Where to find your IMEI on your iPhone

Your IMEI number is a 15-digit code that identifies your specific iPhone to cellular networks. You can find it in three places without needing any special tools: in the Settings app, on the physical SIM tray, or by dialing a code.

The fastest method is to open Settings, tap General, then About. Scroll down until you see "IMEI" listed — it appears as a single 15-digit number. Write it down or take a screenshot, because you will need it if you report your phone lost or stolen, switch carriers, or contact Apple Support.

If you do not have your phone powered on or cannot access Settings, you can find the IMEI printed on the SIM tray. Remove the SIM tray using the ejector tool (the small pin that came with your iPhone), and look at the metal tray itself — the number is printed there. This method works even if your phone is broken or will not turn on.

Key Takeaways

  • Your IMEI appears in Settings under General > About, listed as a 15-digit number.
  • The IMEI is also printed on your SIM tray, visible when you remove it with the ejector tool.
  • You can retrieve your IMEI by dialing *#06# on any phone, though this works more reliably on Android devices.
  • Keep your IMEI handy if you plan to report your phone lost, switch carriers, or contact Apple Support about hardware issues.

Using the dial code to retrieve your IMEI

On some iPhones, you can dial *#06# and the IMEI will appear on your screen automatically. This method is less reliable on iPhones than on Android phones, and it does not work on all models or carriers.

If the dial code does not work, do not spend time troubleshooting it — the Settings method is faster and works on every iPhone. The dial code is mainly useful if your phone is damaged and you cannot navigate the Settings app.

Why you need your IMEI number

Your IMEI serves as proof of ownership and device identity. If your iPhone is lost or stolen, you can give the IMEI to your 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.

You will also need your IMEI if you switch carriers and want to bring your iPhone with you. The new carrier uses the IMEI to check whether your phone is compatible with their network and whether it has any outstanding bills or theft reports attached to it.

Apple Support sometimes asks for your IMEI when you contact them about hardware problems, warranty coverage, or repair options. Having it ready speeds up the support process.

What to do if you cannot find your IMEI

If your iPhone is lost or stolen and you never wrote down the IMEI, you can still find it through your carrier or Apple. Call your carrier's customer service and provide your phone number and account details — they can look up the IMEI in their system.

You can also sign into iCloud.com with your Apple ID, go to Find My iPhone, and select your device. The IMEI does not appear in Find My, but the device details page shows other identifying information that your carrier can use to locate your IMEI in their records.

If you bought your iPhone from Apple, you can also contact Apple Support with your proof of purchase, and they can provide the IMEI associated with your account.

IMEI versus other iPhone identifiers

Your iPhone has several different numbers, and it is straightforward to confuse them. The IMEI identifies your phone to cellular networks. The serial number is a different code that Apple uses for warranty and repair tracking — you can find it in the same Settings > General > About screen, listed separately from the IMEI.

Your phone number is assigned by your carrier and can change if you switch carriers or plans. Your Apple ID is your account with Apple and is not tied to any specific device. When Apple Support asks for an identifier, they usually want either the IMEI or the serial number, not your phone number or Apple ID.

Keeping your IMEI safe

Your IMEI is not a secret like a password, but you should not share it casually. If someone has your IMEI, they cannot unlock your phone or access your data, but they could potentially contact your carrier and claim the phone is theirs, which could cause account problems.

Store your IMEI in a safe place separate from your phone — write it down in a notebook, save it in a password manager, or email it to yourself. If your phone is lost or stolen, you will need this number quickly, and you will not be able to retrieve it from the phone itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone use my IMEI to unlock my iPhone or access my data?

No. Your IMEI only identifies your phone to cellular networks — it does not unlock the device or provide access to your data. Someone with your IMEI cannot bypass your passcode or Face ID. However, they could contact your carrier and claim the phone is theirs, so keep your IMEI private.

Is the IMEI the same as the serial number?

No. Your IMEI is a 15-digit cellular identifier, while your serial number is a separate code Apple uses for warranty and repairs. Both appear in Settings > General > About. Apple Support may ask for either one depending on what they are helping you with.

What if my iPhone has two IMEI numbers?

iPhones with dual SIM capability (both physical and eSIM, or two eSIMs) show two IMEI numbers in Settings — one for each SIM. This is normal. If you are reporting the phone lost or switching carriers, provide both IMEIs to your carrier so they can block both lines.

Do I need my IMEI to sell my iPhone?

You do not need to provide your IMEI to a buyer, but you should remove the phone from your Apple ID account before handing it over. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud and sign out, or use Find My iPhone to erase the device remotely if you cannot access it.