How to Find the IMEI Number on Your iPhone
Every iPhone carries a unique 15-digit identifier called an IMEI number (International Mobile Equipment Identity). It's the digital fingerprint of your device — and knowing how to locate it matters more than most people realize until they actually need it.
Whether you're reporting a lost or stolen phone, unlocking a device for a new carrier, or verifying a used iPhone before buying it, the IMEI is the number that gets the job done. Here's every reliable way to find it.
What Is an IMEI Number and Why Does It Matter?
The IMEI is a globally unique identifier assigned to every cellular device. No two phones share the same number. Carriers, manufacturers, and law enforcement use it to:
- Block stolen devices from connecting to networks
- Verify a phone's history (including blacklist status)
- Unlock a device for use on a different carrier
- Process insurance claims or warranty support
- Confirm authenticity when buying a secondhand phone
Unlike a serial number, which is primarily a manufacturer reference, the IMEI is recognized across carriers and borders worldwide.
Method 1: Check the iPhone Settings App 📱
This is the fastest method when your iPhone is powered on and functional.
- Open Settings
- Tap General
- Tap About
- Scroll down to find IMEI
The number appears on screen and can be held down to copy it directly to your clipboard. If your iPhone supports dual SIM, you may see two IMEI numbers — IMEI and IMEI2 — corresponding to each SIM slot or eSIM.
Method 2: Dial a Code from the Phone App
This works on virtually all iPhone models and doesn't require navigating any menus.
- Open the Phone app
- Go to the Keypad
- Dial
*#06#
The IMEI (and MEID, if applicable) will appear on screen immediately. No call is placed — the code triggers a local display function. This is particularly useful when you need the number quickly without unlocking into settings.
Method 3: Check the Physical Device
For older iPhones, Apple printed the IMEI directly on the hardware:
| iPhone Model | Where to Look |
|---|---|
| iPhone 6s and earlier | Printed on the SIM card tray |
| iPhone 6 and earlier | Also on the back of the device |
| iPhone 7 and later | Not printed on the device itself |
If your SIM tray method applies, eject the tray using a SIM tool or paperclip and look at the engraved text on the tray itself.
Method 4: Check the Original Packaging
If you kept the box your iPhone came in, the IMEI is printed on the barcode label on the outside of the box. This is especially valuable in two scenarios:
- The phone is locked, broken, or inaccessible
- You're verifying a used phone's IMEI before completing a purchase (compare the box number to the number in Settings to confirm they match)
Method 5: Use iTunes or Finder on a Computer
If your iPhone screen is damaged or the device won't boot properly, a computer can still retrieve the IMEI.
On macOS Catalina or later:
- Connect your iPhone via USB
- Open Finder
- Select your device in the sidebar
- Click on the model name/storage info line to cycle through details — the IMEI will appear
On Windows or older macOS:
- Connect your iPhone via USB
- Open iTunes
- Click the device icon
- Click the Summary tab
- Click on the Serial Number field to cycle through — it will show the IMEI
Method 6: Check Your Apple ID Account Online
Apple stores device information tied to your Apple ID.
- Go to appleid.apple.com
- Sign in with your Apple ID
- Scroll to Devices
- Select your iPhone
- The IMEI is listed in the device details
This method works even if you no longer have physical access to the phone — which makes it particularly useful for reporting theft.
Variables That Change Which Method Works for You 🔍
Not every method works in every situation. The right approach depends on several factors:
- Phone condition — A cracked or unresponsive screen rules out Settings and the dial code
- iPhone model — Older models have physical engravings; newer ones don't
- Whether you have the original box — Useful for verification but not always available
- Access to a computer — Finder/iTunes is a solid fallback for damaged devices
- Whether the phone is yours or one you're considering buying — Cross-referencing box vs. Settings is standard practice for secondhand purchases
IMEI vs. Serial Number: Not the Same Thing
A common point of confusion worth clarifying:
| Identifier | Purpose | Used By |
|---|---|---|
| IMEI | Cellular network identity | Carriers, law enforcement, blacklist databases |
| Serial Number | Manufacturer tracking | Apple support, warranty, repair |
| MEID | CDMA network equivalent of IMEI | Some older carrier systems |
When a carrier or theft-reporting service asks for your IMEI, the serial number won't substitute — they're checked against completely different databases.
When You Have Two IMEI Numbers
iPhones with Dual SIM capability (iPhone XS and later) carry two IMEI numbers. This applies to:
- Physical nano-SIM + eSIM configurations
- Dual eSIM models (available in certain regions and on certain iPhone 14 and later models)
Both numbers appear in Settings > General > About. Which one matters depends on which SIM line a carrier or service is referencing — so it's worth noting both if you're dealing with a carrier unlock or lost device report.
The method you use and the number you need will ultimately depend on your specific iPhone model, its current condition, and what you're trying to accomplish.