Your IMEI number is a 15-digit code unique to your phone that identifies it on cellular networks

Every mobile phone has an IMEI number (International Mobile Equipment Identity) — a 15-digit code that acts like a fingerprint for your device. Your phone uses this number to connect to cellular networks, and you may need it to unlock your phone, report it stolen, switch carriers, or troubleshoot network problems. The number is the same whether your phone is on or off, and it never changes.

Finding your IMEI takes less than a minute and requires no special tools. The method depends on whether your phone is powered on, what type of phone you have, and whether you still have physical access to it.

Key Takeaways

  • Dial *#06# on any phone to see your IMEI number displayed on the screen immediately — this works on iPhones, Android phones, and most other devices.
  • On iPhones, you can also find your IMEI in Settings under General, then About, where it appears as a single 15-digit number.
  • On Android phones, go to Settings, then About Phone, then Status or Device Information to locate your IMEI.
  • If your phone is off or damaged, check your original phone box, SIM card tray, or contact your carrier with your account information.
  • Write down or screenshot your IMEI and store it somewhere safe in case you need it later for warranty claims or theft reports.

The fastest method: dial *#06# on your phone

The quickest way to find your IMEI is to open your phone's dialer and type *#06#, then press call. Your IMEI will appear on the screen within seconds. This works on iPhones, Android phones, and nearly every other mobile device made in the last 15 years.

Write down the 15-digit number that appears, or take a screenshot. Some phones display the IMEI in white text on a black background; others show it in a pop-up window. The number will not change if you restart your phone or switch SIM cards.

Finding your IMEI on an iPhone

If the *#06# method does not work or you prefer to use your phone's settings, open the Settings app and tap General. Then tap About. Scroll down until you see the IMEI field — it will show a 15-digit number. This is the same number you would see by dialing *#06#.

You can also find your IMEI on your original iPhone box. Apple prints it on the back of the box under the barcode, along with your serial number and other device information. If you no longer have the box, the Settings method is your most reliable option.

Finding your IMEI on an Android phone

Open the Settings app and scroll down to find About Phone or Device Information — the exact name varies by manufacturer. Tap it, then look for a field labeled IMEI, IMEI 1, or IMEI 2. Some Android phones have two IMEI numbers if they have two SIM card slots; both are valid, but most carriers only need one.

If you cannot find the About Phone section, try scrolling down in Settings and looking for System or Additional Settings. Different Android manufacturers organize their menus differently, but the IMEI field is always in the device information area.

What to do if your phone is off or damaged

If your phone will not turn on or the screen is broken, check the original box it came in. Most manufacturers print the IMEI on the back of the box, along with a barcode and serial number. The IMEI on the box matches the IMEI inside the phone.

If you no longer have the box, contact your mobile carrier with your account information. They can look up your IMEI using your phone number or account number. You will need to verify your identity, but carriers keep records of every device connected to your account.

If your phone was stolen, your carrier can also use the IMEI to block the device from connecting to their network, which makes it much harder for someone else to use it.

Where to store your IMEI for safekeeping

Once you find your IMEI, write it down or take a screenshot and store it somewhere you can find it later. A good place is a notes app on your computer, a password manager, or a physical notebook you keep at home. Do not store it only on your phone — if your phone is lost or stolen, you will need the IMEI to report it.

You may need your IMEI if your phone stops connecting to cellular networks, if you want to unlock your phone to use with a different carrier, if you need to file a warranty claim, or if you need to report your phone stolen to law enforcement. Having it written down saves you time in any of these situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between IMEI and IMSI?

Your IMEI identifies your phone hardware, while your IMSI identifies your SIM card and cellular account. You need your IMEI to unlock your phone or report it stolen. Your IMSI is tied to your carrier and changes if you switch SIM cards.

Can I find my IMEI if I do not have the phone anymore?

Yes. Contact your carrier with your account number or phone number, and they can tell you the IMEI of any device that was connected to your account. You can also check your original phone box or any paperwork from when you bought the phone.

Is it safe to share my IMEI number?

Your IMEI is not sensitive information like a password or PIN. You can safely share it with your carrier, insurance company, or law enforcement if you need to report your phone stolen or file a claim. Do not share it on public websites or with people you do not trust.

Why does my Android phone show two IMEI numbers?

Dual-SIM phones have two separate cellular connections, so they have two IMEI numbers — one for each SIM slot. Both numbers are valid. Your carrier only needs one IMEI to identify your phone on their network.