Your IMEI is a 15-digit code unique to your phone — you can find it by dialing *#06#, checking your phone's settings, looking at the physical device, or reviewing your carrier's records

Every mobile phone has an IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity), a 15-digit number that identifies your specific device to cellular networks worldwide. You'll need it if your phone is stolen, if you're switching carriers, if you're troubleshooting network problems, or if you're selling the device. The fastest way to find it is to open your phone's dialer and type *#06# — the number appears on your screen immediately.

If that code doesn't work on your phone, or if you prefer not to use it, you have several other ways to locate the number. The method you choose depends on whether your phone is working, whether you have access to your account information, and what you need the IMEI for.

Key Takeaways

  • Dialing *#06# on any working phone displays the IMEI instantly without opening any menus or settings.
  • On Android, you can find the IMEI in Settings > About Phone > Status or IMEI Information, depending on your manufacturer.
  • On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and look for the IMEI field on that screen.
  • If your phone won't turn on or you've lost it, contact your carrier with your phone number or account details — they can look up the IMEI in their system.
  • The IMEI is printed on the original box your phone came in and on the physical SIM card tray inside some phones.

Using the dialer code on a working phone

The quickest method works on nearly every phone: open the Phone app or Dialer, tap the keypad, and enter *#06#. Do not press call — just type the characters. Your IMEI appears on the screen within a second or two. This works on Android, iPhone, and most other phones because it's a standard code recognized by the phone's baseband processor, the chip that handles cellular communication.

Write down or screenshot the number that appears. If you see two numbers listed, you have a dual-SIM phone (two separate cellular connections), and each SIM has its own IMEI. Both are legitimate — use whichever one corresponds to the SIM card your carrier is asking about.

Finding the IMEI in your phone's settings on Android

On Android phones, the path varies slightly by manufacturer, but the general route is consistent. Open Settings, then look for About Phone or Device Information. Scroll down until you see a field labeled IMEI, IMEI 1, or IMEI Information. Tap it to see the full 15-digit number.

Some Android phones also list the IMEI under Settings > System > About Phone > Status or Settings > About > Phone Identity. If you can't find it in the obvious places, search your phone's settings for the word "IMEI" — most phones have a search function that will take you directly to it.

Finding the IMEI on an iPhone

On iPhone, open Settings, then tap General, then About. Scroll through the list until you see the field labeled IMEI. Tap it to copy the number to your clipboard, or write it down from the screen.

If you have an older iPhone or are looking for additional identifiers, you may also see IMSI (the SIM card's identifier) or ICCID (the SIM card's serial number) on this same screen. The IMEI is the one you need for most purposes.

Checking the physical phone and original packaging

Your IMEI is printed in two physical locations. On the back of most Android phones, remove the SIM card tray (use the small ejector tool that came with your phone) — the IMEI is often printed on the tray itself or on the inside edge of the slot. On iPhones, the IMEI is printed on the SIM tray as well.

The original box your phone came in also displays the IMEI on a label, usually on the back or side. If you still have the box, this is a reliable way to find the number even if the phone is damaged or won't power on. The number on the box matches the number inside the phone.

Getting the IMEI from your carrier if the phone is lost or broken

If your phone is stolen, lost, or won't turn on, call your carrier's customer service line with your phone number or account details. Representatives at carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and others keep IMEI records for every device on their network. They can look up the number in seconds and read it to you over the phone or add it to your account notes.

Have your account PIN or the last four digits of the Social Security number associated with the account ready — carriers require this verification before sharing device information. If you're calling about a stolen phone, mention that upfront; many carriers can flag the IMEI to prevent it from being activated on another account.

Why you might need your IMEI

The most common reason to find your IMEI is to report a stolen or lost phone. When you contact your carrier and provide the IMEI, they can block the device from connecting to their network, making it useless to a thief even if they have your SIM card. Some carriers also use the IMEI to file a report with the GSMA (Global System for Mobile Communications), which maintains a blacklist shared across carriers worldwide.

You may also need the IMEI when switching carriers, troubleshooting network connectivity issues, unlocking a phone to use with a different carrier, or selling a used phone. Buyers often ask for the IMEI to verify the phone is not blacklisted or reported stolen. If you're buying a used phone, asking for the IMEI and checking it against carrier blacklists is a way to confirm the device is legitimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to share my IMEI with someone?

Yes, the IMEI is not sensitive information in the way a password or PIN is. It's printed on your box and visible to anyone who handles your phone. Sharing it with a carrier representative, a buyer, or a repair shop is safe. However, do not share it in public forums or with people you don't trust, since someone with your IMEI could potentially claim the phone is theirs if it's lost.

What's the difference between IMEI and IMSI?

The IMEI identifies the physical phone itself. The IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity) identifies the SIM card and your subscription with a carrier. You need the IMEI to report a stolen phone or unlock it; you need the IMSI only in rare technical troubleshooting situations. Most people only ever need the IMEI.

Can I change my IMEI?

No, and attempting to do so is illegal in most countries. The IMEI is hardcoded into your phone's hardware and cannot be altered without specialized equipment. Changing an IMEI is a federal crime in the United States and is illegal in most other countries as well, because it's used to track stolen devices.

What if the *#06# code doesn't work on my phone?

Some phones, particularly older models or those from certain manufacturers, may not respond to the code. Use the settings method instead: Android phones have it in Settings > About Phone, and iPhones have it in Settings > General > About. If neither works, check the SIM tray or the original box, or contact your carrier.

Do I need my IMEI to switch phone carriers?

Not always. Most carriers can look up your device using your phone number and account. However, having the IMEI on hand speeds up the process and helps the new carrier confirm the phone is compatible with their network. It's useful to have but not required.