What an IMEI number is and why you need it

An IMEI number is a 15-digit code that uniquely identifies your phone or tablet to cellular networks. Think of it like a serial number for your device on the carrier's system. You need it when reporting a phone as lost or stolen, switching carriers, unlocking a device, or troubleshooting network problems with your provider.

Every cellular device has one. It's burned into the hardware itself, so it stays the same even if you change your SIM card, factory reset the phone, or switch carriers. Your IMEI is different from your phone number, your SIM card number, or your device serial number — though they're often confused.

Key Takeaways

  • Your IMEI appears on the original box your phone came in, on your carrier's account page, and in your phone's settings under About Phone.
  • On most Android phones, dial *#06# to see your IMEI when ready on the screen without opening settings.
  • On iPhones, go to Settings > General > About and scroll to find IMEI listed on that page.
  • If your phone won't turn on, check the original box, your carrier's website, or the SIM tray — some phones print it there.
  • Never share your IMEI with strangers or on public forums, as it can be used to unlock or track a device.

Finding your IMEI on Android phones

The fastest way on most Android phones is to open the phone dialer and type *#06#. The IMEI will pop up on your screen when ready — you don't need to press call. Write it down or take a screenshot.

If that code doesn't work on your device, go to Settings, scroll down to About Phone, and look for IMEI or IMEI 1 (dual-SIM phones show both). The exact path varies by manufacturer — Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, and others arrange their menus differently — but About Phone is the standard location across Android.

If your phone won't power on, check the original box it came in. Most manufacturers print the IMEI on a label on the back of the box. You can also remove the SIM tray (usually with a small pin or tool) — some phones print the IMEI on the tray itself or on the slot cover.

Finding your IMEI on iPhones

On any iPhone, go to Settings > General > About. Scroll down the page until you see IMEI listed. That's your number.

If you don't have the phone in front of you, log into your Apple ID account on iCloud.com, go to Find My, select your device, and the IMEI appears in the device details. You can also call Apple Support with proof of purchase and they'll provide it.

If the phone won't turn on, check the original box or the SIM tray the same way as Android. You can also contact your carrier — they have your IMEI on file and can read it to you over the phone.

Getting your IMEI from your carrier or original box

Your carrier has your IMEI in their system. Log into your account on their website or app, find your device details or account information, and it's usually listed there. If you can't find it online, call customer service with your account number and they'll read it to you.

The original box your phone came in has the IMEI printed on a label, usually on the back or side. If you still have the box, this is the easiest route and requires no phone access at all. Take a photo of the label or write the number down.

If you bought the phone used and don't have the box, your carrier's website or a phone call to their support line is your next option. Have your account number ready.

What to do if you can't find your IMEI

If your phone is powered off and you don't have the box, contact your carrier directly. They can look up your IMEI using your phone number, account number, or the SIM card number. This usually takes a few minutes on a phone call.

If you bought the phone secondhand and don't have carrier information, you can still try the *#06# code on Android or Settings > General > About on iPhone if the device powers on. If the phone is locked or won't start, the original seller or the carrier they used may be able to help — though they're not obligated to.

As a last resort, if you need the IMEI for a legitimate reason like reporting theft, contact your local police non-emergency line. They can sometimes help you retrieve it from carrier records with a police report number.

Protecting your IMEI and using it safely

Your IMEI is semi-public information — your carrier knows it, Apple or Google has it on file, and it's printed on your original box. But don't post it on public forums, social media, or in online marketplaces. Someone with your IMEI can attempt to unlock your phone, port your number to another SIM, or track your device on some networks.

When you report a phone as lost or stolen, your carrier can blacklist the IMEI so the device won't work on their network or sometimes on any network. This is one of the main reasons to keep your IMEI safe — if someone steals your phone and you report it quickly, the IMEI blacklist makes the device much harder to resell or use.

If you're selling a phone, don't include the IMEI in your listing. You can share it privately with a buyer after they've committed to purchase, or let them verify it themselves once they have the device.

When you actually need your IMEI

Report a lost or stolen phone: Call your carrier and give them the IMEI. They'll blacklist it so it won't connect to their network. If you're on a major US carrier like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile, the blacklist is shared across carriers through the National Stolen Device Database, making the phone much less valuable to thieves.

Unlock a phone: If you're switching carriers or traveling internationally, you may need to unlock your phone. Your current carrier will ask for the IMEI to verify you own the device before they send an unlock code.

Troubleshoot network issues: Your carrier's support team may ask for your IMEI to check for network problems, provisioning errors, or account mismatches on their end.

Check if a used phone is blacklisted: Before buying a used phone, you can ask the seller for the IMEI and check it against the National Stolen Device Database (NSDB) at checkimei.org or through your carrier. This tells you whether the phone has been reported stolen or is locked to a carrier.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your phone number is assigned by your carrier and changes if you switch carriers or get a new number. Your SIM card has its own number (ICCID). Your IMEI is hardwired into the phone itself and never changes, even if you swap SIM cards or factory reset.

Can someone use my IMEI to track my phone?

In theory, yes, but it's difficult and requires carrier cooperation or specialized equipment. A thief with your IMEI is more likely to try unlocking the phone or selling it than tracking it. The bigger risk is someone using it to port your phone number to a new SIM card. Keep your IMEI private to avoid this.

What if the *#06# code doesn't work on my Android phone?

Some older or heavily customized Android phones don't respond to that code. Go to Settings > About Phone instead and look for IMEI or IMEI 1. If that doesn't work, check your original box, contact your carrier, or remove the SIM tray to see if it's printed there.

Do I need my IMEI to switch carriers?

Not always. If you're keeping your current phone, your new carrier can look up your IMEI in their system once you insert their SIM card. If you're buying a new phone from the new carrier, they'll handle everything. You only need to provide your IMEI if the carrier asks you to unlock your old phone first.

What does it mean if a phone is blacklisted by IMEI?

It means the phone has been reported as lost or stolen and won't work on most US cellular networks. A blacklisted phone can still connect to WiFi and use apps, but it can't make calls or use data on cellular. If you buy a used phone and it's blacklisted, you won't be able to use it on any carrier until the original owner removes the report.