Why You Might Need Your iPhone's IMEI Number
Your iPhone's IMEI number—short for International Mobile Equipment Identity—is a 15-digit code that uniquely identifies your device. Think of it like a vehicle identification number (VIN) for your phone. While you may never need it, there are several situations where having quick access to this number saves you considerable time and frustration.
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If your iPhone is stolen, your wireless carrier will need the IMEI to block the device from their network. This prevents someone else from using your phone on their account and potentially running up charges. Insurance companies often request the IMEI when processing claims for lost or damaged devices. If you're selling your used iPhone, potential buyers may ask for it to verify the phone isn't reported stolen or blacklisted. Some carriers also require the IMEI when you're switching phones or troubleshooting activation problems.
Additionally, if you're traveling internationally and need to contact Apple Support or your carrier about service issues, having your IMEI number handy prevents delays. The same goes if you're working with a carrier to switch plans or move your phone to a different network. Some technical support scenarios—particularly when dealing with SIM card issues or network connectivity problems—also benefit from having this information immediately available.
The key takeaway: locating your IMEI before you need it means you won't waste time searching for it during stressful situations like a lost phone or mid-travel technical emergency. It's one of those small details that's worth knowing now rather than scrambling to find later.
Finding Your IMEI Through Your iPhone Settings
The most straightforward method to locate your IMEI is through your iPhone's Settings app. This approach works on all iPhone models and doesn't require any special tools or software. Start by opening Settings—the gray gear icon typically found on your home screen. Navigate to General, then select About. Scroll through this screen, and you'll see your IMEI listed as "IMEI" (or sometimes labeled as "IMEI 1" on dual-SIM phones like newer iPhone models).
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On iPhones that support two SIM cards—such as iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and later models—you'll actually see two IMEI numbers. The first corresponds to your primary cellular line, while the second (labeled "IMEI 2") corresponds to your eSIM or secondary SIM card slot. Both are legitimate identifiers for your device, but typically you'll need the first IMEI for most purposes like insurance claims or carrier blocking requests.
Once you find the IMEI in Settings, you have a few options for recording it. You can take a screenshot by pressing the side button and volume-up button simultaneously (or home button and top button on older models), then save it to your Photos app. Alternatively, you can simply write it down in a notes app or a physical notebook. Some people email it to themselves or store it in a password manager alongside other important device information.
A practical takeaway: screenshot this screen and store the image somewhere safe and accessible—like cloud storage or email—separate from your phone. That way, if your phone is lost or stolen, you still have access to the IMEI from another device.
Using the Phone App and Dialer to Reveal Your IMEI
Your iPhone's Phone app—the one you use to make calls—contains a hidden feature that displays your IMEI. Open the Phone app and tap the keypad at the bottom. Enter the code *#06# and press the green call button. Your iPhone will immediately display your IMEI number on the screen without actually dialing anything. This method works on virtually every iPhone model and is particularly useful if you're away from your computer and need the number quickly.
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This approach has several advantages over the Settings method. First, it's faster—just a few taps and you have the information. Second, it works even if your phone's screen is damaged or you're having display issues that make scrolling through Settings difficult. Third, it's a method that translates across different iOS versions without much change, so even if you upgrade your iOS in the future, this shortcut will still function the same way.
The *#06# code is actually a universal standard across mobile phones worldwide. It originated with GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) networks and has been built into phones for decades. On your iPhone specifically, Apple has maintained this functionality to keep compatibility with industry standards and to make it easy for users to access this critical device information without navigating menus.
One note: if you try to use this method on an iPhone that has no SIM card inserted, the IMEI will still display—the phone doesn't need cellular service to show you this information. The IMEI is burned into your device's hardware when it's manufactured, so it's always available regardless of your carrier or network status.
Practical takeaway: memorize this simple code (*#06#) or bookmark this information. It's the fastest way to find your IMEI when you need it in a pinch, whether you're in a carrier store, talking to Apple Support, or handling an insurance claim.
Locating Your IMEI on the iPhone's Physical Box and Original Documentation
When you purchased your iPhone, whether new or refurbished, the IMEI number was printed on several places: the retail box, the original documentation, and sometimes on the SIM card tray. If you still have your original iPhone box, look on the back or bottom of the box. Apple prints the IMEI along with other device specifications like capacity and color. This information is particularly valuable if your iPhone won't power on or won't recognize your SIM card—situations where accessing Settings or using the phone dialer becomes impossible.
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The original paperwork that came with your iPhone—whether printed documentation or digital receipts from online purchases—may also include the IMEI. If you purchased from Apple, your receipt or order confirmation contains this information. Many carriers also include the IMEI on their packaging materials or in their welcome materials when you activate service. Check any documentation from your purchase, including invoice pages or setup guides that came in the box.
Some iPhones display the IMEI on the SIM card tray itself, though this varies by model and region. When you eject the SIM tray (using the small tool that typically comes with your phone or a straightened paperclip), look carefully at the tray and the opening—you may see engraved or printed numbers including the IMEI.
This method proves invaluable in specific scenarios. If your iPhone is completely non-functional and you're dealing with an insurance claim, you may not be able to turn it on to access Settings or use the phone dialer. If you're troubleshooting a catastrophic hardware failure with Apple, having the IMEI from your box means you don't need the phone itself to verify your device identity. For people who've upgraded phones and held onto their old boxes, this information remains accessible indefinitely.
Practical takeaway: if you still have your original iPhone box, photograph or write down the IMEI from it now. Store this information separately from your phone—a photo in your email, cloud storage, or even a safety deposit box—so you have it even if your device becomes unusable.
Retrieving Your IMEI Through Your Carrier or Apple Account
Both your wireless carrier and your Apple account maintain records of your iPhone's IMEI. Your carrier—whether that's Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or another provider—has this information in their system the moment you activate your phone on their network. You can contact your carrier's customer service and request your device's IMEI. Most carriers can provide this information over the phone, through their online account portal, or via their mobile app.
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When you check your carrier's online account (the website or app where you pay your bill and manage your service), look for a section labeled "Devices" or "My Devices." Your current phone should be listed with its specifications, often including the IMEI. Some carriers display this prominently, while others require you to click into detailed device information. This method works even if your physical phone is unavailable, lost, or damaged.
Apple also maintains IMEI records in your Apple Account (the account associated with iCloud). If you're signed into iCloud on your iPhone, your device information is stored in Apple's system. You can access iCloud.com from any computer or another device, sign in with your Apple ID, and check your registered devices. While Apple's iCloud portal doesn't always display the IMEI in an obvious location