How to Check IMEI on Android: Every Method Explained

Your Android phone's IMEI number (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit code that uniquely identifies your device on mobile networks worldwide. Knowing how to find it matters more than most people realize — whether you're reporting a stolen phone, checking if a used device is blacklisted, activating a warranty, or switching carriers.

Here's every reliable method to find it, plus what affects which approach works best for your situation.

What Is an IMEI Number and Why Does It Matter?

The IMEI is essentially your phone's fingerprint on the cellular network. No two devices share the same number. Carriers and manufacturers use it to:

• Block stolen or lost devices from connecting to networks
• Verify a phone's identity before unlocking or activating it
• Process warranty claims and insurance replacements
• Check network compatibility when switching SIM cards or carriers

Phones with dual SIM slots typically have two IMEI numbers — one for each SIM slot. That detail becomes important depending on why you need the number in the first place.

Method 1: The Universal Dial Code 📱

The fastest method works on virtually every Android device regardless of manufacturer or Android version.

1. Open your Phone app (the dialer)
2. Type *#06#
3. The IMEI number appears automatically on screen — no need to press call

This triggers a built-in diagnostic code that bypasses the need to navigate settings. If your phone has dual SIM, both IMEI numbers will display simultaneously. This method works across Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Motorola, and essentially any Android device running a standard build.

Method 2: Through Android Settings

If you prefer navigating menus, the Settings path is equally reliable — though the exact location varies slightly by manufacturer and Android version.

For most Android devices (Android 8 and later):

1. Open Settings
2. Scroll to About Phone
3. Tap Status or Phone Identity
4. Look for IMEI Information

On Samsung devices (One UI):

1. Open Settings
2. Tap About Phone
3. Select Status Information
4. Tap IMEI Information

On Google Pixel:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap About Phone
3. The IMEI displays directly on this screen

The label might read "IMEI," "IMEI 1," or "IMEI/MEID" depending on your device. MEID is an older identifier used by some CDMA networks — it's a related but distinct format.

Method 3: Physical Locations on the Device

Some situations call for finding the IMEI without powering on the phone — for example, if the screen is broken or the device won't boot.

The box method is particularly useful when buying a secondhand phone — you can verify the IMEI on the box matches what the *#06# code shows on the device itself. A mismatch is a red flag.

Method 4: Google Account (If the Phone Is Lost)

If you've lost your device and need the IMEI for a police report or carrier block, Google can help — provided you linked the phone to a Google account.

1. Go to myaccount.google.com on any browser
2. Navigate to Security → Your Devices (or use Find My Device at android.com/find)
3. Select the relevant device
4. Some account views display the IMEI under device details

This method's reliability depends on whether the device was properly signed in and whether Google's device management captured that data. It's not guaranteed to show the IMEI in all account configurations, but it's worth checking before contacting your carrier.

Factors That Affect Which Method Works for You

Not every method applies equally to every situation. A few variables determine your best path:

Android version and manufacturer skin The Settings menu path differs meaningfully between stock Android, Samsung's One UI, Xiaomi's MIUI, and other custom interfaces. If the path above doesn't match your screen, search "IMEI" directly in the Settings search bar — almost every Android version supports this shortcut.

Dual SIM vs. single SIM If you're reporting a stolen device, confirm which IMEI corresponds to which SIM slot. Carriers block specific IMEI numbers, and providing the wrong one from a dual-SIM device won't block all network access.

Phone condition A cracked screen or unresponsive device means the dial code and Settings methods are off the table. The physical box or SIM tray become your primary options.

Carrier and country Some regional carrier builds modify the Android interface in ways that shift where IMEI information appears. The dial code *#06# remains the most universally consistent method across all of these variations.

Purpose matters Checking a phone before buying it used is a different task than recovering a lost device or processing an insurance claim. Each scenario may require a different method — or a combination of them for cross-verification.

What to Do with the IMEI Once You Have It 🔍

Having the number is only half the equation. Common next steps include:

• Running an IMEI check through your carrier or a third-party IMEI checker service to verify the device isn't reported stolen or blacklisted
• Saving it somewhere secure — a photo of the original box, a note in a password manager — before you ever need it in an emergency
• Providing it to your carrier when requesting a network unlock or reporting loss or theft
• Cross-referencing it when purchasing a secondhand device to confirm the number on the device matches the box and hasn't been tampered with

IMEI numbers can technically be altered through a process called "flashing" — though this is illegal in most countries and a warning sign when buying used phones. A device with an IMEI that doesn't match its box, or one that shows as blocked, tells you something important about that device's history.

The right method for finding your IMEI depends on why you need it, what condition the phone is in, and whether you need one number or both — which is where your own setup becomes the deciding factor.