Where to find your IMEI number without opening settings

Your IMEI number is a 15-digit code that identifies your specific phone to cellular networks. You can find it three ways without digging through menus: dial *#06# on your phone's keypad and the number appears on screen when ready, check the original box your phone came in (printed on a sticker), or look at the physical SIM card tray — many phones print it there.

The dial method works on nearly every phone made in the last 15 years, including iPhones and Android devices. If you no longer have the box or SIM tray, the settings route takes about 30 seconds and works just as well.

Key Takeaways

  • Dialing *#06# displays your IMEI when ready on any phone without opening settings.
  • Your IMEI is printed on your phone's original box and often on the SIM card tray.
  • On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and scroll to IMEI; on Android, go to Settings > About Phone > Status.
  • You need your IMEI to report a stolen phone, unlock a device, or switch carriers.
  • Your IMEI is not the same as your phone number or SIM card number.

Finding your IMEI on iPhone

Open Settings, tap General, then tap About. Scroll down until you see the line labeled IMEI — that 15-digit number is what you need. Write it down or take a screenshot because you may need it later.

If you have multiple phone lines on one device (dual SIM), you will see two IMEI numbers listed separately. Each one corresponds to a different SIM card slot. If you are not sure which is which, check your carrier's account page — they can tell you which IMEI belongs to your active line.

Finding your IMEI on Android

Open Settings and scroll to the bottom. Tap About Phone (the exact name varies by manufacturer — Samsung calls it About Device, Google Pixel calls it About Phone). Look for a line labeled IMEI or IMEI 1. Tap it to copy the number, or take a screenshot.

Some Android phones show two IMEI numbers if they have two SIM slots. IMEI 1 is usually your primary line. If you need the second one, look for IMEI 2 on the same screen. Older Android phones sometimes hide this information under Settings > System > About Phone instead.

Why you need your IMEI and what it does

Your IMEI tells your carrier's network which physical phone is connecting. When you report a phone stolen, you give your carrier the IMEI so they can block that specific device from using their network — even if someone puts in a different SIM card. If you switch carriers, some networks ask for your IMEI to confirm the phone is compatible with their bands.

You also need your IMEI if you want to unlock your phone from one carrier so you can use it with another. Some repair shops ask for it to verify they are working on your device. Law enforcement can use it to track a stolen phone, which is why keeping your IMEI written down separately from your phone is useful.

The difference between IMEI, phone number, and SIM number

Your phone number is what people call to reach you — it lives on your SIM card and changes if you switch carriers or get a new SIM. Your IMEI is hardwired into the phone itself and never changes, even if you swap SIM cards or switch carriers. Your SIM card also has its own number (called the ICCID), which is different from both your phone number and your IMEI.

Think of it this way: the IMEI is the phone's identity, the phone number is your identity on that carrier's network, and the SIM number is the card's identity. A phone can have many different phone numbers and SIM cards over its lifetime, but it keeps the same IMEI forever.

What to do if you cannot find your IMEI

If dialing *#06# does not work, your phone may be too old or damaged. Try the settings method for your phone type instead. If the settings menu does not show an IMEI, contact your carrier — they have your IMEI on file and can read it to you over the phone or show it in your online account.

If your phone is broken and will not turn on, check the original box, the SIM tray, or any paperwork from when you bought it. Your carrier can also look up the IMEI using your account information and phone number. If you bought the phone used and have no documentation, your carrier can still help you find it by confirming your identity and account details.

Keeping your IMEI safe

Your IMEI is not a secret like a password, but it is worth writing down and storing separately from your phone. If your phone is stolen, you will need to give your IMEI to your carrier quickly, and having it written down means you do not have to rely on memory. Take a photo of your phone's box before you recycle it, or write the number in a document you keep at home.

Do not share your IMEI with strangers or on public websites. While it cannot be used to access your accounts or steal your data directly, someone with your IMEI could potentially impersonate your phone to your carrier or use it in a scam. Treat it like you would a serial number — useful to have, but not something to broadcast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone use my IMEI to track my phone?

Not without access to your carrier's network. Your carrier can use your IMEI to locate your phone if you report it stolen, but a random person with just the number cannot. Law enforcement can request location data from your carrier using your IMEI, but that requires a warrant or emergency situation.

What if my phone has two IMEI numbers?

Your phone has two IMEI numbers if it has two SIM card slots (dual SIM). Each slot has its own IMEI. IMEI 1 is typically your primary line. Both are equally valid — use whichever one corresponds to the SIM card or carrier you are asking about.

Does my IMEI change if I get a new SIM card?

No. Your IMEI is tied to the phone hardware and never changes. Your phone number and SIM card number change when you get a new SIM, but the IMEI stays the same for the life of the device.

Can I find my IMEI if my phone is turned off?

Yes. Check the original box, the SIM card tray, or contact your carrier with your account information. You cannot dial *#06# or access settings on a powered-off phone, but the IMEI is printed on physical parts of the phone and in your carrier's records.

What should I do if I lose my phone?

Call your carrier when ready with your IMEI and ask them to block the device. Give them your phone number so they can deactivate your service on that phone. If you have your IMEI written down, this process takes minutes. Then report the loss to local police and contact your phone's manufacturer if it has a built-in tracking feature like Find My iPhone or Find My Mobile.