How to Check IMEI for iPad: Every Method Explained

Your iPad's IMEI number is one of the most important identifiers tied to your device. Whether you're verifying a used iPad before buying, reporting a theft, activating a carrier plan, or checking warranty status, knowing how to locate it quickly matters. The good news: Apple gives you several ways to find it, and none of them require technical expertise.

What Is an IMEI Number and Why Does It Matter?

IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It's a unique 15-digit number assigned to every cellular-capable device — think of it as your iPad's fingerprint in global carrier and device tracking systems.

A few important distinctions worth knowing:

• Wi-Fi-only iPads do not have an IMEI. They use a different identifier called a serial number or UDID for device identification.
• Cellular iPads (models with LTE or 5G capability) always carry an IMEI, because they connect to mobile networks that require this identifier.
• Some iPad models carry both an IMEI and a MEID — the MEID is an older identifier used by CDMA networks. In most modern contexts, the IMEI is what you'll need.

If you're unsure whether your iPad is a cellular model, check the side or top edge for a SIM card tray. Its presence confirms cellular capability — and the existence of an IMEI.

Method 1: Check Directly on the iPad via Settings

This is the fastest method when your iPad is powered on and accessible.

1. Open the Settings app
2. Tap General
3. Tap About
4. Scroll down until you see IMEI

The number appears alongside other identifiers like the serial number and model number. You can tap and hold the IMEI to copy it to your clipboard — useful when submitting it to a carrier or insurance provider.

📱 On newer iPadOS versions, this information appears within the first few scrollable items in the About screen, so you won't need to scroll far.

Method 2: Find the IMEI on the Physical Device

Apple prints the IMEI directly on the hardware for situations where the device is off, broken, or locked.

Where to look depends on the iPad generation:

The text is small, so good lighting or a magnifying glass helps. The IMEI is typically listed alongside the model number and regulatory information.

Method 3: Check the Original Packaging

If you kept the box your iPad came in, the IMEI is printed on a label on the outside — usually near the barcode. This method is particularly useful when the device is unavailable or the screen is damaged beyond use.

This is also the most reliable method for verifying an iPad's identity before purchasing a used device, since you can cross-reference the box label with the number shown in Settings.

Method 4: Use iTunes or Finder on a Computer

If the iPad won't turn on or you can't access Settings, connecting it to a computer gives you another path.

On macOS Catalina or later:

1. Connect your iPad via USB
2. Open Finder
3. Select your iPad in the sidebar
4. Click on the device name or model info — the IMEI may appear in the summary view

On Windows or older macOS:

1. Connect your iPad via USB
2. Open iTunes
3. Click the iPad icon near the top left
4. In the Summary tab, click on the serial number field — it cycles through identifiers including the IMEI

Method 5: Check Your Apple ID Account Online

Apple stores your device information tied to your Apple ID.

1. Go to appleid.apple.com
2. Sign in with your Apple ID
3. Scroll to the Devices section
4. Select your iPad
5. The IMEI and other identifiers will be listed

This method works even if you no longer have physical access to the device — which makes it particularly valuable for reporting a stolen iPad or dealing with a lost device.

Method 6: Contact Your Carrier

If your iPad is registered to a cellular plan, your carrier has the IMEI on file. Contacting customer support with your account details is another avenue, though it typically takes longer than the self-service methods above.

Variables That Affect Which Method Works for You 🔍

Not every method works in every situation. The right approach depends on several factors:

• Device condition — A working, unlocked iPad makes Settings the obvious first stop. A broken screen or locked device shifts you toward physical inspection or the Apple ID portal.
• iPad model — Older iPads have the IMEI engraved on the back. Newer models with eSIM may not show it as prominently on the hardware.
• Whether you have the original box — Packaging is the cleanest verification method for pre-purchase checks.
• Access to a computer — iTunes and Finder are solid fallbacks but require a USB cable and a synced or trusted connection.
• Account access — The Apple ID portal is powerful but only works if you know your credentials and the device is registered to your account.

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

Once you have the number, you can use it with third-party IMEI checker tools or your carrier to determine:

• Whether the device is blacklisted (reported stolen or lost)
• The carrier lock status (locked to a specific network or unlocked)
• Basic model and manufacture information

What IMEI checkers generally cannot tell you: the device's current location, its full ownership history, or whether it has unpaid bills in all regions. The depth of information varies significantly depending on which database the checker queries and what country the device was originally sold in.

The method that makes most sense for your situation depends on what you're actually trying to accomplish — and whether your iPad is in hand, damaged, or already out of your possession.