country. Your own carrier's check is the most reliable because they have access to their blacklist directly.

If the seller refuses to provide the IMEI or if the carrier confirms the phone is blacklisted, do not complete the purchase. A blacklisted phone cannot be used on any carrier's network, even if you unlock it.

IMEI and carrier unlocking

If your iPhone is locked to a specific carrier, you will need your IMEI to request an unlock. Different carriers have different unlock policies — some unlock automatically after 40 days of service, others require you to contact them directly.

When you contact your carrier to request an unlock, have your IMEI and account information ready. The carrier will verify that your account is in good standing and that you meet their unlock requirements. If approved, they send an unlock code to your phone, which you enter in Settings to complete the unlock.

Once your phone is unlocked, you can use any SIM card from any carrier. The IMEI does not change — it is still the same device identifier, just no longer restricted to one network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to share my IMEI number?

Yes. Your IMEI does not give anyone access to your data, accounts, or contacts. It only identifies your phone to cellular networks. You can safely share it with your carrier, a buyer, or a repair technician. However, do not share it on public forums or with people you do not trust, because someone could use it to report your phone as stolen.

Can I change my IMEI number?

No. Your IMEI is hardcoded into your phone's hardware and cannot be changed through settings or software. Attempting to change it is illegal in most countries and will not work on an iPhone anyway.

What happens if my IMEI is blacklisted?

A blacklisted IMEI cannot connect to any cellular network, even with a different SIM card or carrier. The phone can still connect to WiFi and use apps, but it cannot make calls, send texts, or use cellular data. The only way to fix this is to contact the carrier that blacklisted it and ask them to remove the blacklist, which usually requires proof of ownership.

Do I need my IMEI to get my phone repaired?

No. Apple and most repair shops use your serial number, not your IMEI, to look up warranty information and service history. However, having your IMEI available does not hurt, and some carriers may ask for it if the repair involves network settings.

Can two iPhones have the same IMEI?

No. Each iPhone has a unique IMEI assigned during manufacturing. If two phones have the same IMEI, one is a counterfeit or has been tampered with, which is illegal.