Where to find your IMEI on your iPhone right now

Your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit number that identifies your specific iPhone to cellular networks. You need it to report a stolen phone, unlock a device, check warranty status, or switch carriers. Apple stores it in three places you can reach in seconds — the Settings app, the physical SIM tray, or by dialing a code.

The fastest route depends on whether your phone is working and whether you have the SIM card tray handy. All three methods take less than a minute and require no special tools or apps.

Key Takeaways

  • Your IMEI is a 15-digit number stored in Settings under General > About, visible on the screen as "IMEI".
  • You can also find it printed on the SIM card tray — eject the tray with a SIM ejector tool or straightened paperclip and look for the number on the metal slot itself.
  • Dialing *#06# on any iPhone displays the IMEI instantly on the call screen, though you cannot dial this on a phone without service.
  • If your phone is broken or powered off, the SIM tray method is your only option to retrieve the IMEI without turning it on.

Method 1: Check Settings on a working iPhone

This is the most straightforward route if your phone powers on and you can navigate the menu. Open the Settings app, tap General, then scroll down and tap About. The screen displays your IMEI in a field labeled "IMEI" — it is a 15-digit number. You can tap it to copy it to your clipboard, then paste it into an email, note, or document.

This method works on every iPhone model and iOS version. The IMEI appears in the same location whether you have cellular service or not, so a phone on Wi-Fi only will still show it. If you see two IMEI numbers listed (one labeled "IMEI" and another labeled "IMEI 2"), your phone has dual SIM capability — both numbers are valid IMEIs for your device.

Method 2: Find the IMEI on your SIM card tray

The IMEI is printed directly on the metal SIM card tray inside your iPhone. To access it, you need a SIM ejector tool (a small metal pin that came in your iPhone box) or a straightened paperclip. Locate the small hole on the edge of your phone — on newer iPhones this is usually on the right side, on older models it may be on the left. Insert the tool straight into the hole and push gently until the tray pops out.

Look at the metal tray itself — the IMEI is printed on the surface in small text. It is a 15-digit number. Write it down or photograph it before reinserting the tray. Push the tray back in until it clicks; it should sit flush with the phone's edge. This method works even if your iPhone is powered off, damaged, or has no service, making it the most reliable backup option.

Method 3: Dial the IMEI code

On any working iPhone with or without service, open the Phone app and dial *#06# (asterisk, pound, zero, six, pound). The IMEI appears on the screen instantly — you do not need to press call. The number displays in a popup or on the dial pad itself depending on your iOS version. Write it down or take a screenshot.

This method is fastest if you already have the Phone app open, but it only works on phones that can dial. If your phone has no SIM card, no service, or is in airplane mode, the code may not work. For those situations, use the Settings method or the SIM tray method instead.

What to do once you have your IMEI

Write down or photograph your IMEI and store it somewhere safe — a notes app, email draft, or physical notebook. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can give this number to your carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) and they can block the device from connecting to their network, even if someone else has it. This prevents the thief from using the phone on that carrier's service.

You may also need your IMEI to check your phone's warranty status on Apple's website, unlock a carrier-locked device, or verify the phone's history before buying a used iPhone. Some carriers require the IMEI to process a warranty claim or insurance claim. Keeping a record means you have it ready without having to power on a damaged phone.

Troubleshooting: IMEI not showing or unclear

If the IMEI field in Settings appears blank or shows dashes instead of numbers, your phone may not have completed its setup. Restart the iPhone and check Settings again. If it still shows nothing, the SIM card may not be properly inserted — eject the SIM tray, clean the contacts with a dry cloth, and reinsert it firmly.

If the IMEI on the SIM tray is faded or unreadable, try shining a flashlight at an angle across the metal surface to make the printed text more visible. If you still cannot read it, the Settings method or the *#06# code will give you the number. If none of these methods work and your phone is under warranty, contact Apple Support with your phone's serial number (also in Settings > General > About) and they can look up the IMEI for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the IMEI the same as the serial number?

No. Your serial number and IMEI are both in Settings > General > About, but they are different. The serial number identifies your specific iPhone to Apple for warranty purposes. The IMEI identifies it to cellular networks. You need the IMEI to report a stolen phone to your carrier; you need the serial number to contact Apple.

Can someone use my IMEI to steal my phone?

No. The IMEI alone cannot unlock or activate your phone. A thief would need your Apple ID password and passcode to use a stolen iPhone. Sharing your IMEI with a carrier, Apple, or a buyer is safe — it is meant to be shared for legitimate purposes like warranty checks and theft reporting.

What if my iPhone has two IMEI numbers?

iPhones with dual SIM capability (both physical SIM and eSIM, or two eSIMs) show two IMEI numbers in Settings. Both are valid and belong to your phone. If you need to report the phone stolen or switch carriers, provide both numbers to your carrier so they can block both SIM slots.

Do I need my IMEI to switch carriers?

Your new carrier may ask for your IMEI to check if your phone is compatible with their network and to process the switch. Having it ready speeds up the process. You can also provide your serial number if you do not have the IMEI handy, though the IMEI is preferred.