How to Check the IMEI Number on Your iPhone

Your iPhone's IMEI number is one of the most important identifiers tied to your device — and knowing how to find it can matter more than you might expect. Whether you're selling your phone, checking carrier compatibility, reporting a theft, or verifying a used device before buying, the IMEI is the number you need. Here's exactly how to find it, and what affects which method works best for you.

What Is an IMEI Number?

IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It's a unique 15-digit number assigned to every mobile device that connects to a cellular network. Think of it as your phone's fingerprint — no two devices share the same IMEI.

This number is used by carriers and manufacturers to:

• Identify a specific device on a network
• Blacklist stolen or lost phones
• Verify authenticity when buying or selling
• Check carrier lock status or warranty eligibility

iPhones also have a related identifier called the MEID (used for CDMA networks), and newer models may display an EID for eSIM. These are different from the IMEI but found in the same places.

Method 1: Check IMEI in iPhone Settings

This is the most straightforward method and works on virtually every iPhone running a current or recent version of iOS.

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

You can tap and hold the IMEI number to copy it to your clipboard — useful if you need to paste it somewhere quickly.

📱 On dual-SIM iPhones (such as models supporting both a physical SIM and eSIM), you'll see IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 listed separately. Each SIM slot has its own IMEI.

Method 2: Dial a Code

If your iPhone is functional and connected to a carrier, you can retrieve the IMEI using a simple dial code:

1. Open the Phone app
2. Go to the Keypad
3. Dial *#06#

The IMEI (and possibly MEID or EID) will appear on screen automatically — no need to press call. This works across nearly all iPhone models and iOS versions.

Method 3: Check the Physical Device

If your iPhone won't turn on or is otherwise inaccessible, you still have options.

On the SIM tray: Many iPhone models have the IMEI printed on the SIM card tray itself. Eject the tray using a SIM ejector tool or a small paperclip, and look for the engraved number.

On the original box: The retail box your iPhone came in has a barcode label that includes the IMEI. This is particularly useful when verifying a second-hand device before completing a purchase.

On older models (iPhone 6 and earlier): The IMEI was printed directly on the back of the device.

Method 4: Check via iTunes or Finder

If you have access to a Mac or Windows PC:

• On Mac (macOS Catalina or later): Connect your iPhone, open Finder, select your device in the sidebar, and click General. The IMEI is listed under device information.
• On Windows or older macOS: Open iTunes, connect your iPhone, click the device icon, and the IMEI appears in the summary panel.

This method is particularly useful when the iPhone screen is damaged or the device isn't responding to touch input.

Method 5: Check via Your Apple ID Account

Apple stores device information tied to your Apple ID:

1. Go to appleid.apple.com in a browser
2. Sign in with your Apple ID
3. Scroll to the Devices section
4. Select your iPhone
5. Tap or click IMEI

This works even if you don't have the physical device in hand — handy if your phone has been lost or stolen and you need the IMEI to file a report.

Where IMEI Lookup Gets More Complicated

Finding the IMEI number itself is simple. What varies significantly is what you do with it — and that's where your specific situation matters.

Third-party IMEI check services exist that can query databases to reveal whether a device has been reported stolen, is carrier-locked, or is still under a financing agreement. The reliability and depth of these checks varies between services, and some charge a fee while others are free but limited in scope.

Carrier-specific IMEI tools — offered directly through your carrier's website or support — tend to be more accurate for questions about lock status and network compatibility, since they pull from their own records.

Factors That Affect Which Method Works for You

Not every method is available in every situation:

• iPhone model and iOS version — older devices may not show EID or dual-SIM IMEI options
• Screen condition — a damaged display may make on-device methods impossible
• Access to original packaging — relevant for second-hand purchases
• Whether the device is powered on — determines whether software-based methods apply
• What you need the IMEI for — simply finding the number vs. running a full device history check are different tasks

🔍 A dual-SIM user verifying international roaming compatibility, a parent checking a child's hand-me-down device, and someone reporting a theft to local authorities all need the same number — but what they do with it next looks completely different.

The IMEI itself is just a starting point. How useful it is depends on the databases, tools, or services you pair it with — and those choices are shaped entirely by what you're actually trying to accomplish.