Your IMEI is a 15-digit code printed on your phone and in your settings

The IMEI number (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique identifier for your phone. Every mobile device has one, and you'll need it if your phone is lost or stolen, if you're switching carriers, or if you need to unlock your device. The number is always 15 digits long and looks like a string of numbers with no letters.

You can find your IMEI in three places: printed inside your phone, displayed in your settings, or by dialing a code. The fastest method takes about 10 seconds. Which route works best depends on whether your phone is powered on and whether you can open the back cover.

Key Takeaways

  • Dial *#06# on any phone to see your IMEI instantly on the screen — this works on iPhones and Android phones.
  • On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and scroll to find IMEI listed on the screen.
  • On Android, open Settings > About Phone and look for IMEI or IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 if your phone has two SIM cards.
  • If your phone won't turn on, check the original box, the SIM card tray, or under the battery if you can remove it.
  • Write down or photograph your IMEI and store it somewhere safe in case your phone is lost or stolen.

The fastest way: dial the code on your phone

Open the Phone app and dial *#06# exactly as written. Do not press call — just type the numbers. Your IMEI will appear on the screen immediately. This works on every phone with a cellular connection, whether it's locked or not, and whether it's an iPhone or Android device.

This method is the most reliable because it pulls the number directly from your phone's hardware. If you're trying to find the IMEI for a phone that isn't yours, this is the fastest way to check it without needing passwords or access to settings.

Finding IMEI on iPhone through Settings

Open the Settings app and tap General. Scroll down and tap About. Look for the line labeled IMEI — it will be a 15-digit number. You can tap it to copy the number to your clipboard, then paste it wherever you need it.

If you don't see IMEI listed, scroll down further — on some iPhone models it appears below other information like serial number and model. If your phone has two SIM cards (dual SIM), you may see IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 listed separately. Both are valid IMEI numbers for your device.

Finding IMEI on Android through Settings

Open Settings and look for a section called About Phone or Device Information — the exact name varies by manufacturer. Tap it and scroll through the list. You'll see IMEI or IMEI 1 listed as a 15-digit number.

On Samsung phones, go to Settings > About Phone > Status Information. On Google Pixel phones, go to Settings > About Phone and scroll to IMEI. If your phone has two SIM slots, you'll see IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 — record both if you need them. Some phones also show MEID instead of IMEI; both serve the same purpose for your carrier.

Finding IMEI on a phone that won't turn on

If your phone is powered off or won't boot, check the original box it came in. Most manufacturers print the IMEI on a label on the back of the box. If you don't have the box, look at the SIM card tray — some phones print the IMEI on the tray itself. Remove the tray using the ejector tool that came with your phone or a straightened paperclip.

On older phones with removable batteries, you can power off the device and remove the battery to look underneath — the IMEI is sometimes printed on a label under the battery. If none of these options work and your phone is completely unresponsive, contact your carrier with your account information; they can look up the IMEI on their end.

What to do once you have your IMEI

Write down your IMEI or take a clear photo and store it in a safe place — your email, a password manager, or a note in your cloud storage. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can give this number to your carrier, and they can block the device so it cannot be used on their network. You can also report it to the police and provide the IMEI in your report.

Some carriers use the IMEI to unlock your phone if you've paid off your device or completed your contract. If you're switching to a new carrier, they may ask for your IMEI to check whether your phone is compatible with their network. Keep this number handy — it's small but important.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between IMEI and MEID?

MEID is an older identifier used on some CDMA phones (mainly older Verizon and Sprint devices). It serves the same purpose as IMEI — it uniquely identifies your phone to the network. If your phone shows MEID instead of IMEI, use that number for any carrier or service that asks for your device identifier.

Why do some phones show two IMEI numbers?

Dual SIM phones have two separate SIM card slots, so they have two IMEI numbers — one for each slot. IMEI 1 is usually the primary SIM, and IMEI 2 is the secondary. If your carrier asks for your IMEI, give them the number for the SIM slot you use with them.

Can someone use my IMEI to track my phone?

Your IMEI alone cannot be used to track your phone's location. However, it can be used to identify your device to a carrier or to block it from a network. This is why it's safe to share your IMEI with your carrier or with someone trying to verify your device — it's not a security code like a PIN or password.

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

This code works on all phones with cellular service, but if it doesn't appear on your screen, check that you typed it exactly as written with no spaces. If nothing happens, use the Settings method instead. If your phone is very old or a WiFi-only device, it may not have an IMEI at all.