How to Find Your IMEI Number on an iPhone

Your iPhone's IMEI number is one of the most important identifiers your device has — and knowing where to find it can save you serious time when dealing with carriers, insurance claims, or a lost or stolen phone. Here's everything you need to know about what it is, why it matters, and exactly how to locate it.

What Is an IMEI Number?

IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It's a unique 15-digit number assigned to every mobile device that can connect to a cellular network. Think of it as your phone's fingerprint — no two devices share the same IMEI.

Carriers use it to identify devices on their networks. If a phone is reported stolen, carriers and law enforcement can use the IMEI to block the device from connecting to any network, even if the SIM card is swapped out. It's also what insurers, repair shops, and resellers use to verify a phone's identity and history.

Knowing your IMEI is especially useful when:

• Reporting a lost or stolen iPhone
• Checking if a used iPhone is carrier-locked or blacklisted before buying
• Filing an insurance claim
• Contacting carrier support for account or network issues

5 Ways to Find Your IMEI on an iPhone 📱

There's more than one place to look, which is helpful because some methods work even when you can't access the phone's screen.

1. Through the Settings App

This is the most straightforward method if your iPhone is working normally.

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

You can tap and hold the number to copy it — useful if you need to paste it into a form or email.

2. From the Phone Dialer

This works on virtually every iPhone model and takes about five seconds.

1. Open the Phone app
2. Go to the Keypad
3. Dial *#06#

Your IMEI (and possibly MEID or IMEI2 on dual-SIM models) will appear on screen automatically. You won't actually place a call — the number displays instantly.

3. On the Physical Device

Apple prints the IMEI directly on the hardware itself, which matters if you can't power the phone on.

• iPhone 6s and earlier: Check the back of the device — the IMEI is printed in small text near the bottom
• iPhone 7 and later: The IMEI is printed on the SIM card tray
• iPhone models without a physical SIM (eSIM-only): You'll need to use Settings or iTunes/Finder instead

4. Through iTunes or Finder on a Computer

If your screen is broken or the phone won't boot, this is often your best option.

1. Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC with a cable
2. Open Finder (macOS Catalina and later) or iTunes (Windows or older macOS)
3. Select your iPhone when it appears
4. Click on the phone's storage or serial number field — clicking it cycles through identifiers including the IMEI

5. On the Original Packaging

If you still have the box your iPhone came in, the IMEI is printed on the barcode label on the back of the box. This is particularly handy if the phone itself is unavailable.

IMEI vs. MEID vs. Serial Number — What's the Difference?

These identifiers often appear together in the About screen, which causes confusion. Here's how they differ:

For most purposes — carrier unlocking, blacklist checks, insurance — IMEI is what you need. The serial number is what Apple uses for warranty and repair records.

Dual-SIM iPhones: Which IMEI Do You Need?

iPhone models that support dual SIM (physical SIM + eSIM, or dual eSIM on newer models) have two IMEI numbers. If you're dealing with a specific line — say, your primary number versus a travel SIM — you'll want the IMEI associated with that particular SIM slot.

In Settings > General > About, both IMEI numbers are listed. IMEI 1 typically corresponds to the physical SIM slot; IMEI 2 corresponds to the eSIM. On fully eSIM-only models, both are eSIM-based.

Which one you'll need depends on which line the carrier, insurer, or service is associated with — and that varies by situation. ⚠️

Keeping Your IMEI Handy

It's worth recording your IMEI somewhere safe — a notes app, email thread, or even a photo of the About screen — before you ever need it. When a phone is lost or stolen, accessing device settings isn't an option.

If you've already lost the device, you can find the IMEI in your Apple ID account at appleid.apple.com under the list of registered devices, or through iCloud.com > Find My, where each device's details include the IMEI.

The method that works best for you comes down to your specific situation — whether the phone is in hand, broken, lost, or not yet purchased. Each scenario points toward a different path through the options above.