Where to Find the IMEI Number on Your iPhone

Your iPhone's IMEI number is one of the most important identifiers tied to your device — and knowing where to find it can matter more than you'd expect. Whether you're contacting your carrier, reporting a stolen phone, checking network compatibility, or selling your device, having quick access to this number is genuinely useful. Here's a clear breakdown of every place it lives.

What Is an IMEI Number?

IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It's a unique 15-digit number assigned to every cellular-capable device — no two devices share the same IMEI. Think of it as your phone's fingerprint for mobile networks.

It's used by carriers to:

• Verify device eligibility on their network
• Block stolen or lost devices from connecting
• Confirm whether a phone is unlocked or carrier-locked

For users, it's most commonly needed when activating service, filing an insurance claim, or checking whether a used iPhone has been reported stolen.

Method 1: Check in the iPhone Settings App 📱

This is the most reliable method and works on virtually every iPhone running a modern iOS version.

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

The number will appear in a list alongside other identifiers like the serial number and model number. You can tap and hold the IMEI to copy it directly to your clipboard — useful when filling out carrier forms or insurance documents.

Note: iPhones with Dual SIM capability (iPhone XS and later) may display two IMEI numbers — IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 — corresponding to each SIM slot or eSIM.

Method 2: The Phone Dialer Code

If your Settings app is inaccessible for any reason, there's a quick shortcut:

1. Open the Phone app
2. Dial *#06#

Your IMEI will appear on screen immediately. No need to press call — it displays automatically. This works across iPhone models and doesn't require an active SIM card.

Method 3: Check the Physical Device

On iPhone models with a SIM tray, the IMEI is often printed directly on the SIM tray itself. To check:

1. Use a SIM ejector tool (or an unfolded paperclip) to open the SIM tray
2. Look at the tray itself — the IMEI is typically laser-etched onto the metal

This method varies by model. On older iPhones (iPhone 6s and earlier), the IMEI was printed on the back of the device. On the iPhone SE (1st generation), it's on the back. On newer models, the back casing typically shows the model number but not the IMEI.

Method 4: 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 — usually near the barcode on the bottom or side panel. This is particularly helpful if:

• Your phone is broken or won't power on
• You're verifying the IMEI before buying a used iPhone (by comparing the box to the device)
• You need to check the IMEI before the phone has been activated

Method 5: Through iTunes or Finder on a Computer

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 device name/model text in the summary pane — it cycles through Serial Number, IMEI, and MEID

On Windows or older macOS:

1. Open iTunes
2. Select your device
3. Click the device summary panel — same cycling behavior applies

Method 6: Your Carrier Account or Apple ID

If you've ever registered or activated your iPhone, your carrier's account portal often stores your device's IMEI on file. Similarly, signing into appleid.apple.com and navigating to your registered devices can surface device information, though Apple's account portal focuses more on serial numbers than IMEI directly.

Key Differences Depending on Your iPhone Model

A Note on IMEI vs. MEID vs. EID

When you're looking at the About screen, you'll likely see several similar-looking identifiers:

• IMEI — used by GSM carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, most global networks)
• MEID — used by CDMA carriers (historically Verizon, Sprint); it's essentially the first 14 digits of the IMEI
• EID — the identifier for an embedded eSIM; relevant if you're using eSIM instead of a physical SIM card

Most people only ever need the IMEI, but knowing which number a carrier or service is asking for prevents confusion — especially when dealing with older devices or CDMA-based networks.

Why the Right Method Depends on Your Situation 🔍

Each method surfaces the same number, but which one is actually useful depends on circumstances that vary significantly by user.

If your iPhone has a cracked screen and won't respond to touch, Settings is useless — but the box or SIM tray might save you. If you're vetting a used iPhone before purchase and the seller won't let you power it on, the box label matters more than any in-device method. If you're managing multiple iPhones on a business account, pulling from a carrier dashboard avoids physical handling altogether.

Whether you're checking for a single-SIM device, navigating dual-IMEI settings on a newer model, or working with a device that's partially functional — the right access point shifts based on what you're dealing with and why you need the number in the first place.