Where to Find the IMEI Number on an iPhone

Every iPhone has a unique identifier baked into it called the IMEI number — short for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It's a 15-digit code that distinguishes your specific device from every other phone on the planet. Carriers use it to activate service, law enforcement uses it to track stolen devices, and you'll need it if you ever want to report your phone lost, unlock it for a different carrier, or verify its legitimacy before buying secondhand.

Knowing where to find it takes about 30 seconds once you know where to look — but there are actually several places it lives, and which one works best for you depends on your situation.

Why the IMEI Number Matters

Before diving into locations, it helps to understand what you're working with. The IMEI is tied to the hardware, not the SIM card or your Apple ID. That distinction matters. If your phone is lost or stolen and you need to report it to your carrier for blacklisting, they need the IMEI — not your phone number or account details — to flag that specific device on global networks.

It's also used during carrier unlock requests, when checking a used iPhone's history before purchase, and sometimes when troubleshooting activation issues with Apple Support.

Method 1: Find It in iPhone Settings 📱

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 until you see IMEI

On iPhones with Dual SIM or eSIM configurations, you may see two IMEI numbers listed — IMEI and IMEI2. These correspond to the two separate radio slots your device supports. Most standard unlock or lost/stolen reports will ask for the primary IMEI (the first one listed).

Method 2: Dial a Code

If you want a faster route and your iPhone can make calls, open the Phone app and dial:

*#06# 

Your IMEI (and IMEI2, if applicable) will appear on screen immediately. You don't need to press call — it displays automatically. This works across virtually all iPhone models and iOS versions.

Method 3: Check the Physical Device

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

The text is small, so good lighting or a magnifying glass helps. This method is particularly useful if your phone won't turn on, the screen is broken, or you're buying a used device and want to verify the IMEI before handling it.

Method 4: Check iTunes or Finder on a Computer

If your iPhone is connected to a Mac or PC:

• On Mac (macOS Catalina or later): Open Finder, select your iPhone in the sidebar, and click on the device name or storage bar to cycle through details — the IMEI appears here
• On Mac or PC (older macOS / Windows): Open iTunes, click the device icon, and click the serial number field on the Summary page to toggle through identifiers including the IMEI

This is a solid fallback if the screen is cracked but the phone still connects via USB.

Method 5: Check the Original Packaging

If you kept the box your iPhone came in, the IMEI is printed on the barcode label on the outside. This is especially useful for devices that no longer power on or have been lost — as long as you have the original packaging.

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 and other identifiers are listed there

This method works even if you no longer have physical access to the device — which makes it particularly valuable if your iPhone has been stolen and you need the IMEI to file a report.

Variables That Affect Which Method Works for You 🔍

Not every method is equally accessible in every situation. A few factors shape which approach makes sense:

• Screen condition — A working display makes Settings or the dial code fastest. A cracked or dead screen points you toward USB, packaging, or the SIM tray.
• Power and charge — If the battery is dead, physical methods or the Apple ID website are your only options.
• iOS version — The Settings path has remained consistent across modern iOS versions, but the exact layout can shift slightly between major updates.
• Dual SIM configuration — If you use both a physical SIM and an eSIM, understanding which IMEI is associated with which line matters. Carriers will want the IMEI that corresponds to the specific line you're dealing with.
• Device ownership — Checking a phone you're considering buying means you'll likely be relying on the SIM tray, physical chassis, or asking the seller to show you the Settings screen directly.
• Account access — The Apple ID method is powerful precisely because it doesn't require the physical device, but it requires that the iPhone was previously signed into your account.

A Note on IMEI and Device Authenticity

If you're buying a used iPhone, cross-referencing the IMEI shown in Settings against what's printed on the SIM tray is a quick way to check for tampering. A mismatch between those two can indicate the device has been altered — a red flag worth investigating before any transaction.

The IMEI can also be checked against public databases and carrier blacklists to see whether a device has been reported lost or stolen, or whether it's still under a financing agreement. That's a separate step beyond simply locating the number — but knowing where to find it reliably is the starting point for all of it.

Where you go from there depends on what you actually need the IMEI for, and what your current access to the device looks like.