Have you ever been asked for your phone’s IMEI number and had no idea where to look? You are not alone. Many people use their phones every day for years and never need this number. Then one day a carrier, a repair shop, or a buyer asks for it, and it suddenly becomes important.
The good news is that finding your IMEI is easy. It takes less than a minute on most phones. In this guide, we explain what an IMEI number is, why it matters, and how to find it on both iPhone and Android. We also cover what to do if your phone is lost, broken, or switched off, and how to keep your IMEI safe.
Let us start with the basics.
What Is an IMEI Number?
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It is a unique number that identifies your phone. Think of it like a serial number for your device, but one that mobile networks around the world can read and understand.
An IMEI is made up of 15 digits. The first eight digits tell you the make and model of the phone. The next six digits are the serial part of the number. The last digit is a check digit that helps systems confirm the number is valid.
Every phone that connects to a mobile network has its own IMEI. No two phones should share the same one. If your phone supports two SIM cards, it will usually have two IMEI numbers, one for each SIM slot.
It is important to know that the IMEI belongs to the phone, not to the SIM card. If you take your SIM card out and put it in another phone, your phone number moves with the SIM, but the IMEI stays with the original phone.
Why Do You Need Your IMEI Number?
Most of the time, you will not need to think about your IMEI. But there are several common situations where it becomes very useful.
- Activating service on a phone you already own. When you bring your own phone to a new carrier, they often ask for the IMEI to check that the phone works on their network.
- Checking network compatibility. The IMEI helps a carrier see which bands and features your phone supports.
- Buying or selling a used phone. A buyer can use the IMEI to check if the phone has been reported lost or stolen, or if it still has money owed on it.
- Reporting a lost or stolen phone. Police and carriers can use the IMEI to flag the device so it cannot be used on mobile networks.
- Unlocking your phone. Some carriers ask for the IMEI when you request a network unlock.
- Warranty, repair, and insurance claims. Service centers and insurers use the IMEI to find your device in their records.
Because there are so many uses, it is a smart idea to write down your IMEI and keep it somewhere safe before you ever need it.
How to Find Your IMEI Number on an iPhone
Apple gives you several ways to find your IMEI. Pick the one that works best for your situation.
Method 1: Use the Settings App
This is the most reliable way, and it works on every iPhone that is turned on and working.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap General.
- Tap About.
- Scroll down until you see IMEI. Your 15-digit number will be shown next to it.
You can touch and hold the number to copy it. This is handy when you need to paste it into a form on a website or in an app.
Method 2: Dial *#06#
This quick trick works on almost every phone, including iPhones.
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap Keypad.
- Type *#06# and your IMEI will appear on the screen right away. You do not even need to press the call button.
If your phone has two SIMs, you may see two IMEI numbers listed. Tap Done when you are finished.
Method 3: Check the SIM Tray or the Back of the Phone
If your iPhone will not turn on, you can still find the IMEI on the phone itself. On many iPhone models, the IMEI is printed on the SIM tray. Use a SIM eject tool or a small paperclip to open the tray, and look for the tiny printed number.
On some older iPhone models, the IMEI is engraved on the back of the phone, near the bottom. Newer iPhones that use only an eSIM do not have a SIM tray, so for those phones you should use the Settings method or one of the methods below.
Method 4: Look at the Original Box or Receipt
The box your iPhone came in has a white label on the back or bottom. This label shows the IMEI, the serial number, and other device details. Your purchase receipt or invoice may also list it. If you still have the box, this is a great way to find the IMEI without touching the phone.
Method 5: Use Your Apple Account or a Computer
If your iPhone is not with you, you can still find the IMEI online. Sign in to your Apple Account on a web browser, go to the Devices section, and select your iPhone. The IMEI will be listed in the device details.
How to Find Your IMEI Number on an Android Phone
Android phones come from many brands, such as Samsung, Google Pixel, Motorola, OnePlus, and Xiaomi. The menus can look a little different on each one, but the main steps are similar. Here are the easiest methods.
Method 1: Use the Settings App
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap About phone. On some phones, this is under System, or it may be called About device.
- Look for IMEI. On many phones, the number is shown right on this screen.
On some phones, you may need to tap one more option, such as IMEI information or Status information, to see the number.
Method 2: Dial *#06#
Just like on an iPhone, you can open your Phone app, type *#06# on the keypad, and the IMEI will pop up on the screen. For dual SIM phones, you will usually see one IMEI for each SIM slot. This method is fast and works on nearly all Android phones.
Method 3: Check the SIM Tray, Back Cover, or Battery
Many Android phones print the IMEI on the SIM tray. Pop the tray open with an eject tool and look closely at the metal or plastic edge.
Some older phones with a removable back cover also have a sticker under the battery. Switch the phone off, take off the back cover, remove the battery, and look at the label. The IMEI is usually printed there along with the model number. Most newer phones have sealed batteries, so this only works on older devices.
