The fastest way: Settings on your iPhone

Open Settings, then tap General, then About. Scroll down until you see IMEI — it's a 15-digit number. You can tap it to copy it to your clipboard, then paste it anywhere you need it.

This method works on every iPhone model running iOS 16 or later. On older versions of iOS, the layout is slightly different but the path is the same: Settings > General > About, then look for IMEI in the list.

Key Takeaways

  • Your iPhone's IMEI appears in Settings under General > About, where you can tap it to copy the full 15-digit number.
  • The IMEI is printed on the physical SIM card tray that ejects from the side of your iPhone, visible without opening Settings.
  • You can find your IMEI on your original iPhone box, on the back of your receipt from purchase, or through your carrier's account online.
  • The IMEI identifies your specific phone to carriers and is needed to report a stolen device, unlock a phone, or check if a phone is blacklisted.

Finding the IMEI on your SIM card tray

Remove the SIM card tray from the side of your iPhone using the small metal ejector tool that came in the box. The IMEI is printed on the tray itself — you'll see it as a long number on the plastic. This method requires no unlocking or navigation through menus.

The SIM tray is located on the right side of most iPhones, though on iPhone 6s and earlier models it's on the left. If you've lost the ejector tool, a straightened paperclip works just as well.

Checking your original iPhone box and receipt

The IMEI is printed on the back of your iPhone's original retail box, usually near the barcode. If you still have the box, this is the quickest physical reference. Your purchase receipt from an Apple Store or carrier also lists the IMEI.

Keep in mind that if you bought your iPhone used or received it as a gift, you may not have access to the original box or receipt. In that case, the Settings method or SIM tray method are your best options.

Finding your IMEI through your carrier's account

Log into your carrier's website or app — whether that's Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or another provider — and navigate to your account settings or device information. Most carriers display the IMEI for each phone on your plan. You can also call your carrier's customer service line and ask them to read your IMEI to you.

This method is useful if you don't have physical access to your phone, such as when reporting a device as lost or stolen. Your carrier can look up the IMEI using your phone number or account number alone.

Why you might need your IMEI

Your IMEI is a unique identifier for your specific iPhone. Carriers use it to connect your phone to their network, so you'll need it if you're switching carriers or unlocking your phone. If your iPhone is stolen, you can give the IMEI to your carrier and law enforcement so the phone can be blacklisted and rendered unusable on any network.

You may also need your IMEI when troubleshooting network problems with Apple Support or your carrier, or when selling your phone to verify its history and check whether it has any outstanding payments or carrier locks attached to it.

The difference between IMEI and other iPhone identifiers

Your iPhone has several different numbers that identify it. The IMEI identifies the phone itself to cellular networks. The Serial Number is what Apple uses internally and appears on your box and in Settings > General > About. The ICCID is the identifier for your SIM card, not your phone, and also appears on the SIM tray.

When a carrier or support agent asks for your IMEI, they specifically want the 15-digit number, not the serial number. The serial number is shorter and starts with letters, while the IMEI is all digits. If you're unsure which one someone is asking for, it's safe to ask them to clarify.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find my IMEI if my iPhone won't turn on?

Yes. Remove the SIM card tray and read the IMEI printed on it, or check your original box and receipt. You can also contact your carrier with your phone number and account details, and they'll look up the IMEI for you without needing the phone to be powered on.

Is my IMEI the same as my phone number?

No. Your phone number is assigned by your carrier and can change if you switch carriers or plans. Your IMEI is a permanent identifier for that specific iPhone and never changes. A single iPhone can have multiple phone numbers over its lifetime, but it will always have the same IMEI.

What should I do if someone asks for my IMEI online?

Be cautious. Legitimate reasons to share your IMEI include contacting your carrier about service, reporting a stolen phone to law enforcement, or selling your phone to a buyer who wants to verify its history. Avoid sharing it with unknown websites or people claiming to unlock your phone or check its status.

Can two iPhones have the same IMEI?

No. Each iPhone manufactured has a unique IMEI assigned during production. If two phones somehow had the same IMEI, it would indicate a counterfeit device or a serious manufacturing error. This is why the IMEI is useful for verifying whether a used iPhone is authentic.