How to Find the IMEI Number on Your iPhone

Every iPhone carries a unique 15-digit identifier called the IMEI number (International Mobile Equipment Identity). It's the digital fingerprint of your device — and knowing how to find it matters more than most people realize until the moment they actually need it.

Whether you're filing an insurance claim, reporting a stolen phone, unlocking your device for a new carrier, or simply verifying a used iPhone before buying, the IMEI is the number you'll be asked for. Here's exactly where to find it.

What Is an IMEI Number and Why Does It Matter?

The IMEI is a globally unique identifier assigned to every cellular-capable device. No two phones share the same number. Carriers and manufacturers use it to:

• Blacklist stolen devices — a blacklisted IMEI can't connect to carrier networks
• Verify device authenticity — useful when buying secondhand
• Process warranty and insurance claims
• Unlock a phone from a carrier's network

It's worth knowing your iPhone's IMEI before something goes wrong — not after.

Method 1: Check in iPhone Settings 📱

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

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

The number appears directly on screen. You can tap and hold it to copy it to your clipboard on most iOS versions.

If your iPhone has dual SIM capability (iPhone XS and later), you may see two IMEI numbers listed — one for each SIM slot or eSIM.

Method 2: Dial a Code on the Keypad

A quick shortcut that works on virtually every iPhone:

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

Your IMEI (and MEID, if applicable) will display on screen immediately without pressing call. This works regardless of which carrier you're on.

Method 3: Check the Physical Device

For older iPhones, Apple printed the IMEI directly on the hardware:

This method is useful if you're checking a phone that won't turn on — but note the text is very small and may require good lighting or a magnifying glass.

Method 4: Check the Original Packaging

If you still have the box your iPhone came in, the IMEI is printed on a label on the outside of the box — typically on the back or bottom panel alongside the model number and serial number.

This is particularly useful for:

• Verifying a used phone before completing a purchase
• Checking a device that's locked or damaged
• Keeping records without needing the phone in hand

Method 5: Find It Through iTunes or Finder

If your iPhone is connected to a Mac or PC:

On Mac (macOS Catalina or later):

1. Open Finder
2. Select your iPhone in the sidebar
3. Click on the phone's name/model under the summary tab
4. The display cycles through serial number → UDID → IMEI with each click

On PC or older Mac (iTunes):

1. Open iTunes
2. Select your device
3. Click the device name/model in the summary panel
4. Same click-to-cycle behavior reveals the IMEI

Method 6: Check Your Apple ID Account Online

Apple stores device information tied to your Apple ID:

1. Go to appleid.apple.com
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 method works even if you no longer have physical access to the phone — which makes it especially valuable if a device is lost or stolen.

Dual SIM iPhones: Which IMEI Do You Need?

iPhones from the XS generation onward support two SIM identities — either a physical nano-SIM plus an eSIM, or two eSIMs on newer models. These configurations carry two separate IMEI numbers.

When providing your IMEI for a carrier or unlock request, you'll typically need the IMEI that corresponds to the SIM you're using with that carrier. In Settings → General → About, they're labeled IMEI and IMEI2 (or similar, depending on iOS version).

What Affects Which Method Works for You

Not every method is equally accessible depending on your situation:

• Screen is broken or unresponsive → packaging, SIM tray (older models), or Apple ID online
• Phone is locked or disabled → iTunes/Finder or Apple ID account
• Buying a used iPhone → ask the seller to show Settings → General → About, and cross-check against the box
• Dual SIM setup → confirm which IMEI maps to which carrier line

The method that works best depends heavily on your specific iPhone model, iOS version, and what access you currently have to the device. Different situations — a lost phone, a locked phone, a secondhand purchase check — each point toward a different path.