Where to find your IMEI on your iPhone

Your iPhone's IMEI number is a 15-digit code that identifies your specific device 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 tap About. Scroll down until you see "IMEI" listed. Write down or screenshot the number — it will look something like 123456789012345.

If you prefer not to use Settings, 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, usually on the side where your SIM card sits. You can also dial *#06# on your iPhone's Phone app and the IMEI will display on your screen automatically.

Key Takeaways

  • Your IMEI is a 15-digit number unique to your iPhone that identifies it to cellular networks and Apple.
  • The easiest way to find it is Settings > General > About, then scroll to IMEI.
  • You can also find your IMEI printed on your SIM card tray or by dialing *#06# in the Phone app.
  • Write down or screenshot your IMEI if you need it for repairs, insurance claims, or reporting a lost phone.
  • Your IMEI is different from your serial number, which is also listed in Settings > General > About.

Why you need your IMEI number

Your IMEI serves several practical purposes. If your iPhone is lost or stolen, you can provide the IMEI to your carrier (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.) and they can block the phone from connecting to their network, making it useless to a thief. Insurance companies also ask for your IMEI when you file a claim for a damaged or missing device.

Apple and authorized repair shops use your IMEI to verify that your phone is genuine and to pull up your device history during repairs. If you're selling your iPhone, the buyer may ask for the IMEI to confirm the phone is not blacklisted or reported stolen. Some carriers also require your IMEI to unlock your phone if you're switching to a different network.

IMEI versus serial number and other identifiers

Your iPhone has several different identification numbers, and it's straightforward to confuse them. Your serial number is a unique code specific to your device, but it's used mainly by Apple and repair shops. Your IMEI is what cellular networks use. Your ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card ID) is the number on your SIM card itself, not your phone.

In Settings > General > About, you'll see all three listed separately. The IMEI is always 15 digits. The serial number is usually 11 characters (a mix of letters and numbers). The ICCID is longer, typically 19 to 20 digits. For most situations — reporting a lost phone, unlocking, or insurance — you need the IMEI, not the serial number.

What to do if you can't find your IMEI

If your iPhone won't turn on or Settings is inaccessible, check your original iPhone box or receipt. Apple prints the IMEI on the box and on your purchase receipt. You can also contact your carrier with your phone number, and they can look up your IMEI in their system.

If you bought your iPhone from Apple directly, you can sign into your Apple Account on any device, go to your purchase history, and find the IMEI listed there. If you bought it from a carrier store, call that store with your account number and they can retrieve it. If none of these options work, visit an Apple Store with your ID and proof of purchase, and staff can look it up for you.

Keeping your IMEI safe

Your IMEI is not a secret like a password, but you should still be cautious about sharing it. Only provide it to your carrier, Apple, authorized repair shops, or law enforcement if your phone is stolen. Do not share your IMEI in public forums, on social media, or with people you don't trust.

If someone has your IMEI and your phone number, they cannot unlock your phone or access your data — your IMEI alone doesn't grant access to your accounts. However, a thief with your IMEI could potentially contact your carrier and attempt social engineering to unlock the device or port your number. Keep your IMEI in a safe place (a notes app in your computer, a password manager, or written down at home) so you have it if you need to report your phone lost or stolen.

Using your IMEI if your phone is lost or stolen

If your iPhone is lost or stolen, contact your carrier when ready with your IMEI. They will blacklist the device on their network, which prevents anyone from using it to make calls or use cellular data. This is faster and more effective than trying to locate the phone yourself.

You should also use Find My iPhone through iCloud.com or another Apple device to lock the phone remotely and erase it if necessary. Report the theft to local police and provide them with your IMEI and serial number — they may ask for these details in the report. If your phone was stolen, also contact your insurance company with your IMEI and file a claim if you have device protection coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone use my IMEI to unlock my iPhone?

No. Your IMEI alone cannot unlock your phone or access your data. Someone would need your passcode, Face ID, or access to your Apple Account. However, a thief with your IMEI could contact your carrier and attempt to convince them to unlock the device, which is why you should report a stolen phone to your carrier right away.

Is my IMEI the same as my phone number?

No. Your phone number is assigned by your carrier and can change if you switch carriers or get a new SIM card. Your IMEI is permanently tied to your physical iPhone and never changes. Your carrier uses both to identify you and your device.

What if my iPhone has two IMEI numbers?

iPhones with dual SIM capability (iPhone XS and newer) have two IMEI numbers — one for each SIM slot. Both appear in Settings > General > About, labeled as IMEI and IMEI 2. If you need to report your phone lost, provide both numbers to your carrier so they can block both SIM slots.

Do I need my IMEI to update my iPhone?

No. You do not need your IMEI to update iOS or read apps. You only need your Apple Account credentials. Your IMEI is used for carrier-related tasks, repairs, insurance claims, and reporting a lost or stolen device.