The fastest way to find your iPhone's IMEI

Your iPhone's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit number that uniquely identifies your device to cellular networks. You can find it in Settings without opening anything physical, in about 30 seconds.

Open Settings, tap General, then About. Scroll down until you see "IMEI" — that 15-digit number is what you need. Write it down or take a screenshot if you're looking it up for a repair, insurance claim, or to report a lost phone to your carrier.

If you need the number right now and your phone won't turn on, there are three other places to find it. Each one works in different situations, so knowing all four means you can get the number no matter what state your phone is in.

Key Takeaways

  • Your IMEI appears in Settings > General > About, and this is the easiest method if your phone powers on.
  • The original box your iPhone came in prints the IMEI on the back, so check there if you still have it.
  • Your carrier (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, or others) has your IMEI on file and can read it to you over the phone or through your online account.
  • If you bought the phone from Apple, your receipt or Apple account shows the IMEI under device details.

Finding the IMEI through Settings on a working iPhone

This is the method most people use because it takes the least time. Your phone needs to be powered on and responsive, but it does not need cellular service or Wi-Fi.

Tap Settings (the gray gear icon). Scroll down and tap General. Tap About. You will see a list of information about your phone — capacity, iOS version, phone number, and others. Keep scrolling down until you see "IMEI". The number next to it is your IMEI. If you have two phone numbers (a dual SIM iPhone), you will see two IMEI numbers labeled IMEI 1 and IMEI 2.

Take a screenshot or write the number down. If you are calling your carrier or an Apple Store, having it written down means you will not have to dig through your phone while you are on the phone.

Checking the original iPhone box

If you still have the box your iPhone came in, the IMEI is printed on the back. Look for a barcode and a block of small text below it — the IMEI is usually the longest number in that block, printed as 15 consecutive digits.

This method works even if your phone is broken, lost, or will not turn on. The downside is that you need to have kept the box, which many people recycle or throw away shortly after opening the phone.

If the box is still in your closet or storage, this is often faster than calling your carrier, since you do not have to wait on hold.

Getting your IMEI from your carrier

Your cellular carrier — AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, US Cellular, or whoever you pay for service — has your IMEI recorded in their system. You can retrieve it by calling customer service, logging into your online account, or visiting a physical store.

To call, use the customer service number on your bill or on the carrier's website. Tell them you need your IMEI number. They will ask for your phone number or account number to look it up, then read it to you. This usually takes a few minutes, depending on how busy they are.

To look it up yourself online, log into your carrier's website or app, find the section for your account or devices (often called "My Devices" or "Lines"), and select your iPhone. The IMEI should appear on the device details page. The exact location varies by carrier — Verizon puts it under Device Information, while T-Mobile lists it under Device Details.

Finding the IMEI through your Apple account

If you bought your iPhone directly from Apple or through your Apple account, the IMEI is stored in your Apple ID. Log into iCloud.com or open the Apple ID app on any Apple device, go to Devices, select your iPhone, and look for the IMEI under device details.

This method works if your phone is lost, broken, or offline. You do need to remember your Apple ID password, so if you are locked out of your account, you will need to reset it first through Apple's account recovery page.

If you bought your iPhone from a carrier store or a third-party retailer instead of Apple, this method may not show the IMEI — in that case, your carrier's system is your best option.

Why you might need your IMEI

Your IMEI is useful in several situations. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can give it to your carrier, and they can block it from connecting to their network — this prevents someone else from using it with a SIM card. If you are sending your phone in for repair, Apple or the repair shop may ask for it to look up your warranty status or service history. Insurance companies sometimes ask for it when you file a claim.

The IMEI is also what identifies your phone to cellular networks, so if you are switching carriers or traveling internationally and need to check whether your phone will work on a different network, the IMEI is what you provide to the new carrier to verify compatibility.

What to do if you cannot find your IMEI

If your phone will not turn on, you no longer have the box, and you cannot reach your carrier, you have one more option: contact Apple directly. If you have an Apple ID and the phone was registered to it, Apple can look up the IMEI using your account information. You can reach Apple Support through their website, by calling 1-800-MY-APPLE, or by visiting an Apple Store in person.

Bring a photo ID and any proof of purchase you have — a receipt, an email confirmation, or a credit card statement showing the purchase. This helps Apple confirm that the phone belongs to you before they give out the IMEI.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the IMEI the same as the serial number?

No. Your iPhone has both an IMEI and a serial number, and they are different 15-digit identifiers. The IMEI identifies your phone to cellular networks, while the serial number is used for warranty and repair tracking. Both appear in Settings > General > About.

Can someone use my IMEI to track my phone?

Not directly. Your IMEI does not contain location data. However, if someone has your IMEI and your carrier's account access, they could potentially request location information from your carrier. This is why you should not share your IMEI with people you do not trust, and you should contact your carrier immediately if your phone is lost or stolen.

What if my iPhone shows two different IMEI numbers?

You have a dual SIM iPhone, which can hold two phone numbers at once. One IMEI is for the physical SIM card slot, and the other is for the eSIM (a digital SIM stored in software). Both numbers are legitimate and belong to your phone. If you use both SIM cards, your carrier has both IMEIs on file.

Do I need my IMEI to switch carriers?

Not always. Most carriers can look up your phone using your phone number or account information. However, having your IMEI ready can speed up the process, especially if you are switching from a different carrier and the new carrier needs to verify that your phone is compatible with their network.

Will my IMEI change if I update iOS?

No. Your IMEI is tied to the hardware itself, not the software. It stays the same throughout the life of the phone, even after multiple iOS updates, factory resets, or changes to your carrier.