Where to find your IMEI number right now

Your IMEI number is a 15-digit code that identifies your specific phone to mobile networks. You need it when you're reporting a stolen phone, switching carriers, or troubleshooting network problems. The fastest way to find it depends on whether your phone is working.

If your phone turns on and has a signal, dial *#06# on the keypad — not as a phone number, but as if you're entering a code. Your IMEI will appear on the screen within seconds. This works on every Android phone and iPhone. Write down all 15 digits or take a screenshot.

If your phone won't turn on or the screen is broken, look at the physical phone itself. Open the SIM card tray on the side of the phone (use the small ejector tool that came with it, or a straightened paperclip). The IMEI is often printed on the tray itself or on the card inside. If it's not there, check the original box your phone came in — the IMEI is printed on the label on the back.

Key Takeaways

  • Dial *#06# on your phone's keypad to see your IMEI number displayed instantly on the screen.
  • If your phone won't power on, check the SIM card tray, the tray itself, or the original box for a printed IMEI label.
  • Your IMEI is a 15-digit number unique to your phone and different from your phone number or SIM card number.
  • Keep your IMEI written down or saved in a safe place in case you need it for a carrier or police report.

Finding your IMEI in phone settings

On Android, you can also find your IMEI through the Settings app. Open Settings, scroll down to "About phone" (the exact name varies by manufacturer), and look for "IMEI" or "IMEI 1" and "IMEI 2" if your phone has two SIM cards. Some Android phones label it as "Device ID" or "Serial number" — if you see those, that's not your IMEI, so keep scrolling.

On iPhone, open Settings, tap "General," then "About." Scroll down until you see "IMEI." iPhones with dual SIM show "IMEI 1" and "IMEI 2." Write down the number exactly as it appears — all 15 digits matter.

What to do if you have two IMEI numbers

Phones with two SIM card slots show two IMEI numbers, one for each slot. This is normal and means your phone can connect to two different carriers at the same time. If you're reporting a stolen phone or switching carriers, you only need to provide the IMEI for the SIM slot you actually use. If you're not sure which one, provide both — the carrier or police will know which one applies.

Some older phones or international models may display the IMEI differently in settings, but the *#06# code always works the same way. If you see a number that's not 15 digits, or if it says "N/A" or "unknown," your phone may have a hardware problem, and you should contact your carrier for help.

IMEI vs. other phone numbers you might see

Your phone displays several different numbers, and it's easy to confuse them. Your phone number is what people call you — it's tied to your SIM card, not your phone. Your SIM card number (also called ICCID) is printed on the SIM card itself and changes if you switch SIM cards. Your IMEI is tied to the phone hardware and stays the same no matter which SIM card you put in it.

When a carrier or police ask for your IMEI, they want the 15-digit hardware identifier, not your phone number. If you give them the wrong number, they won't be able to track or block your phone. The *#06# code is the clearest way to make sure you're reading the right one.

Keeping your IMEI safe

Write your IMEI down and store it somewhere you can find it quickly — a notes app on your computer, a photo in cloud storage, or a physical notebook. If your phone is stolen, you'll need this number to report it to your carrier and to police. Many carriers can block a stolen phone from their network using the IMEI, which makes it much harder for someone else to use it.

Don't share your IMEI with strangers or post it publicly online. While the IMEI itself isn't sensitive information like a password, someone with your IMEI and other details could potentially contact your carrier and cause problems. Keep it as private as you'd keep your phone number.

What happens after you find your IMEI

If you're reporting a stolen phone, call your carrier's customer service line (the number is on your bill or on their website) and give them your IMEI. They can block the phone from their network within minutes. You'll also want to file a report with local police and provide them with the IMEI — they may be able to track the phone or prevent it from being activated on another network.

If you're switching carriers, the new carrier will ask for your IMEI to make sure your phone is compatible with their network. Different carriers use different technology, and some older phones don't work on all networks. Providing your IMEI lets them check before you switch, so you don't end up with a phone that won't connect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find my IMEI if my phone is completely dead?

Yes. Check the SIM card tray on the side of the phone — the IMEI is often printed there. If not, look at the original box your phone came in; the IMEI is on the label on the back. If you don't have the box, contact your carrier with your phone number and they can look up your IMEI in their system.

Is my IMEI the same as my serial number?

No. Your serial number and IMEI are different 15-digit codes. The IMEI is what you need for carrier and theft reports. If you see "Serial Number" in your phone settings, keep scrolling to find "IMEI" — they're listed separately.

What if the *#06# code doesn't work on my phone?

This code works on all modern Android and iPhone models. If nothing appears, your phone may have a software problem. Try restarting the phone and dialing again. If it still doesn't work, check your Settings app under "About phone" (Android) or "General" then "About" (iPhone) to find the IMEI there instead.

Do I need my IMEI to switch phone carriers?

Your new carrier will ask for it, yes. They use it to check whether your phone works on their network before you switch. Having it ready speeds up the process, but if you don't have it, the carrier can look it up using your phone number and account information.

Can someone use my IMEI to track my phone?

Not with just the IMEI alone. Tracking a phone requires access to carrier systems or law enforcement tools. Your carrier can use your IMEI to block a stolen phone from their network, but that's different from tracking its location. If your phone is stolen, report it to your carrier and police — they have the tools to help.