How to Check the IMEI Number on Any Device

Your phone's IMEI number is one of the most important identifiers attached to your device — and knowing how to find it takes less than a minute once you know where to look. Whether you need it to report a stolen phone, verify a used device before buying, or unlock your handset for a new carrier, the process varies slightly depending on your device and operating system.

What Is an IMEI Number?

IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It's a unique 15-digit code assigned to every cellular device — smartphones, tablets with SIM cards, and mobile hotspots included. No two devices share the same IMEI, which makes it the standard identifier used by carriers and law enforcement to track, block, or verify mobile hardware.

It's different from your phone number (which is tied to your SIM) and your device's serial number (which is a manufacturer-specific identifier). The IMEI stays with the physical device — even if you swap SIM cards or factory reset the phone.

📱 Dual-SIM devices typically have two IMEI numbers — one for each SIM slot. Both may be relevant depending on why you're looking.

The Fastest Universal Method: Dial *#06#

Regardless of which phone you have — Android, iPhone, older feature phone — the quickest way to retrieve your IMEI is to open the Phone/Dialer app and type:

*#06# 

You don't need to press call. The IMEI (or IMEIs, on dual-SIM phones) will appear on screen immediately. This works across virtually all GSM-capable devices without navigating any menus.

How to Check IMEI on an iPhone

Apple provides the IMEI in several places:

Via Settings:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap General
3. Tap About
4. Scroll down to find IMEI

Via the physical device:

• On newer iPhone models (iPhone X and later), the IMEI is printed on the SIM card tray
• On older models, it may be printed on the back of the device or inside the SIM tray slot

Via iTunes or Finder (on a computer):

• Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC
• Open Finder (macOS Catalina and later) or iTunes (older macOS / Windows)
• Click on your device and the IMEI will appear in the summary panel

How to Check IMEI on Android

Android manufacturers handle this slightly differently depending on the brand and OS version, but the most common paths are:

Via Settings:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to About Phone (sometimes nested under General Management on Samsung devices)
3. Tap Status or Phone Identity
4. Your IMEI(s) will be listed here

Via the physical device:

• On many Android phones, the IMEI is printed on the original packaging or on a label inside the SIM tray
• Some older Android devices printed it on a sticker under the removable battery

The exact menu path depends on the Android skin — Samsung's One UI, Google's stock Android, Xiaomi's MIUI, and OnePlus's OxygenOS each organize settings differently. If you can't find it immediately, searching "IMEI" in the Settings search bar usually surfaces it directly.

Checking IMEI on the Box or Documentation

If your device is unavailable — lost, broken, or not yet in hand — the IMEI is printed on:

• The original retail box (usually on a barcode sticker)
• The purchase receipt or invoice
• Your carrier account, if the device is registered to your plan

This is particularly useful when checking a used device before purchase — you can ask the seller for the box and cross-reference the IMEI against the one shown on the phone itself.

Why the Method You Use Matters

What to Do With Your IMEI Once You Have It

Knowing the IMEI opens up several practical uses:

• Carrier unlocking: Carriers require your IMEI to process an unlock request so your phone can work on other networks
• Blacklist checks: Third-party IMEI check services can tell you whether a device has been reported stolen or is carrier-blocked — useful when buying second-hand
• Insurance claims: Insurers often require the IMEI to process a claim for a lost or stolen device
• Reporting theft: Police and carriers use the IMEI to flag and block a stolen handset on cellular networks

⚠️ Keep your IMEI private in public settings. While it's not a password, sharing it indiscriminately can expose you to SIM-related fraud in some scenarios.

Factors That Affect Which Method Works for You

A few variables determine which approach is most practical:

• Whether the phone powers on — if it doesn't, physical methods (SIM tray, box) or carrier records are your only options
• Single vs. dual-SIM — dual-SIM phones will show two IMEIs, and you may need to clarify which one is relevant to your purpose
• Android manufacturer — Settings menu paths vary meaningfully across brands; the *#06# shortcut bypasses this entirely
• Device age — very old devices may not display the IMEI via dial code on all networks, and worn physical labels may be unreadable

For most people on a working smartphone, the dial-code method is the fastest and most reliable starting point. But the method that's actually most useful to you depends on why you need the IMEI, what state your device is in, and what you plan to do with the number once you have it.