How to Find Your IMEI Number: Every Method Explained

Your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit number that uniquely identifies your mobile device on a cellular network. Think of it as your phone's fingerprint — no two devices share the same one. You'll need it when reporting a lost or stolen phone, unlocking a device from a carrier, filing an insurance claim, or checking if a used phone has been blacklisted before you buy it.

Finding it takes seconds once you know where to look — but the exact method depends on your device type, operating system, and what you have access to in that moment.

What Exactly Is an IMEI Number?

Every phone or tablet with cellular capability is assigned at least one IMEI by the manufacturer. Dual-SIM devices typically have two IMEI numbers — one for each SIM slot. The number is tied to the hardware itself, not your SIM card or account, which is why carriers can block a specific device from connecting to networks even after a SIM swap.

The IMEI is registered with the GSMA's global database, which is why stolen phones can be flagged and blocked across networks internationally — at least in countries that participate in the scheme.

Method 1: Dial *#06# on Your Phone

The fastest method that works on virtually every mobile device regardless of brand or OS:

1. Open your phone's dialer app
2. Type *#06#
3. The IMEI number (or numbers, on dual-SIM phones) appears on screen automatically — no need to press call

This works on Android, iOS, older feature phones, and most smartwatches with cellular capability. It's the go-to method when you need the number quickly.

Method 2: Check Your iPhone Settings

On iOS devices, Apple surfaces the IMEI inside Settings:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap General
3. Tap About
4. Scroll down to find IMEI (and IMEI2 on dual-SIM models)

You can tap and hold the number to copy it directly — useful when you need to paste it into a carrier form or insurance portal.

Method 3: Find It in Android Settings

The path varies slightly depending on the Android skin your manufacturer uses, but the general route is:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap About Phone (sometimes nested under General Management)
3. Look for Status or Phone Identity
4. The IMEI is listed there

On Samsung devices running One UI, it's usually at Settings → About Phone → Status Information → IMEI Information. On stock Android (Pixel phones), it's more directly under Settings → About Phone.

Method 4: Physical Location on the Device 📱

Manufacturers print or engrave the IMEI in several physical spots:

The print is often small, so good lighting or a magnifying glass helps. This method matters most when the device won't power on.

Method 5: Check the Original Packaging or Receipt

If you still have the box your phone came in, the IMEI is printed on a sticker on the outside — usually alongside the model number, serial number, and storage capacity. Retailers also typically print it on the purchase receipt or it appears in your order confirmation email if you bought online.

This is particularly useful when dealing with insurance companies or carrier unlocking requests before you've set the phone up.

Method 6: Find It Through Your Carrier Account

Most carriers store your device's IMEI when you activate service. Log in to your carrier's online account portal or app, navigate to your device or line details, and look for device information. The IMEI is often listed there alongside your device model and SIM information.

This is a reliable fallback if the phone is lost, broken, or unavailable — as long as you know your account credentials.

Method 7: Check via iTunes or Finder (iPhone Only) 🖥️

For iPhone users who manage backups through a computer:

1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac or PC
2. Open Finder (macOS Catalina and later) or iTunes (Windows or older macOS)
3. Select your device
4. Click on your phone's name or model description
5. The IMEI appears among the device details

This method is especially useful for a device that has a cracked screen or won't respond to touch input.

Which Variables Actually Matter Here

Finding an IMEI sounds straightforward, but a few factors shape which method works best for your situation:

• Whether the device powers on — a dead or broken phone eliminates software methods entirely, leaving you with physical labels, packaging, or your carrier account
• Your OS version — menu paths in Android shift between manufacturer skins and OS generations, so the exact Settings route varies
• Dual-SIM setup — you may have two IMEIs, and some use cases (like carrier unlocking) require specifying which one
• Device age — older phones with removable backs have the IMEI printed inside; modern sealed devices have moved it to the SIM tray or Settings only
• Whether you still have the box — for people who buy and resell devices frequently, packaging becomes a reliable IMEI archive

When You Might Need More Than One Method

Most people find their IMEI without any difficulty. But if you're dealing with a phone that has a shattered display, won't boot, or was recently lost, you'll need to work through the fallback options — carrier account, original packaging, or a connected computer. Dual-SIM users checking a used device before purchase should confirm both IMEIs against a blacklist checker, since either number could be flagged independently.

The right method isn't always the most obvious one — it depends on what state your device is in and what records you have access to right now.