Where to find your IMEI on your iPhone

Your iPhone's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit number that uniquely identifies your device to cellular networks. You can find it in three places without needing any special tools: in the Settings app, on your physical SIM card tray, or by dialing a code.

The easiest method is through Settings. Open Settings, tap General, then About. Scroll down until you see "IMEI" listed — it appears as a 15-digit number. Write it down or take a screenshot if you need to keep it.

If you have a physical SIM card, you can also find the IMEI printed on the metal tray that holds it. Eject the SIM tray using the small pin that came with your iPhone (or a paperclip), and look at the numbers printed on the tray itself. The IMEI is usually the longer number on that tray.

A third option works on any iPhone: dial *#06# from the Phone app. The IMEI appears on your screen immediately. This method works even if your phone is locked or has no SIM card inserted.

Key Takeaways

  • Your IMEI is a 15-digit number unique to your iPhone that you can find in Settings under General > About.
  • The IMEI is also printed on your physical SIM card tray if you remove it from your device.
  • Dialing *#06# from the Phone app displays your IMEI instantly without opening any menus.
  • Your IMEI is useful for reporting a lost or stolen phone, checking warranty status, or unlocking your device with a carrier.

Why you might need your IMEI

Knowing your IMEI becomes important in specific situations. If your iPhone is lost or stolen, you can provide the IMEI to your carrier so they can block the device from connecting to their network. This prevents someone else from using your phone on a cellular plan, even if they replace the SIM card.

Your IMEI also helps when checking warranty coverage. Apple and your carrier both use the IMEI to look up your device's purchase date and coverage status. If you contact Apple Support or your carrier's support team, they may ask for your IMEI to pull up your account information quickly.

Some carriers use the IMEI to unlock your phone if you've completed your contract or paid off the device. When you request an unlock, the carrier verifies the IMEI matches their records before processing it.

IMEI versus other iPhone identifiers

Your iPhone has several different identification numbers, and it's easy to confuse them. The IMEI identifies your device to cellular networks. The Serial Number is what Apple uses internally for warranty and repair tracking — it's also in Settings under General > About, listed separately from the IMEI.

Your UDID (Unique Device Identifier) is an older identifier that developers used to use, but Apple phased it out years ago. You may see references to it in older articles, but it's no longer relevant for most purposes.

The phone number associated with your account is different from your IMEI — it's tied to your SIM card and carrier plan, not to the physical device itself. If you move your SIM to a different phone, the phone number moves with it, but the IMEI stays with the original device.

What to do if you can't find your IMEI

If the Settings menu doesn't show an IMEI, your iPhone may not have cellular service — this is normal for Wi-Fi-only models like some iPad models, but all standard iPhones have an IMEI. Try the dial code method (*#06#) instead, which works regardless of carrier status.

If neither method works, restart your iPhone and try again. Sometimes the Settings app needs a fresh start to display all information correctly. Hold down the power button and volume button together until the power-off slider appears, then slide to power off. Wait 10 seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on.

If you still can't locate it after restarting, contact your carrier's support line. They can look up your IMEI using your account information and phone number. You can also visit an Apple Store with your device and photo ID — staff can retrieve your IMEI from their system.

Keeping your IMEI safe

Your IMEI is not a secret like a password, and you don't need to hide it. It's printed on your SIM tray and visible to anyone who handles your phone. However, you should not share it with unknown people or websites claiming they need it to "unlock" your phone or "check your may be able to access" for something.

Scammers sometimes ask for IMEIs as part of phishing attempts. If someone contacts you asking for your IMEI unsolicited, that's a red flag. Your carrier already has your IMEI on file, and Apple doesn't need you to provide it unless you initiated contact with them.

Store your IMEI in a safe place — a note in your phone, a document on your computer, or written down at home. If your phone is lost or stolen, you'll need it quickly to contact your carrier and Apple, so having it recorded somewhere separate from your device is practical.

Using your IMEI if your phone is lost or stolen

If your iPhone goes missing, your IMEI is one of the first things to give your carrier. Call your carrier's support number (usually on the back of your SIM card or on your bill) and tell them your phone is lost or stolen. Provide your IMEI, and they will blacklist it on their network.

Blacklisting means the device can no longer connect to that carrier's cellular network, even with a different SIM card. This doesn't erase the phone or lock it, but it makes it much less useful to someone who finds it or steals it. They can still use it on Wi-Fi, but they can't make calls or use data on a cellular plan.

At the same time, use Find My iPhone through iCloud.com or another Apple device to locate, lock, or erase your phone remotely. The combination of carrier blacklisting and Find My gives you the strongest protection. Report the loss to local police if theft is involved — some insurance policies require a police report.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IMEI the same as my phone number?

No. Your phone number is tied to your SIM card and carrier plan. Your IMEI is tied to the physical device itself. If you move your SIM to a different phone, your phone number moves with it, but the IMEI stays with the original phone.

Can someone use my IMEI to track my location?

No. The IMEI identifies your device to the cellular network, but it doesn't contain location data. Carriers can see which cell tower your phone is connected to, but that's separate from the IMEI itself. Location tracking requires either Find My iPhone (which you control) or a separate tracking app.

What if I have a dual-SIM iPhone?

Dual-SIM iPhones have one IMEI per SIM slot, so you'll see two IMEI numbers in Settings under General > About. One is labeled for the primary SIM and one for the eSIM. Both identify the same physical device to different networks.

Do I need my IMEI to sell my iPhone?

It's helpful but not required. Buyers sometimes ask for the IMEI to verify the phone hasn't been reported stolen or blacklisted. You can provide it to show the device is clean. Before selling, erase your iPhone through Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.

Will my IMEI change if I update iOS?

No. Your IMEI is hardware-based and never changes, regardless of software updates, iOS versions, or factory resets. It's permanently tied to your device's cellular modem.