How to Check Your IMEI Number on Any Device
Your IMEI number (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit code assigned to every mobile device. Think of it as your phone's fingerprint — no two devices share the same one. Knowing how to find it matters more than most people realize: it's essential for reporting a stolen phone, unlocking a device for a new carrier, checking warranty status, or verifying a second-hand purchase before you hand over money.
What Is an IMEI Number, Exactly?
The IMEI is a globally standardized identifier governed by the GSMA (the industry body behind mobile network standards). It's burned into your device's hardware, meaning it can't be changed through normal software means. The number follows a specific structure:
- Digits 1–8: Identify the device model and manufacturer (the TAC — Type Allocation Code)
- Digits 9–14: Identify the specific unit (serial sequence)
- Digit 15: A check digit, calculated using the Luhn algorithm
Devices with dual SIM capability typically carry two IMEI numbers — one per SIM slot. This is worth knowing when you're dealing with carriers or reporting to authorities.
The Universal Method: Dial *#06#
The fastest way to find your IMEI on virtually any phone — Android, iPhone, or even older feature phones — is to open your dialer and type:
*#06# You don't need to press call. The IMEI (or IMEIs, if dual SIM) appears on screen immediately. This works across nearly all devices and operating systems, making it the go-to method when you need the number quickly.
How to Check IMEI on iPhone 📱
Apple gives you several ways to find your IMEI:
Through Settings:
- Go to Settings
- Tap General
- Tap About
- Scroll down to find IMEI
On the physical device:
- On most iPhone models, the IMEI is printed on the SIM card tray
- On older models (iPhone 5 and earlier), it may appear on the back of the device
Through iTunes or Finder:
- Connect your iPhone to a computer
- Open iTunes (Windows or older macOS) or Finder (macOS Catalina and later)
- Click on your device, then click the phone number or serial number field to cycle through identifiers — one of them will be your IMEI
How to Check IMEI on Android
Android isn't one OS — it's many, spread across different manufacturers with varying menu structures. That said, the path is generally consistent:
Through Settings:
- Open Settings
- Go to About Phone (sometimes under General Management on Samsung devices)
- Look for Status or IMEI Information
- Your IMEI(s) will be listed there
Through the dialer: The *#06# method works here too, and is often faster than navigating menus.
On the physical device:
- The IMEI is usually printed on a sticker inside the SIM card tray slot, or under a removable battery cover (on older devices)
Checking IMEI Without the Phone
There are situations where you need the IMEI but don't have the device in hand — it's lost, stolen, or you're considering a purchase.
| Situation | Where to Find It |
|---|---|
| Phone is lost or stolen | Check original box (printed on a sticker) |
| Pre-purchase check | Ask the seller to run *#06# in front of you |
| iPhone specifically | Find it in your Apple ID account under Devices |
| Purchased through carrier | Check your original receipt or carrier account |
| Android with Google account | Not natively available through Google account UI |
The original retail box is the most reliable offline backup — nearly every manufacturer prints the IMEI on the packaging barcode label.
Why the IMEI Matters Beyond Basic Lookup 🔍
Once you have the number, it unlocks several practical uses:
Blacklist checking: Third-party IMEI check services (and some carrier tools) can tell you whether a device has been reported stolen or blacklisted. This is critical when buying used phones, since a blacklisted IMEI means the device may be blocked from connecting to networks — regardless of what SIM you insert.
Carrier unlock verification: Carriers use the IMEI to process unlock requests. If you're switching networks or traveling internationally, you'll need this number to initiate the unlock.
Warranty and repair tracking: Manufacturers tie warranty records to the IMEI, not just the serial number. Service centers will ask for it.
Insurance claims and theft reports: Police reports and insurance claims for stolen devices require the IMEI. Without it, recovery is significantly harder.
Variables That Affect Your Lookup Experience
Not every method works equally well in every situation, and a few factors shape which approach makes the most sense:
- OS version and manufacturer skin: Samsung's One UI, Xiaomi's MIUI, and stock Android all place the IMEI in slightly different menu paths
- Single vs. dual SIM: Dual SIM devices return two IMEIs — make sure you note which corresponds to which slot if that distinction matters to your use case
- Device age: Very old or heavily customized devices may not respond to
*#06#as expected - Rooted or modified devices: In some edge cases, software modifications can affect how the IMEI displays in settings menus — though the hardware value remains unchanged
- Physical condition: If the box is gone and the SIM tray label is worn, your fallback options narrow quickly
The right method isn't the same for everyone. A user with a recent stock Android phone, a dual-SIM iPhone owner checking before an international trip, and someone trying to verify a used device purchase are all asking the same question — but the details of their situation point toward meaningfully different steps.