How to Check an IMEI on iPhone: Every Method Explained

Your iPhone's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit number that identifies your specific device on mobile networks worldwide. Knowing how to find it matters more than most people realize — whether you're buying a used phone, filing an insurance claim, unlocking a carrier, or reporting a stolen device.

Here's every reliable way to check it, plus what the number actually tells you.

What Is an IMEI and Why Does It Matter?

Every cellular-capable device has an IMEI burned into its hardware. No two devices share the same number. Carriers and regulatory bodies use it to:

• Block stolen or lost devices from connecting to networks
• Verify device legitimacy before activation
• Confirm unlock eligibility when switching carriers
• Process insurance claims and warranty replacements

The IMEI is separate from your phone number and SIM card. Even if you swap SIMs, the IMEI stays the same. That's what makes it a reliable hardware identifier rather than an account-level one.

Method 1: Check the IMEI Through iPhone Settings ⚙️

This is the fastest method for most users.

1. Open Settings
2. Tap General
3. Tap About
4. Scroll down to find IMEI

On iPhones that support dual SIM (iPhone XS and later), you may see two entries — IMEI and IMEI2 — corresponding to each SIM slot or eSIM.

Tap and hold the IMEI number to copy it directly to your clipboard, which is useful when submitting it to a carrier or insurance provider.

Method 2: Dial a USSD Code

This works without navigating any menus:

1. Open the Phone app
2. Dial *#06#
3. Your IMEI displays automatically on screen — no need to press call

This method works on virtually all iPhones regardless of iOS version. If your phone has dual SIM capability, both IMEI numbers will appear.

Method 3: Find It on the Physical Device

For iPhones that won't power on — or when you need the number before setting up a device — the physical location depends on the model:

Use a flashlight and magnification if needed — the text is small. The SIM tray method is reliable for models that no longer print it on the back housing.

Method 4: Check Through iTunes or Finder

If the iPhone is connected to a computer:

On Mac (macOS Catalina and later):

1. Connect iPhone via USB
2. Open Finder
3. Select your device in the sidebar
4. Click on the phone number/storage line under the device name to cycle through identifiers — the IMEI will appear

On Windows or older macOS:

1. Connect via USB and open iTunes
2. Click the device icon
3. Click the summary panel where the serial number appears — click it to cycle to the IMEI

Method 5: Check Your Apple ID Account Online

If you no longer have physical access to the device:

1. Go to appleid.apple.com
2. Sign in with the Apple ID associated with the iPhone
3. Scroll to the Devices section
4. Click the iPhone in question
5. The IMEI and serial number are listed there

This is particularly useful when a device is lost or stolen and you need the IMEI to report it to your carrier or local authorities.

Method 6: Check the Original Packaging

The IMEI is printed on the barcode label on the retail box your iPhone came in. If you kept the box, this is a quick reference that doesn't require the device at all.

IMEI vs. MEID: A Quick Distinction

Older iPhones sold on CDMA networks (like older Verizon or Sprint models) also display an MEID, which is a 14-digit identifier used specifically for CDMA technology. Most current iPhones show both if applicable, but for modern LTE and 5G devices, the IMEI is the primary identifier used by carriers globally.

What the IMEI Can (and Can't) Tell You 📱

Running an IMEI check through a carrier or third-party IMEI checker can reveal:

• Blacklist status — whether the device has been reported lost or stolen
• Carrier lock status — whether the phone is locked to a specific network
• Activation status — whether it's been activated before
• Model and specifications — the IMEI encodes manufacturer and model information

What it won't confirm on its own: the device's physical condition, battery health, or whether it's been repaired with non-original parts. Those factors matter significantly when evaluating a used iPhone, and they require separate inspection or Apple diagnostics.

Factors That Affect Which Method Works for You

Not every method suits every situation. The right approach depends on:

• Whether the phone is powered on — Settings and dial methods require a working device
• Whether you have the original box — packaging is the easiest offline reference
• iOS version — very old iOS versions may display the About screen differently
• Dual SIM configuration — affects how many IMEI numbers are shown and where
• Access to a computer — necessary for the iTunes/Finder method

A device that's locked, disabled, or in recovery mode limits your options to physical inspection, the original box, or your Apple ID account online.

The IMEI is straightforward to find once you know where to look — but which method makes sense depends entirely on the state of your device and what you're trying to accomplish with that number.