How to Find the IMEI Number on Your iPhone

Every iPhone carries a unique 15-digit identifier called an IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity). It's the fingerprint of your device — used by carriers to activate service, by insurers to verify ownership, and by anyone who needs to report a phone as lost or stolen. Knowing where to find it, and understanding what it actually does, puts you in a much stronger position when something goes wrong.

What Is an IMEI and Why Does It Matter?

The IMEI is a globally unique number assigned to every cellular device at the point of manufacture. No two phones share the same IMEI. It's separate from your phone number, your Apple ID, and your SIM card — meaning it stays with the hardware itself, not with your account or your carrier.

Common situations where you'll need your IMEI:

• Activating service with a new or existing carrier
• Unlocking your iPhone to switch networks
• Filing an insurance claim after loss or damage
• Reporting a stolen phone to police or Apple
• Checking whether a used iPhone is blacklisted before buying

Because the IMEI is tied to the physical device, it can't be changed through a software reset. That makes it one of the most reliable identifiers in mobile technology. 📱

Four Ways to Find Your iPhone's IMEI

1. Through the Settings App (Most Reliable Method)

This works on virtually every iPhone running a current or recent version of iOS:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap General
3. Tap About
4. Scroll down until you see IMEI

The number appears on-screen and, on most iOS versions, you can tap and hold it to copy it directly. This is the recommended method when your phone is accessible and functioning normally.

2. On the Physical Device (No Power Required)

Apple prints the IMEI directly on the hardware — useful if your iPhone won't turn on or you're inspecting a device before purchase:

The engraved text is small, so good lighting matters. On some models, particularly older ones, the IMEI is also printed along the bottom edge of the back glass.

3. Via the Dialer (Quick Method)

Open the Phone app, go to the keypad, and dial:

*#06# 

Your IMEI will appear on screen immediately — no need to press call. This method works on virtually all iPhones regardless of iOS version and is often the fastest option if you need the number in a hurry.

4. Through iTunes or Finder on a Computer

If you sync your iPhone with a Mac or PC:

• On Mac (macOS Catalina or later): Open Finder, connect your iPhone, click its name in the sidebar, then click the phone model name under the device image to cycle through identifiers including the IMEI
• On Mac or Windows (iTunes): Connect your iPhone, click the device icon, then click the summary panel where your storage and model info is shown — clicking the phone number or serial number cycles to the IMEI

This is particularly useful when the phone's screen is damaged or the device is in recovery mode.

Dual-SIM iPhones: Two IMEIs to Know

iPhones that support Dual SIM — including the iPhone XS, XR, and most models released since 2018 — carry two separate IMEIs: one for each SIM slot or eSIM line. In Settings → General → About, you'll see both listed as IMEI and IMEI2.

Which one matters depends on your situation:

• If you're reporting the device stolen, both numbers are relevant
• If a carrier is asking for your IMEI for a specific line, match it to the correct SIM
• If you're checking a used phone for blacklist status, it's worth running both numbers

iPhones With eSIM Only (iPhone 14 and Later in the US)

Starting with the iPhone 14, Apple removed the physical SIM card tray entirely for US models, moving to eSIM-only operation. These phones may carry multiple IMEIs associated with different eSIM profiles. You'll find all of them listed under Settings → General → About.

The lack of a physical SIM tray also means there's no tray-engraved IMEI to reference — the Settings app and dialer method become the primary options. 🔍

What Affects How Easily You Can Access Your IMEI

Several variables determine which method will work best for you:

• iOS version: Older iOS versions may present the About screen differently, but the IMEI has appeared in Settings → General → About across all modern iOS releases
• Device condition: A cracked screen, dead battery, or locked phone changes which methods are available
• Model year: Dual-SIM capability, eSIM-only configuration, and where the IMEI is physically engraved all vary by generation
• Access to a computer: iTunes and Finder methods require a trusted computer and, in some cases, an existing sync relationship

For someone buying a used iPhone, the physical tray engraving or the dialer method are often the most immediately accessible — no passcode required. For someone dealing with a stolen phone after the fact, the IMEI may only be retrievable from a prior iTunes/Finder backup record, a carrier account, or the original device packaging, which Apple prints the IMEI on as well.

One More Place to Check: The Original Box

Apple includes the IMEI on the retail packaging of every iPhone. If you've kept the box, look for the small label on the outside — it lists the model number, serial number, and IMEI together. This is worth checking if the phone itself is unavailable.

How straightforward finding your IMEI turns out to be depends on what you're working with — a functioning device, a damaged one, a second-hand purchase, or a phone you no longer have in hand each leads to a different path.