How to Check IMEI on iPhone: Every Method Explained

Your iPhone's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit number that uniquely identifies your device on mobile networks worldwide. You'll need it to report a stolen phone, check if a device is blacklisted before buying used, unlock your carrier, or verify warranty status. The good news: Apple gives you several ways to find it, and at least one will work regardless of your situation.

What Is an IMEI and Why Does It Matter?

Every cellular-capable device is assigned a unique IMEI at the factory. Think of it as a serial number that mobile networks actually care about. Carriers use it to block stolen devices, verify eligibility for unlocking, and confirm your phone is legitimate hardware — not a counterfeit.

iPhones with dual SIM capability (including eSIM configurations) may have two IMEI numbers — one for each SIM slot or eSIM. If you're asked for an IMEI for a specific line, knowing which one applies matters.

Method 1: Check IMEI in iPhone Settings

This is the most reliable method when your iPhone is powered on and functioning normally.

1. Open Settings
2. Tap General
3. Tap About
4. Scroll down to find IMEI (or IMEI1 and IMEI2 on dual-SIM models)

You can tap and hold the IMEI number to copy it directly to your clipboard — useful when submitting it to a carrier or checking a third-party verification service.

📱 On iPhones running iOS 16 and later, the About screen layout is largely the same, though Apple occasionally reorganizes minor fields between major software versions. If you don't see it immediately, scroll past the storage and carrier fields.

Method 2: Dial *#06# on the Keypad

This is a universal GSM code that works across virtually all cellular devices, iPhones included.

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

The IMEI (or multiple IMEIs on dual-SIM devices) will display on screen immediately — no need to press call. This method is particularly useful if you're in a hurry or navigating Settings feels cumbersome on an older iOS version.

Method 3: Find It on the Physical Device

Apple prints the IMEI directly on the hardware in a few locations depending on the model:

For SIM tray models, eject the SIM tray using an ejector tool or a small paperclip. The IMEI is laser-etched in small text on the tray itself. This is especially valuable if the phone won't power on.

Method 4: Check the Original Packaging

If you kept the box your iPhone came in, the IMEI is printed on the barcode label — usually on the back or bottom panel of the box. This works even if the phone is lost, locked, or broken, as long as you still have the original packaging.

Method 5: Use iTunes or Finder on a Computer

If your iPhone is disabled, in recovery mode, or you simply prefer managing it from a desktop:

On macOS Catalina (10.15) and later:

1. Connect your iPhone via USB
2. Open Finder
3. Select your iPhone in the sidebar
4. Click on the storage/battery info line — it cycles through serial number, UDID, and IMEI with each click

On Windows or older macOS (using iTunes):

1. Connect your iPhone
2. Open iTunes
3. Click the device icon
4. In the Summary tab, click the Serial Number field — it will cycle to show the IMEI

Method 6: Check Apple ID / iCloud Account

Apple stores device information in your account:

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. The IMEI is listed in the device details

This works even if you no longer have physical access to the phone — useful for reporting a theft after the fact.

Which Method Is Right for Your Situation?

The answer depends on a few practical variables:

• Phone is working normally → Settings > General > About is fastest
• Phone is locked or disabled → SIM tray, packaging, or iCloud account
• Buying a used iPhone → Ask the seller to dial *#06# in front of you, or read the SIM tray
• Need both IMEIs on a dual-SIM model → Settings will show IMEI1 and IMEI2 clearly labeled
• No physical access to the device → iCloud account or original box

🔒 Once you have the IMEI, you can run it through your carrier or a reputable IMEI check service to verify whether the device is clean, financed, or carrier-locked — each of which affects what you can do with the phone and how.

A Note on IMEI vs. Serial Number vs. MEID

These terms get confused often:

• IMEI — 15 digits; used by GSM carriers globally; what most people need
• MEID — 14 digits; used by older CDMA networks (less relevant today as CDMA networks wind down)
• Serial Number — Apple's internal identifier; used for warranty and repair lookups, not carrier-related

Most requests — from carriers, insurers, and resellers — will specifically ask for the IMEI. If you're unsure which to provide, the IMEI is almost always the right answer for anything network-related.

The specific method that makes sense for you depends on whether your device is accessible, what iOS version it's running, and what you actually need the IMEI for — because checking for a carrier unlock, verifying a used purchase, and filing a theft report each involve slightly different processes once you have the number in hand.