What an IMEI is and why you might need it

An IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit number that uniquely identifies your iPhone to cellular networks. Think of it like a serial number for your phone's connection to carriers — no two devices have the same IMEI. You'll need it if you're switching carriers, reporting a lost or stolen phone to your carrier, checking whether a used iPhone is blacklisted, or troubleshooting network problems with your provider.

The IMEI is different from your phone's serial number or UDID (Unique Device Identifier). Your carrier uses the IMEI specifically to recognize your device on their network, so it's the number they'll ask for when you call about service issues.

Key Takeaways

  • You can find your iPhone's IMEI by dialing *#06# on the phone itself, or through Settings under General > About.
  • The IMEI appears on your original iPhone box, receipt, and in your carrier's account records if you need to verify it.
  • Checking an IMEI against a blacklist database tells you whether a used iPhone has been reported stolen or has unpaid carrier bills attached to it.
  • If you're buying a used iPhone, ask the seller for the IMEI before purchase and check it against your carrier's blacklist or a third-party service.

Finding your IMEI through Settings

The easiest way to find your IMEI on an iPhone you own is through the Settings app. Open Settings, tap General, then tap About. Scroll down until you see the line labeled IMEI — the 15-digit number next to it is what you're looking for. Write it down or take a screenshot if you need to reference it later.

This method works on all iPhone models running iOS 12 and newer. If you have multiple iPhones, each one will have a different IMEI, so make sure you're checking the right device.

Using the dial code to check your IMEI

You can also retrieve your IMEI by opening the Phone app and dialing *#06#. The IMEI will appear on your screen automatically — you don't need to press call. This works even if you don't have an active cellular plan on the phone, as long as the device powers on.

This method is useful if you're having trouble navigating Settings or if the phone is malfunctioning in other ways. The dial code works on virtually all iPhones and doesn't require internet connection.

Checking an IMEI against carrier blacklists

If you're buying a used iPhone, you can check whether it's been reported as lost or stolen by contacting your carrier directly. Call your carrier's customer service and provide the IMEI — they can tell you whether the phone is blacklisted on their network. This is the most reliable check because it comes directly from the source that maintains the blacklist.

Different carriers maintain separate blacklists, so a phone blacklisted by Verizon might still work on AT&T's network. If you're planning to use the phone with a specific carrier, check with that carrier before buying. If the seller claims the phone is unlocked and will work on any carrier, verify the IMEI status with each carrier you might use.

Using third-party IMEI checking services

Several websites offer IMEI checking services that claim to check against multiple carrier blacklists and databases. Services like IMEI.info, CheckMEID, and others allow you to enter an IMEI and receive a report on the phone's status. These services vary in accuracy and the databases they access — some have partnerships with carriers while others rely on crowdsourced data.

Third-party services can be a starting point, but they're not as authoritative as checking directly with your carrier. Use them to get a general sense of the phone's history, but confirm the results by contacting your carrier before completing a purchase. Be cautious of services that ask for payment upfront or request personal information beyond the IMEI itself.

Finding your IMEI on the original box and paperwork

If you have the original box your iPhone came in, the IMEI is printed on the back of the box along with other device information. Your original receipt or invoice from the carrier or Apple also typically includes the IMEI. This is useful if your phone is damaged and won't power on, or if you need to verify the IMEI without accessing the device itself.

If you bought the phone from Apple, you can also log into your Apple ID account on apple.com, go to your purchase history, and find the device details — the IMEI may be listed there depending on how the purchase was recorded.

What to do if you can't find your IMEI

If the phone won't power on and you don't have the original box or paperwork, contact your carrier with your phone number or account information. They can look up the IMEI associated with your account. If you're trying to check a used phone you don't own yet, ask the seller to provide the IMEI or to dial *#06# and show you the screen.

Never buy a used iPhone from someone who refuses to provide the IMEI or won't let you check it yourself. This is a basic verification step and any legitimate seller should be willing to cooperate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone use my IMEI to steal my phone or access my data?

Your IMEI alone cannot unlock your phone or access your data — it only identifies your device to the cellular network. However, if someone has your IMEI and your phone number, they could contact your carrier and potentially convince them to switch your number to a different device, which is called SIM swapping. Protect your IMEI the same way you protect other device information, and enable two-factor authentication on your carrier account.

Is the IMEI the same as the serial number?

No. Your iPhone has both an IMEI and a separate serial number. The IMEI is used by cellular networks, while the serial number is used by Apple for warranty and repair purposes. You can find the serial number in the same Settings > General > About menu, listed separately from the IMEI.

What does it mean if a phone is blacklisted?

A blacklisted IMEI means the phone has been reported to the carrier as lost, stolen, or has unpaid bills attached to it. The carrier will block the phone from connecting to their network, making it unusable for calls, texts, or data on that carrier. Some blacklisted phones can be cleared if the original owner pays outstanding bills or reports the phone as found.

Can I change my iPhone's IMEI?

No. The IMEI is hardcoded into your iPhone's hardware and cannot be legally changed. Attempting to change it is illegal in most countries and violates Apple's terms of service. If your IMEI has been blacklisted in error, contact your carrier to have it removed from the blacklist.

Do I need to check the IMEI if I'm buying from Apple or a carrier store?

No. Phones sold directly by Apple or authorized carriers are may provide to be legitimate and not blacklisted. You only need to check the IMEI when buying from a private seller or a third-party retailer where the phone's history is unknown.