Get Your Free Guide to Finding Your iPhone's IMEI Number

What Is an IMEI Number and Why You Might Need It

Your iPhone's IMEI number is a unique 15-digit code that identifies your specific device to cellular networks around the world. IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. Think of it like a fingerprint for your phone—no two devices share the same IMEI number. This identifier is built into every iPhone and is separate from your phone number, SIM card, or Apple ID.

The IMEI number serves several practical purposes. If your iPhone is lost or stolen, law enforcement and your wireless carrier can use this number to track the device or block it from connecting to networks. Insurance companies sometimes request the IMEI when processing claims for damaged or missing phones. When you sell or trade in an iPhone, the buyer or business may ask for this number to verify the device's history and ensure it hasn't been reported as stolen or blacklisted by carriers.

Understanding your IMEI is also useful when dealing with technical support. If you contact Apple or your cellular carrier about problems with service, they may ask for your IMEI to look up your device's account information and warranty status. Some countries have regulations requiring device registration, and the IMEI is used for this purpose. Additionally, if you're traveling internationally and need to use your phone on a different network, having your IMEI handy can make the process smoother.

The IMEI number is different from your serial number, though both identify your device. Your serial number is alphanumeric and typically shorter. Your phone number is what others use to call you, while your IMEI is a technical identifier that networks use behind the scenes. Many people confuse these terms, so knowing the distinction matters when you're looking up device information.

Practical Takeaway: Knowing your IMEI is useful for insurance claims, device verification, carrier support, and device tracking. Keep this number somewhere safe, like in a notes app or written down, separate from your phone.

Finding Your IMEI Through the Settings App

The simplest way to locate your iPhone's IMEI is through the Settings app, which is built into every iPhone. This method works on all current iPhone models and requires no special tools or external resources. Open the Settings app and look for the option labeled "General." Once you're in the General section, scroll down and select "About." This screen displays detailed information about your device, including your IMEI number, which appears as a field labeled "IMEI."

The "About" page in Settings contains several useful pieces of information beyond just the IMEI. You'll see your device name (the name you assigned to your iPhone), the model name (such as iPhone 15 Pro), the capacity (storage amount), the iOS version you're running, and your serial number. All of this information is stored locally on your device and doesn't require an internet connection to view. This makes it a reliable method you can use anytime, anywhere.

When you're looking at the IMEI on this screen, you'll notice it's a 15-digit number. You can tap and hold on this number to copy it to your clipboard, which makes it easy to share with your carrier, insurance company, or technical support without having to type it manually. This copy function works on most iPhone models running recent versions of iOS. If you need to share your IMEI with someone, copying it directly from Settings reduces the chance of transcription errors.

This method works regardless of whether your phone has cellular service at the moment. You don't need an active plan or SIM card installed. Even if you've switched carriers or temporarily removed your SIM, your IMEI remains the same and is still visible in Settings. The IMEI is a permanent part of your iPhone's hardware and software configuration.

Practical Takeaway: Go to Settings > General > About and look for the IMEI field. Copy the 15-digit number and store it in a safe place like a password manager, cloud notes, or written record.

Using Your Phone's Dialer Code to Retrieve Your IMEI

Another quick method to find your IMEI involves using a special code in your phone's dialer. Open the Phone app on your iPhone and navigate to the keypad or dial screen. Type the code *#06# and press the call button. Within seconds, your iPhone will display your IMEI number in a pop-up window. This method doesn't actually make a phone call—it's a built-in feature that most phones recognize and respond to with device information.

This dialer code method is faster than navigating through menus if you know the code. It's particularly useful if you're in a situation where you need your IMEI right away and don't have time to go through multiple menu selections. The pop-up that appears shows your IMEI clearly, and you can screenshot it or write it down immediately. This trick has worked on mobile phones for many years and is recognized internationally on most carriers and phone models.

One advantage of the dialer code is that it works even on older iPhone models that might have outdated operating systems. While Apple's Settings interface changes with each iOS version, the dialer code method remains consistent across nearly all iPhones. Some users prefer this method because it feels more technical and direct—you're accessing device information through a specialized code rather than navigating a user interface.

The *#06# code is standardized internationally and is recognized by telecom networks around the world. If you're traveling or using your iPhone on a temporary local SIM card, this method still works because it's a phone feature, not a carrier feature. It doesn't matter which network you're connected to or what your plan is—the code retrieves information stored directly on your device.

Practical Takeaway: Open the Phone app, enter *#06# on the keypad, and tap call. Your IMEI will appear instantly in a pop-up. Screenshot or note the number for your records.

Checking Your IMEI on Your iPhone's Physical Body

Your IMEI number is also printed on the physical body of your iPhone. Look at the small text on the back of your device, particularly near the SIM card slot on the side of the phone. The back of the iPhone has model information, FCC certification codes, and often the IMEI printed directly on the case. This number appears as a 15-digit sequence and may be printed in very small font, so you may need adequate lighting and possibly a magnifying glass to read it clearly.

The advantage of finding your IMEI this way is that you don't need your phone to be powered on or have any software functionality working. If your iPhone won't turn on due to a hardware issue or battery failure, you can still look up the IMEI by examining the physical device. This method is also useful if you're selling your phone and want to provide documentation to the buyer—they can verify the IMEI on the device itself.

The exact location and format of the printed IMEI varies slightly between iPhone models. On newer iPhones, it's typically found on the back panel below the camera module. On some models, it may be on the SIM tray itself or printed on the side of the device. The text is usually very small and printed in white or black depending on the iPhone color. If you can't find it easily, try different lighting angles—sometimes the text becomes more visible when light hits it at certain angles.

When you locate the printed IMEI, make sure you're reading the correct sequence. The back of an iPhone contains several different numbers and codes. Look specifically for a 15-digit sequence. Other numbers you might see include the model number (which starts with "A" followed by digits), the serial number, and FCC IDs. The IMEI is distinctly a 15-digit number with no letters. Taking a photo of this printed IMEI can serve as backup documentation if you ever need to prove ownership of the device.

Practical Takeaway: Examine the back of your iPhone and the SIM card tray under good lighting to locate the printed IMEI. Photograph this information as a backup record of your device's identity.

Verifying Your IMEI Through Your Carrier Account

Your cellular carrier maintains a record of your IMEI associated with your account. You can contact your carrier—whether that's Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or another provider—and ask them to provide your device's IMEI. Most carriers allow you to view this information through their website or mobile app. Log into your carrier's account portal and