Where to find your iPhone's IMEI in Settings

The fastest way to find your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is through your iPhone's Settings app. This is a 15-digit number that uniquely identifies your phone to cellular networks.

Open Settings, tap General, then tap About. Scroll down until you see "IMEI" listed. The number appears directly below it. Write it down or take a screenshot — you'll need this exact number if you ever report your phone lost, file an insurance claim, or unlock your device from a carrier.

If you have a dual-SIM iPhone (two phone numbers on one device), you'll see two IMEI numbers listed as IMEI 1 and IMEI 2. Each SIM slot has its own IMEI. Make note of which one belongs to which carrier if you need to reference it later.

Key Takeaways

  • Your IMEI appears in Settings > General > About, and you can find it in under 30 seconds.
  • Dual-SIM iPhones show two separate IMEI numbers, one for each SIM slot.
  • Your carrier, Apple, insurance companies, and law enforcement can look up your IMEI if your phone is lost or stolen.
  • You can also find your IMEI on the original box your iPhone came in, printed on a label on the back.

Finding your IMEI on the physical phone or box

If your iPhone won't turn on or Settings isn't accessible, you can find the IMEI printed on the device itself. Look at the back of your iPhone near the bottom — you'll see a small label with text that includes the IMEI number. The label also shows the model number, regulatory information, and other details.

The original box your iPhone came in also has the IMEI printed on a label on the back or side. If you still have the box, this is often the easiest place to find it without needing the phone to work. The number on the box matches the number inside your phone.

Getting your IMEI from your carrier or Apple

Your cellular carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or another provider) has your IMEI on file. Call their customer service line or log into your online account to view it. You'll need to verify your identity, usually by providing your phone number and account PIN.

Apple also has your IMEI if you registered your iPhone or purchased it through Apple directly. Sign into your Apple ID at iCloud.com, go to Find My, select your device, and the IMEI appears in the device details. You can also visit an Apple Store with your ID and they can look it up for you.

Why you need your IMEI and what it's used for

Your IMEI is how cellular networks identify and authenticate your specific phone. When you switch carriers, the network checks your IMEI to confirm the device is compatible and not reported as stolen. Insurance companies use it to verify which phone you're claiming, and law enforcement can use it to track a lost or stolen device.

If your iPhone is lost or stolen, contact your carrier when ready and give them the IMEI. They can blacklist it, which prevents anyone else from using it on their network. This doesn't erase your data, but it does make the phone much less valuable to a thief since it can't connect to cellular service.

Some countries require you to register your IMEI with local authorities, and some carriers won't set up a phone without verifying the IMEI first. Having this number written down or saved somewhere safe means you can act quickly if something happens to your device.

The difference between IMEI, ICCID, and serial number

Your iPhone has three different identification numbers, and they serve different purposes. The IMEI identifies the phone itself to cellular networks. The ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card ID) identifies your SIM card, not your phone — if you swap SIM cards, the ICCID changes but the IMEI stays the same. The serial number is what Apple uses internally to track your device for warranty and repair purposes.

All three appear in Settings > General > About. The serial number is listed as "Serial Number," the ICCID appears as "ICCID," and the IMEI is labeled "IMEI." If you're contacting Apple for support, they usually ask for the serial number. If you're contacting your carrier about service issues, they usually ask for the IMEI.

What to do if you can't find your IMEI

If your phone won't power on and you don't have the original box, your carrier or Apple can retrieve your IMEI from their records. Have your account information ready — your phone number, account PIN, or Apple ID credentials. This usually takes a few minutes on a phone call or through an online chat.

If your phone is lost and you never registered it with Apple or your carrier, you can still report it to your carrier using your phone number and account details. They can look up which IMEI is associated with your account and blacklist it when ready, even if you don't have the number memorized.

Keeping your IMEI safe and private

Your IMEI is not a secret like a password, but it's not information you should share casually. Scammers sometimes ask for it under the pretense of helping you with a carrier issue. Your carrier already has your IMEI on file — they will never ask you to provide it to verify your identity.

If you're selling your iPhone, you don't need to give the buyer your IMEI. The carrier handles the transfer of service when the new owner activates their SIM card. If someone claims they need your IMEI to complete a sale or transfer, that's a sign of a scam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find my IMEI if my iPhone is off?

No — Settings only works when your phone is powered on. If your iPhone won't turn on, check the original box, look at the label on the back of the device, or contact your carrier to retrieve it from their records.

Does the IMEI change if I update iOS?

No. Your IMEI is tied to the hardware itself and never changes, regardless of software updates, factory resets, or iOS version changes. It stays the same for the entire life of the phone.

What if I have two iPhones — do they have different IMEIs?

Yes. Every iPhone has a unique IMEI. Even if you have the same model purchased on the same day, each phone has its own 15-digit IMEI that distinguishes it from every other iPhone in the world.

Can someone use my IMEI to track my location?

Not with just the IMEI alone. Your carrier can use it to locate your phone if it's powered on and connected to their network, but a random person with your IMEI number cannot track you. Law enforcement and your carrier have tools for that; civilians do not.

Is my IMEI the same as my phone number?

No. Your phone number is tied to your SIM card and can change if you switch carriers or get a new SIM. Your IMEI is tied to the physical phone and never changes. A phone number identifies your service; an IMEI identifies your device.