How to Find an IMEI Number on Any Device
Every mobile device carries a unique 15-digit identifier called an IMEI number — short for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It's the digital fingerprint of your phone or tablet, and knowing how to find it can matter more than most people realize until they actually need it.
Whether you're reporting a stolen phone, unlocking a device for a new carrier, checking a used phone before buying, or filing an insurance claim, the IMEI is often the first thing you'll be asked for.
What Is an IMEI Number?
The IMEI is a globally unique identifier assigned to every cellular device. No two devices share the same number. It's used by mobile networks to identify valid devices and can be used to block a stolen phone from accessing any network, even if the SIM card is swapped out.
A standard IMEI is 15 digits long. Some devices — particularly dual-SIM models — have two IMEI numbers, one for each SIM slot.
It's worth distinguishing this from a few related terms:
- MEID — a similar identifier used on older CDMA devices (common with some US carriers)
- Serial number — a manufacturer-assigned identifier, not network-related
- ICCID — the identifier on the SIM card itself, not the device
How to Find Your IMEI Number 📱
There are several reliable methods, and which one works best depends on your device type and situation.
Method 1: Dial *#06#
This works on virtually every mobile phone regardless of brand or operating system. Open your Phone or Dialer app, type *#06#, and your IMEI (or IMEIs, if dual-SIM) will appear on screen immediately without placing a call.
This is the fastest method and works even on basic feature phones.
Method 2: Device Settings
On Android: Navigate to Settings → About Phone → Status → IMEI Information. The exact path varies slightly by manufacturer and Android version, but "About Phone" is almost always the starting point.
On iPhone (iOS): Go to Settings → General → About, then scroll down. You'll see the IMEI listed there, along with other identifiers.
On iPad or iPod Touch with cellular: Same path as iPhone — Settings → General → About.
Method 3: Check the Physical Device or Packaging
On many phones, the IMEI is printed:
- On the SIM card tray (visible when ejected)
- On a sticker inside the battery compartment (common on older removable-battery phones)
- On the back of the device itself (some older models)
- On the original retail box — usually on a barcode sticker on the outside
The box method is particularly useful if the phone is damaged, locked, or won't power on.
Method 4: Check Your Carrier or Google Account
Google (Android): If your phone is linked to a Google account, visit myaccount.google.com → Security → Your Devices. Selecting a device may show the IMEI depending on the Android version and how the device was registered.
Your carrier: Most mobile carriers have your device's IMEI on file from when the SIM was activated. Logging into your account portal or contacting customer support can retrieve it — useful if your device has been lost or stolen.
Apple (iPhone): Visit appleid.apple.com, sign in, and check your devices. iPhones registered to your Apple ID may show the IMEI under device details.
IMEI by Device Type — What to Expect
| Device Type | Best Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Android smartphone | *#06# or Settings → About Phone | Dual-SIM phones show two IMEIs |
| iPhone | Settings → General → About | Also visible in iTunes/Finder |
| iPad (cellular) | Settings → General → About | Wi-Fi-only iPads don't have an IMEI |
| Feature/basic phone | *#06# or battery compartment | Often printed inside back cover |
| Used/second-hand phone | Box sticker or *#06# | Always verify before purchasing |
Why the IMEI Format Matters 🔍
A legitimate IMEI is always 15 digits. If you're checking a used phone and the number shown doesn't match the one on the box, or if a seller can't provide one at all, that's a potential red flag worth investigating further.
You can verify whether an IMEI has been reported stolen through services like GSMA's IMEI checker or country-specific databases. These checks don't cost anything and can confirm if a device has been blacklisted by a carrier.
When You Might Need It
- Reporting a lost or stolen phone to your carrier or police
- Unlocking a device from a carrier (most unlock processes require it)
- Insurance claims — policies almost always ask for IMEI
- Buying used devices — checking an IMEI before purchase protects against buying blacklisted or stolen hardware
- Warranty and repair requests — manufacturers often use IMEI to verify device history
The Variables That Change the Process
The straightforward part is that *#06# works almost universally. But from there, things branch out depending on your situation.
A dual-SIM device gives you two IMEIs, and which one matters depends on which SIM slot your active line uses. An older Android phone on a heavily customized OS skin may bury the Settings path differently than stock Android. A damaged or stolen device means you're relying on the box, carrier records, or account portals instead of the phone itself. And a used phone purchase introduces the question of whether the IMEI you're given is accurate and unblocked — which requires an external check to confirm.
The method is rarely the hard part. What shapes the experience is what you're trying to do with the IMEI once you have it, and what state the device is in when you go looking.