Where to find your IMEI on your iPhone

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

The fastest method is to open Settings, tap General, then About. Scroll down until you see "IMEI" listed. Write down or screenshot the full 15-digit number — this is the one your carrier and Apple use to identify your device.

If you want to see it physically, eject your SIM card tray using the small pin that came with your iPhone (or a straightened paperclip). The IMEI is printed on the tray itself, though the text is small. This method works even if your phone is powered off or won't turn on.

Key Takeaways

  • Your IMEI appears in Settings under General > About, where you can screenshot or write it down.
  • The IMEI is also printed on your SIM card tray, visible when you eject it with the included pin tool.
  • You can dial *#06# on your phone's keypad to display the IMEI on screen when ready.
  • Your carrier needs your IMEI to unlock your phone, report it stolen, or switch it to a different plan.
  • Apple uses your IMEI to verify warranty coverage and service may be able to access for your device.

Using the dial code to display your IMEI

The quickest way to see your IMEI without opening Settings is to open the Phone app and dial *#06#. Your iPhone will display your IMEI, IMSI, and other device identifiers on screen when ready. You do not need to press Call — the numbers appear as soon as you finish typing.

This method works on every iPhone model and does not require a SIM card to be installed. It is useful if you are troubleshooting a phone that will not start up normally, since you can still access the dial pad in Emergency mode.

Why your carrier and Apple ask for your IMEI

Your carrier uses your IMEI to identify your phone on their network and to unlock it if you switch carriers or pay off a device payment plan. If you report your iPhone stolen, your carrier can blacklist the IMEI so the phone cannot connect to any cellular network, even if someone else tries to use it with a different SIM card.

Apple uses your IMEI to look up your device's warranty status, repair history, and whether it is may be able to access for service programs. When you contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store, they ask for your IMEI to pull up your device record and confirm what repairs or replacements are covered.

Insurance companies and trade-in programs also ask for your IMEI to verify that the phone you are insuring or selling is the one you claim it is, and to check whether it has been reported lost or stolen.

The difference between IMEI and other iPhone identifiers

Your iPhone has several different numbers, and it is straightforward to confuse them. Your IMEI identifies your physical phone to cellular networks. Your IMSI is stored on your SIM card and identifies your account to the carrier. Your serial number is what Apple uses internally and appears on your original box and receipt.

The Settings app shows all three under General > About. Your serial number is shorter (usually 11 characters) and looks like a mix of letters and numbers. Your IMEI is always 15 digits. If a company asks for your "device ID," they usually mean your IMEI, but it is worth asking which number they need if you are unsure.

What to do if you cannot find your IMEI

If Settings does not show your IMEI, your phone may have a hardware problem or may not be activating properly on the network. Try the dial code method (*#06#) first, since it does not depend on Settings working correctly. If that does not work either, your phone may need service.

If you have your original iPhone box, the IMEI is printed on the back of the box along with your serial number. You can also contact your carrier with your phone number, and they can look up your IMEI in their system without you having to find it yourself. Apple Support can do the same if you have your Apple ID and the phone number associated with your account.

Keeping your IMEI safe

Your IMEI is not a secret like a password, and you will need to share it with your carrier, Apple, or insurance companies. However, do not post it publicly on social media or forums. If someone has your IMEI and your phone number, they may be able to contact your carrier and claim your phone is theirs, which could lead to account takeover.

If you sell or give away your iPhone, erase it first using Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. This removes your data but does not change the IMEI — the new owner will need to set up it with their own carrier account. The IMEI stays with the physical phone for its entire life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my iPhone's IMEI?

No. Your IMEI is burned into your phone's hardware when it is manufactured and cannot be changed through software. Attempting to change it is illegal in most countries and will brick your phone. Your IMEI is permanent and unique to your device.

What if my iPhone has two IMEI numbers?

iPhones with dual SIM capability (iPhone XS and newer models with eSIM support) display two IMEI numbers — one for each SIM slot. This is normal. Your carrier only needs the IMEI for the SIM card you are actually using with them.

Do I need my IMEI to unlock my iPhone?

No. Unlocking your iPhone from a carrier requires your carrier account and a PIN or password, not your IMEI. Your IMEI is used by the carrier to identify which phone to unlock, but you do not enter it yourself during the process.

Will my IMEI change if I replace my battery or screen?

No. Your IMEI is tied to your phone's logic board and does not change when you replace any other component. Even if Apple replaces your entire phone under warranty, the replacement will have a different IMEI because it is a different physical device.