How to Access Your IMEI Number on Any Device

Your IMEI number (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit code assigned to every mobile device. It's the fingerprint of your phone — no two devices share the same one. Knowing how to find it matters more than most people realize, whether you're reporting a stolen phone, unlocking a device for a new carrier, or verifying a used phone before buying it.

What Exactly Is an IMEI Number?

Every cellular-capable device — smartphones, tablets with mobile data, some smartwatches — carries at least one IMEI. Dual-SIM phones carry two separate IMEI numbers, one for each SIM slot.

The number is registered with mobile networks and device databases worldwide. Carriers use it to blacklist lost or stolen devices, which means a blacklisted IMEI makes a phone unusable on most networks regardless of which SIM card is inserted. Manufacturers and third-party services use it to verify warranty status, model details, and activation history.

Method 1: The Universal Dial Code 📱

The fastest way to find your IMEI on almost any phone — Android or iPhone — is through the dialer:

1. Open your Phone app
2. Dial *#06#
3. The IMEI (or multiple IMEIs on dual-SIM devices) appears on screen immediately

You don't need to press call. The number displays automatically. This works on the vast majority of Android devices and all iPhones.

Method 2: Through Device Settings

On iPhone (iOS)

Navigate to Settings → General → About. Scroll down and you'll see the IMEI listed alongside other device identifiers like the serial number and model number.

On Android

The path varies slightly by manufacturer, but the most common route is:

• Settings → About Phone → Status → IMEI Information
• Some Samsung devices: Settings → About Phone → IMEI Information
• Some devices surface it directly under Settings → About Phone

If you can't locate it, use the search bar within Settings and type "IMEI" — most modern Android versions support in-settings search.

Method 3: Physical Locations on the Device

If your phone won't power on or the screen is damaged, the IMEI is often printed in physical locations:

The original box is often the most reliable fallback — the barcode sticker on the outside typically lists the IMEI, serial number, and model details.

Method 4: Through Your Carrier or Apple/Google Account

If you no longer have physical access to the device:

• iPhone users can log into appleid.apple.com, navigate to the Devices section, and select the device to see its details including the IMEI
• Android users signed into a Google account may find device details under myaccount.google.com → Security → Your Devices, though IMEI visibility varies by device and Android version
• Your carrier keeps a record of the IMEI associated with your account — customer service can typically provide it after verifying your identity

Why You Might Need Your IMEI

Understanding the use case helps you know which method to prioritize:

• Reporting a lost or stolen device: Carriers need the IMEI to flag it on international blacklists like the GSMA's IMEI database
• Carrier unlocking: Most carriers require the IMEI to process an unlock request, either through their online portal or customer service
• Buying a used phone: Running an IMEI check through a third-party service reveals whether the device has been reported stolen, is still under contract, or is carrier-locked — a critical step before any secondhand purchase
• Warranty claims: Manufacturers use the IMEI to verify purchase date, model authenticity, and coverage status
• Insurance claims: Most mobile insurance providers require the IMEI as proof of the specific device being claimed

Dual-SIM Devices and eSIM Considerations

Dual-SIM phones complicate things slightly. Each physical SIM slot has its own IMEI, and if your device supports eSIM alongside a physical SIM, it may carry an EID (Embedded Identity Document number) in addition to its IMEI numbers. The *#06# dial code typically surfaces all relevant identifiers at once. When dealing with carriers or check services, confirm which IMEI corresponds to which slot if the distinction matters for your situation.

A Note on IMEI Security

Your IMEI is not secret in the way a password is, but it's also not something to share casually. It uniquely identifies your device and could theoretically be used to make false theft reports or in certain types of carrier fraud. Share it only with your carrier, your insurer, law enforcement, or verified third-party check services — not on public forums or with unknown buyers before completing a transaction.

The Variables That Change Your Experience

The method that works best depends on factors specific to your situation: whether your device is powered on and functional, which operating system version it runs, whether it's a single or dual-SIM model, whether you have access to the original packaging, and whether you have active account credentials for Apple ID or Google.

A newer phone with a working screen and an Apple ID or Google account logged in gives you the most options. An older device with a damaged screen and no box means falling back on your carrier's records — and that process depends on how your account is set up and how long you've been a customer.

The right approach for your situation sits at the intersection of what you need the IMEI for and what access you actually have right now.