How to Find Your IMEI Number on an iPhone

Your iPhone's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit number that identifies your specific device on cellular networks worldwide. Whether you're filing an insurance claim, reporting a stolen phone, unlocking your device for a new carrier, or checking compatibility before switching networks — knowing where to find it matters. The good news: Apple gives you several ways to locate it, and none of them require technical knowledge.

What Is an IMEI and Why Does It Matter?

Every cellular-capable device has an IMEI burned into its hardware at the factory. No two phones share the same number. Carriers and manufacturers use it to:

• Block a stolen or lost device from connecting to networks
• Verify device eligibility for carrier unlocking
• Confirm warranty status with Apple
• Check a used phone's history before buying

If someone asks for your IMEI — a carrier rep, an insurance agent, or a buyer verification service — they're asking for this number specifically.

Method 1: Check in iPhone Settings 📱

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

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

On dual-SIM iPhones (models supporting two physical SIMs or a physical SIM plus eSIM), you may see two IMEI numbers listed — IMEI and IMEI2. Each corresponds to a different SIM slot or eSIM identity.

Method 2: Dial a Code on the Keypad

If you can make calls but don't want to dig through settings:

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

Your IMEI will appear on screen immediately without actually placing a call. This works on virtually every iPhone model across iOS versions.

Method 3: Check the Physical iPhone Box

Apple prints the IMEI on the original retail box your iPhone came in. Look for a small label on the side or bottom of the box — it lists the model number, serial number, and IMEI alongside the barcode.

This is especially useful if:

• Your iPhone is broken or won't power on
• You need the IMEI before activating a new device
• You're verifying specs on a used phone you haven't set up yet

Method 4: Look on the Physical Device Itself

Depending on your iPhone model, the IMEI may be engraved directly on the hardware:

The engraving is small, so good lighting and a magnifying glass help. The text is typically at the very bottom of the tray or back panel.

Method 5: Use iTunes or Finder on a Computer

If your iPhone won't turn on but you've previously synced it with a computer:

On Mac (macOS Catalina or later):

1. Connect your iPhone via USB
2. Open Finder
3. Click your iPhone in the sidebar
4. Click the device summary area until IMEI appears

On Windows or older macOS:

1. Connect your iPhone via USB
2. Open iTunes
3. Click the iPhone icon
4. Click the summary panel repeatedly to cycle through Serial Number → IMEI → MEID

Method 6: Check Apple ID Account Online

Apple stores your device information in your Apple ID account.

1. Go to appleid.apple.com in any browser
2. Sign in with your Apple ID
3. Scroll to Devices
4. Click on your iPhone
5. The IMEI is listed in the device details

This works even if you no longer have physical access to the device — which makes it particularly useful for lost or stolen iPhones.

Which Method Works for Your Situation

The right method depends heavily on your circumstances:

• Phone is on and in hand → Settings > General > About is the cleanest path
• Need it instantly without navigating menus → Dial *#06#
• Phone is damaged or off → Check the box, SIM tray, or Apple ID account online
• Device was lost or stolen → Apple ID account online or your carrier (who logs IMEI at activation)
• Buying a used iPhone → Ask for the IMEI before purchase and verify it against a carrier check or Apple's activation lock status page

A Note on Dual-SIM iPhones 🔎

iPhones sold in certain regions — particularly in the United States from iPhone XS onward — support eSIM alongside a physical SIM or as the only SIM option. These models carry two IMEI numbers. If a carrier or service asks for your IMEI specifically, confirm which SIM slot your active plan uses, because the wrong IMEI can result in mismatched account records.

Some iPhone 14 and 15 models sold in the US are eSIM-only, with no physical SIM tray at all. On those devices, the physical engraving method doesn't apply — Settings and the Apple ID account are your primary sources.

What Affects How Easy This Is to Find

Most users find their IMEI in under a minute. But a few variables change the experience:

• iOS version: The exact path in Settings has remained consistent, but Apple occasionally reorganizes menus in major iOS updates
• Device condition: A cracked or unresponsive screen eliminates on-device methods entirely
• Account access: The Apple ID method requires you to know your credentials — something that trips up users who haven't logged in recently
• Single vs. dual SIM setup: Knowing which IMEI corresponds to which line matters when your carrier needs a specific one

How simple or complicated the process turns out to be depends almost entirely on which of these factors applies to your phone and your situation right now.