The fastest way to find your iPhone's IMEI

Your iPhone's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit number that identifies your specific device to your wireless carrier. You can find it in Settings without opening anything physical, or by dialing a short code on your phone.

The quickest method: open Settings, tap General, then About. Scroll down until you see "IMEI" — the number appears right there. If you need it right now and your phone is powered on, you can also dial *#06# on the keypad and the IMEI will display on your screen immediately. Both methods take under 30 seconds.

Key Takeaways

  • Your IMEI appears in Settings > General > About, or by dialing *#06# on your keypad.
  • The IMEI is a 15-digit number unique to your physical iPhone and stays the same for the life of the device.
  • You may need your IMEI to report a lost phone to your carrier, unlock your device, or check warranty status.
  • If your phone won't turn on, you can find the IMEI printed on the SIM tray or on the original box and paperwork.

Finding your IMEI in Settings

Open the Settings app on your home screen. Tap General, then scroll down and select About. The About page lists several pieces of information about your device — model, storage capacity, iOS version, and more. Scroll through this list until you reach IMEI. The 15-digit number appears directly below the label.

This method works on any iPhone running iOS 10 or later. If you have multiple iPhones, each one has its own unique IMEI, so checking Settings on each device will show you different numbers. Write down or screenshot the number if you need to keep it for your records.

Using the dial code to display your IMEI

Open the Phone app and go to the keypad. Dial *#06# exactly as written — no spaces, no pauses. As soon as you finish typing the last character, your IMEI will appear on the screen in a pop-up window. You do not need to press call; the number displays automatically.

This method works on any iPhone with an active or inactive SIM card, and even if your phone is in airplane mode. The dial code is the same across all carriers and all countries. If nothing appears after dialing, check that you typed the code correctly — the asterisk and hash symbols are essential.

Finding your IMEI on the SIM tray or packaging

If your iPhone will not turn on or you cannot access Settings, the IMEI is printed in two other places. Remove the SIM tray from the side of your iPhone using the SIM ejector tool (a small metal pin that came in your iPhone box). The IMEI is engraved on the metal tray itself, usually on the underside.

You can also find the IMEI on the original box your iPhone came in. Look on the back or side of the box — Apple prints the IMEI, serial number, and other device information there. If you no longer have the box, the SIM tray method will work as long as your phone is physically intact.

Why you might need your IMEI

Your carrier uses your IMEI to identify your device on their network. If you report your iPhone lost or stolen, your carrier can use the IMEI to block the device from connecting to their service, even if someone else inserts a different SIM card. This prevents the phone from being used on that carrier's network.

You may also need your IMEI to unlock your iPhone if you are switching carriers, to check your device's warranty status with Apple, or to verify that a used iPhone you are buying has not been reported as lost or stolen. Some repair shops ask for the IMEI before servicing your device. Having the number on hand saves time in any of these situations.

What the IMEI tells you about your phone

The 15 digits of your IMEI break down into sections that identify the manufacturer, model, and serial number of your device. The first two digits identify Apple as the manufacturer. The next six digits identify the specific iPhone model — for example, whether it is an iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, or an older model. The remaining digits are your device's unique serial number.

The IMEI does not change over the life of your iPhone, even if you replace the battery, update the software, or restore the device to factory settings. It is tied to the physical hardware, not the software or SIM card. This is why carriers and Apple use it to track individual devices.

Checking if a used iPhone matches its IMEI

If you are buying a used iPhone, you can verify that the device you are receiving matches the IMEI the seller provided. Ask the seller for the IMEI before you meet. When you receive the phone, power it on, go to Settings > General > About, and compare the IMEI on the device to the number the seller gave you. They must match exactly.

You can also use the IMEI to check whether the phone has been reported as lost or stolen. Some carriers and third-party services allow you to enter an IMEI to see its status, though policies vary by region and carrier. Contact your carrier directly to ask whether they offer this service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone use my IMEI to track my iPhone?

No. The IMEI identifies your device to your carrier's network, but it does not contain location data and cannot be used to track your phone's location. If your iPhone is lost, you would use Find My iPhone (through iCloud.com or the Find My app) to locate it, not the IMEI. The IMEI is useful only for blocking the device from connecting to a carrier's network.

Is the IMEI the same as the serial number?

No, they are different. The IMEI is a 15-digit number that identifies your device to cellular networks. The serial number is a separate code that Apple uses to track your device for warranty and repair purposes. Both appear in Settings > General > About, and both are unique to your iPhone.

What if the IMEI on my SIM tray does not match Settings?

The IMEI should be identical in both places. If they do not match, your phone may have been repaired with a replacement part, or there may be an error. Contact Apple Support or your carrier to verify which number is correct for your device.

Do I need my IMEI to switch carriers?

Your carrier may ask for your IMEI when you request an unlock code, but you do not always need it to switch carriers. Contact your current carrier to ask what information they need to unlock your iPhone. Once unlocked, you can insert a SIM card from a new carrier and use their network.