Method 4: Look at the Box or Receipt
Just like iPhones, Android phones usually have a label on the retail box that shows the IMEI. Your invoice or order confirmation email may list it too. This is useful if your phone is broken or locked.
What If Your Phone Is Lost, Stolen, or Will Not Turn On?
This is the time when having your IMEI really helps. If you cannot use your phone, try these ideas to find the number.
- Check the original box. The label on the box is the easiest source.
- Look at your receipt, invoice, or order email. Online stores and carriers often list the IMEI there.
- Check your account online. Your Apple Account or Google Account may show the device details.
- Ask your carrier. If you bought the phone from a carrier or store, they may have the IMEI in your account history.
- Look at old backups. If you saved a backup on a computer, the device info may include the IMEI.
If your phone has been stolen, contact your carrier right away. Give them the IMEI and ask them to block the device. You should also file a police report and keep the report number. The IMEI helps the police and the carrier link your report to your exact phone. Blocking the IMEI can stop the phone from being used on mobile networks, which makes it much less useful to a thief.
IMEI, Serial Number, MEID, and EID: What Is the Difference?
These terms often get mixed up, so here is a simple guide.
- IMEI: A 15-digit number that identifies your phone on mobile networks.
- Serial number: A number made by the phone maker to track the device in their own systems. It is not the same as the IMEI.
- MEID: An older type of ID used on some networks. It is often a shorter code made of numbers and letters. Some phones show both an IMEI and a MEID.
- EID: A long ID number for the eSIM inside your phone. It is used to set up eSIM profiles, and it is not an IMEI.
When someone asks for your IMEI, make sure you give them the 15-digit IMEI and not the serial number or EID.
How to Check If an IMEI Number Is Clean
If you are buying a used phone, checking the IMEI before you pay can save you from a big problem. A clean IMEI means the phone has not been reported lost or stolen, and it is not blocked by a carrier.
Here are some simple ways to check.
- Ask the seller to show you the IMEI in the phone settings or by dialing *#06#. Do not rely only on a photo, because it can be faked.
- Compare the IMEI shown in the settings with the number on the SIM tray or box. They should match.
- Use a trusted IMEI check service or ask a carrier to check the number for you. Many carriers offer a free check for phones you plan to bring to their network.
- Make sure the phone is fully paid off and not locked to another carrier if you plan to use it on a different network.
If the numbers do not match, or the seller refuses to let you check, it is best to walk away.
Tips to Keep Your IMEI Safe
Your IMEI is not as private as a password, but you should still be careful with it. Here are some good habits.
- Write it down. Save your IMEI in a notes app, a password manager, or on paper in a safe place.
- Take a photo of the box label. Keep it in your email or cloud storage.
- Do not post it on social media. Scammers can misuse device details.
- Share it only with trusted sources, such as your carrier, a repair shop you trust, or the police.
Bring Your Own Phone to Infimobile
If you plan to use your own phone with a new service, knowing your IMEI makes the process much smoother. At Infimobile, we believe that getting started with a mobile service should be simple and stress-free. Many customers keep the phone they already own, and having the IMEI ready helps check that the device works well with our network. Whether you carry an iPhone or an Android, you can find your IMEI using the steps in this guide and bring your device along with confidence. Infimobile is here to give you reliable wireless service that fits the way you live, with clear support and an easy setup. Visit the Infimobile website to learn more about how we can help you stay connected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No. Your phone number is tied to your SIM card or eSIM and is used to make calls and send texts. The IMEI is tied to the phone itself. If you move your SIM card to another phone, your phone number goes with it, but the IMEI stays with the old phone.
A standard IMEI has 15 digits. Some systems show a 16-digit version called IMEISV, which adds software version digits. If you are asked for your IMEI, give the 15-digit number unless you are told otherwise.
Yes. You can check the SIM tray, the back of the phone on some models, the original box, your purchase receipt, or your online Apple or Google account. Your carrier or the store where you bought the phone may also have it on record.
Your phone likely supports two SIMs, or a SIM and an eSIM. Each line gets its own IMEI. This is normal. When you set up service, use the IMEI that matches the SIM slot or eSIM line you plan to use.
It is safe to share your IMEI with your carrier, a trusted repair shop, an insurer, or the police when needed. You should not post it on public pages or social media. It is also wise to share it only with people you trust when you sell a phone, and to never accept offers from anyone asking you to change or fake an IMEI.
Final Thoughts
Your IMEI number is a small detail with a big role. It helps carriers, stores, and the police tell your phone apart from every other phone in the world. Whether you use an iPhone or an Android, you can find it in just a few taps in the settings, by dialing *#06#, or by checking the SIM tray, the box, or your online account.
The best time to find your IMEI is before you need it. Take a minute today, find your number, and save it somewhere safe. If you ever lose your phone, sell it, or switch to a new carrier, you will be glad you did.
