What an IMEI is and why you might need it

Your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit number that uniquely identifies your phone or tablet to cellular networks. It is not the same as your phone number or SIM card number — it is hardwired into the device itself and stays the same even if you change carriers or SIM cards.

You may need your IMEI if your phone is lost or stolen and you want to report it to your carrier, if you are switching carriers and they ask for device verification, or if you are troubleshooting network connection problems with your provider. Some people also keep it on file for insurance purposes.

Finding your IMEI takes less than a minute and requires no special tools or apps — just your phone and a few taps or a quick look at the physical device.

Key Takeaways

  • Your IMEI is a 15-digit number unique to your phone; you can find it by dialing *#06# on any phone, which works on all carriers and devices.
  • On Android, you can also find your IMEI in Settings under About Phone, usually listed as "IMEI" or "IMEI 1" and "IMEI 2" for dual-SIM phones.
  • On iPhone, your IMEI appears in Settings under General, then About, listed as "IMEI" or sometimes under "Carrier" information.
  • If your phone will not power on, you can find the IMEI printed on the SIM card tray or on a label inside the battery compartment on older phones.
  • Write down or screenshot your IMEI and store it somewhere safe separate from your phone, so you have it if your device is lost.

The fastest method: dial *#06#

The quickest way to see your IMEI on any phone is to open the phone dialer and type *#06#, then press the call button. Your IMEI will appear on the screen when ready — you do not need to actually place a call. This works on iPhones, Android phones, and older devices, regardless of which carrier you use.

Write down the number or take a screenshot. If your phone has two SIM card slots (a dual-SIM phone), you will see two IMEI numbers listed as IMEI 1 and IMEI 2. Both are correct — each one corresponds to a different SIM slot.

Finding your IMEI on Android phones

On Android, open Settings, then scroll down and tap About Phone (sometimes labeled About Device). Look for the field labeled IMEI or IMEI 1. On dual-SIM phones, you will also see IMEI 2 listed separately.

The exact location and wording varies slightly between manufacturers — Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, and others arrange their settings differently — but the About Phone section is where all Android phones store this information. If you cannot find it in About Phone, try scrolling down further or looking under a section labeled Device Information or Status.

Finding your IMEI on iPhones

On an iPhone, go to Settings, then tap General, then About. Scroll down until you see the field labeled IMEI. On iPhones with dual SIM (iPhone XS and newer), you will see IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 listed separately.

You can also find your IMEI on the original box your iPhone came in — it is printed on a label on the back. If you no longer have the box, the dialer method (*#06#) is the fastest option.

If your phone will not turn on

If your device is powered off or will not respond, you can still find the IMEI without turning it on. Look at the SIM card tray — the small slot on the side of your phone where the SIM card goes. On many phones, the IMEI is printed on the tray itself. Remove the tray gently using a SIM ejector tool (a small metal pin that often comes with your phone) and check for the number.

On older phones with removable batteries, you can also remove the battery and look for a label on the inside of the battery compartment or on the back of the phone itself. Modern phones do not have removable batteries, so this method only works on devices from several years ago.

Storing your IMEI safely

Once you have found your IMEI, write it down or take a screenshot and store it somewhere separate from your phone — a notebook, a password manager, or an email to yourself. If your phone is lost or stolen, you will not have access to it, so keeping a copy elsewhere is the only way to report it to your carrier quickly.

Some people also keep their IMEI in a document with other device information: the phone model, serial number, and the date of purchase. This information can be useful if you need to file an insurance claim or report the device to police.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IMEI the same as my phone number or SIM card number?

No. Your phone number belongs to your SIM card and changes if you switch carriers. Your SIM card number is printed on the card itself. Your IMEI is permanently tied to the physical phone and does not change no matter which SIM card you insert.

Can someone use my IMEI to track my phone?

Your IMEI alone cannot be used to track your location. However, if someone has both your IMEI and access to your carrier's systems, they could potentially identify which network your phone is connected to. For this reason, it is reasonable to keep your IMEI private, but sharing it with your carrier or a repair shop is safe.

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

This usually means you are looking at the wrong number on the box, or the box belonged to a different device. Double-check that you are reading the IMEI field, not the serial number or model number. If they still do not match, contact your carrier — it could indicate a problem with the device.

Do I need my IMEI to switch carriers?

Not always. Most carriers can look up your device using your phone number or account information. However, some carriers ask for the IMEI during the switching process to verify that your phone is compatible with their network, so having it on hand can speed things up.

Will my IMEI change if I factory reset my phone?

No. A factory reset erases your data and settings but does not change your IMEI. The IMEI is stored in hardware that is not affected by software changes.