Where to Find the IMEI Number on Your iPhone

Your iPhone's IMEI number (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit code that identifies your specific device on mobile networks worldwide. Whether you're switching carriers, reporting a stolen phone, checking warranty status, or selling your device, knowing where to find this number is genuinely useful — and Apple gives you several ways to access it.

What Is an IMEI Number and Why Does It Matter?

Every mobile device manufactured for cellular use carries an IMEI. Think of it as a serial number, but specifically for the cellular hardware. No two devices share the same IMEI, which is why carriers use it to blacklist lost or stolen phones and why buyers of second-hand iPhones are advised to check it before purchasing.

The IMEI is tied to the hardware, not the SIM card or your Apple ID. Even if you factory reset your iPhone, the IMEI stays the same.

Common reasons you'll need your IMEI:

• Unlocking your iPhone from a carrier
• Filing an insurance or theft claim
• Verifying a used iPhone hasn't been reported stolen
• Checking if a device is still under Apple warranty
• Activating service with a new carrier

Method 1: Find It in iPhone Settings 📱

This is the most reliable method and works even if your iPhone has no SIM card installed.

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

On this screen, you'll typically see your IMEI alongside other identifiers like the serial number and model number. If your iPhone supports Dual SIM (available on iPhone XS and later in many regions), you may see two IMEI numbers listed — one for each SIM slot or eSIM.

Tap and hold the IMEI number to copy it directly to your clipboard.

Method 2: Dial a Code

On any iPhone, you can retrieve the IMEI quickly using the keypad:

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

The IMEI (and sometimes IMEI2 on Dual SIM models) will appear on screen immediately — no need to press call. This method works even if the Settings app is inaccessible for any reason.

Method 3: Check the Physical iPhone 🔍

Apple prints the IMEI directly on the device itself. Where to look depends on the model:

Use a SIM eject tool or a small paperclip to open the SIM tray. The IMEI is printed in very small text, so good lighting helps.

Note: Physical wear, cases, and handling can make the etched text difficult to read over time. Digital methods are more dependable for accuracy.

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 — usually on the back or bottom. This is helpful if the phone is damaged, off, or inaccessible.

The barcode on the packaging often encodes the IMEI as well, so any barcode-scanning app can read it if the text is too small to see clearly.

Method 5: Through iTunes or Finder on a Computer

If your iPhone won't turn on or you can't access Settings:

1. Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC
2. On Mac (macOS Catalina or later): Open Finder, select your iPhone in the sidebar, then click the model description beneath your iPhone's name to cycle through details until the IMEI appears
3. On Windows or older macOS: Open iTunes, click your iPhone icon, and click the summary information in the same way to cycle through serial number, UDID, and IMEI

This method requires that you've trusted the computer on the device at least once before, or that the iPhone is in recovery mode.

Method 6: Apple ID Account Page

Apple associates your IMEI with your Apple ID when a device is activated.

1. Visit appleid.apple.com in a browser
2. Sign in with your Apple ID
3. Scroll to the Devices section
4. Select your iPhone
5. The IMEI and serial number will be listed there

This approach works even if you no longer have physical access to the device — useful for insurance claims after a loss or theft.

Dual SIM iPhones: Two IMEIs to Know

iPhones with Dual SIM capability (physical nano-SIM plus eSIM, or nano-SIM plus nano-SIM depending on region) carry two separate IMEI numbers. Both appear in Settings > General > About, and both may appear when dialing *#06#.

When activating a line or reporting a specific SIM slot to a carrier, you'll need to identify which IMEI corresponds to which SIM. Carriers typically specify which IMEI they need, so it's worth noting both.

Variables That Affect Which Method Works for You

Not every method suits every situation. A few factors shape your best path:

• iPhone model: Older models have the IMEI etched on the back; newer ones use the SIM tray or Settings
• iOS version: Finder-based retrieval requires macOS Catalina or later
• Device condition: A cracked screen or unresponsive phone rules out Settings and keypad methods
• Access to original box: Packaging is only useful if you still have it
• Whether the phone is active: Apple ID retrieval works even for devices you no longer possess

Each situation — a lost phone, a device you're selling, one you're buying second-hand — calls for a different combination of these methods. The right starting point depends on exactly what you're working with.