How to Find an IMEI Number on an iPhone

Your iPhone's IMEI number is one of the most important identifiers your device has — and knowing where to find it can save you serious headaches when dealing with carriers, insurance claims, or a lost or stolen phone. The good news: Apple gives you several ways to locate it, and most take under a minute.

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. No two phones share the same IMEI — it's the closest thing your iPhone has to a serial number for carrier purposes.

Carriers, law enforcement, and insurance providers use the IMEI to:

• Blacklist a stolen or lost device so it can't be activated on any network
• Verify a phone's identity before unlocking it for use on another carrier
• Check whether a used phone has outstanding financing or has been reported stolen
• Process insurance claims and warranty support

Unlike your Apple ID or phone number, the IMEI is tied to the hardware itself — not your account or SIM card.

Method 1: Check the iPhone Settings App 📱

This is the easiest method if your iPhone is powered on and accessible.

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

On dual-SIM models (iPhone XS and later support this), you may see two IMEI numbers listed — IMEI and IMEI2 — corresponding to each SIM slot or eSIM.

You can tap and hold the IMEI number to copy it directly to your clipboard, which is useful when filling out forms for a carrier or insurance provider.

Method 2: Dial a Code From the Phone App

If you need a faster shortcut, your iPhone's dialer can surface the IMEI instantly.

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

The IMEI (and on supported models, additional identifiers) will appear on screen automatically without needing to press call. This works on virtually every GSM-capable iPhone.

Method 3: Check the Physical Device

Apple prints the IMEI directly on the hardware — though where it appears depends on the model.

To check the SIM tray: eject it using the SIM ejector tool (or a straightened paperclip) and look along the edge of the tray itself. The text is small, so good lighting helps.

This method matters most when the phone won't power on or the screen is damaged.

Method 4: Find It Through iTunes or Finder

If you sync your iPhone to a computer, the IMEI is accessible through Apple's desktop software.

On a Mac running macOS Catalina or later:

1. Connect your iPhone via USB
2. Open Finder
3. Select your iPhone in the sidebar
4. Click on the storage/capacity line below your device name — it cycles through several identifiers including the IMEI

On a Windows PC or older Mac using iTunes:

1. Connect your iPhone
2. Open iTunes
3. Click the device icon
4. Click the phone number or capacity display beneath the device name to cycle through to the IMEI

Method 5: Check Your Apple ID Account Online

Apple stores your device information in your Apple ID account, accessible from any browser.

1. Go to appleid.apple.com
2. Sign in with your Apple ID
3. Scroll to the Devices section
4. Click your iPhone
5. The IMEI will be listed under the device details

This is particularly valuable if your iPhone is lost, stolen, or no longer in your possession — as long as it was previously signed into that Apple ID.

Method 6: Check the Original Packaging

If you kept your iPhone's box, Apple prints the IMEI on the barcode label on the outside. This label also includes the model number and storage capacity. It's not always readable if the box has worn, but it's a reliable backup if the phone itself is inaccessible.

Why the Right Method Depends on Your Situation 🔍

Each method has a context where it's the most practical:

• Phone is working normally → Settings > About is the most reliable and copyable
• Filling out a form quickly → The *#06# dial code is fastest
• Phone is broken or won't turn on → Physical SIM tray or original box
• Phone is lost or stolen → Apple ID website or original packaging
• Verifying before buying a used iPhone → Ask the seller to dial *#06# in front of you and cross-check with a carrier blacklist checker

Dual-SIM iPhones add a layer of consideration — if you're providing an IMEI for carrier unlock purposes, confirming which IMEI corresponds to which SIM slot (physical nano-SIM vs. eSIM) matters. The Settings app makes this clearest, labeling each individually.

The version of iOS your phone is running can also subtly affect where and how identifiers are displayed in the About screen, though the core navigation path has remained consistent across recent iOS versions.

Whether you're filing an insurance claim, checking a used phone before purchase, or calling your carrier about an unlock, the IMEI you need — and the easiest way to reach it — comes down to what state your device is in and what you have access to right now.