What an IMEI number tells you about an iPhone

An IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit code unique to your iPhone. It identifies your specific device to cellular networks worldwide. When you look up your IMEI, you can find out whether the phone is reported stolen, blacklisted by carriers, or locked to a specific network — information that matters if you are buying a used iPhone or troubleshooting carrier problems.

The IMEI does not tell you the iPhone's battery health, storage capacity, or whether it has water damage. For those details, you need to check other parts of your phone's settings. But the IMEI lookup reveals the device's legal and carrier status, which is the most important thing to verify before you buy or use a secondhand phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Your iPhone's IMEI appears when you dial *#06# on the phone itself, or in Settings under General > About.
  • You can check your IMEI's carrier status and blacklist history using free tools like IMEI.info or your carrier's own website.
  • A blacklisted IMEI means the phone was reported stolen or the original owner did not pay their bill — the phone will not work on that carrier's network.
  • If you buy a used iPhone, ask the seller for the IMEI before you meet and check it yourself rather than trusting their word.

Finding your iPhone's IMEI number

The fastest way is to dial *#06# on your iPhone's keypad. The IMEI appears on your screen when ready — you do not need to press call. Write it down or take a screenshot, because you will need it to look up the phone's status.

If dialing does not work (some carriers block this), go to Settings > General > About and scroll down. The IMEI appears in the list under "IMEI". You can also find it printed on the physical SIM card tray — eject the tray with a SIM ejector tool or a straightened paperclip, and the IMEI is stamped on the metal frame.

If you are checking a phone that is not yours, the original box also lists the IMEI on a label inside. This is useful if you are buying used and want to verify the IMEI matches what the seller claims.

Checking if an iPhone is blacklisted or stolen

Once you have the IMEI, visit IMEI.info (a free, independent database) or your carrier's official website. Enter the IMEI and the tool will show you whether the phone is blacklisted, locked to a carrier, or flagged as lost or stolen.

A blacklisted phone means the original owner reported it stolen, or the account holder did not pay their bill and the carrier blocked the device. Blacklisted phones will not connect to that carrier's network, even with a new SIM card. If you are buying used, a blacklisted IMEI is a red flag — the seller may not own it legally, or the phone may become unusable if the original owner pays their bill and the carrier removes the blacklist.

If the lookup shows the phone is clean, you have confirmation it is not reported stolen and should work on its carrier's network. Keep the lookup result in case you need proof later.

What to do if the IMEI is locked or blacklisted

If you own the phone and it is blacklisted because of an unpaid bill, contact your carrier directly. Explain the situation and ask them to remove the blacklist once the account is settled. This can take a few days to process.

If you bought a used phone and discovered it is blacklisted after the purchase, contact the seller when ready and ask for a refund. Do not accept promises that they will "fix it" — only the original account holder or the carrier can remove a blacklist, and that process is their responsibility, not yours. If the seller refuses to refund you, you have a dispute with them, not with the carrier.

If the phone is locked to a specific carrier (not blacklisted, just network-locked), you can ask that carrier to unlock it once the original contract is complete. This is different from a blacklist — a locked phone works fine on its home carrier, but will not work on other networks until unlocked.

Why IMEI checks matter when buying used

A used iPhone may look and function perfectly but still be stolen or blacklisted. The previous owner might not have reported it yet, or the blacklist might set up later when they pay their bill. Checking the IMEI before you hand over money protects you from buying a phone that will stop working without warning.

Ask the seller for the IMEI before you meet. Run the check yourself on your own device or computer — do not rely on the seller's word or a screenshot they provide. If they refuse to give you the IMEI or become defensive, that is a reason to walk away from the deal.

Other ways to verify an iPhone's history

Beyond the IMEI, you can check whether the phone is still linked to the original owner's Apple ID. Go to Settings > General > About and look for "set up Lock" status. If it shows locked, the phone will not work until the original owner removes it from their account — this is a security feature that makes stolen iPhones nearly worthless.

You can also ask the seller to show you the phone's Settings and confirm the device is not locked to their Apple ID. If they cannot or will not do this, do not buy the phone. A phone locked to someone else's account is useless to you until they unlock it, and they have no incentive to do so after you pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check an IMEI without the physical phone?

Yes. If you have the IMEI from the original box, a receipt, or the seller, you can look it up on IMEI.info or your carrier's website without the phone in hand. This is useful when buying used — you can verify the IMEI before you meet the seller.

What does "locked to carrier" mean, and is it a problem?

A carrier lock means the phone will only work on one specific network (like AT&T or Verizon) until the carrier unlocks it. It is not a security issue, but it limits where you can use the phone. Most carriers unlock phones after the contract ends or the bill is paid in full.

If I buy a blacklisted phone, can the seller remove the blacklist?

No. Only the original account holder or the carrier can remove a blacklist. If the seller claims they can fix it, they are lying. A blacklist is permanent until the person who reported it (or the carrier) removes it, and that is not the seller's decision to make.

Does checking the IMEI tell me if the phone has water damage?

No. The IMEI only shows carrier and theft status. To check for water damage, look at the liquid contact indicators inside the SIM tray (they turn red if wet) and have the phone inspected by Apple or a technician if you are concerned.

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

That is a major red flag. It means either the phone is not the original device that came in the box, or the box belongs to a different phone. Do not buy it. A mismatch suggests the phone was swapped, refurbished without proper documentation, or stolen.