Where to find your iPhone's IMEI

Your iPhone's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit number that identifies your specific device to cellular networks. You can find it in four places without needing any special tools or apps.

The fastest method is to open Settings, tap General, then About. Scroll down until you see "IMEI" listed — it appears as a single 15-digit number. This works on every iPhone model and takes about 10 seconds.

If you prefer not to use Settings, dial *#06# on your iPhone's keypad. The IMEI appears automatically on your screen within a second. This method works whether or not your phone has cellular service, and the number disappears when you hang up.

You can also find your IMEI on the physical device itself. On the back of most iPhones, a small line of text printed near the bottom includes the IMEI after the letters "IMEI." On iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR models, this information moved to the SIM tray — remove the tray and look for the number printed on the plastic.

Key Takeaways

  • Your IMEI is a 15-digit number unique to your iPhone that you can find in Settings under General > About.
  • Dialing *#06# on your keypad displays your IMEI instantly without opening any menus.
  • Older iPhones print the IMEI on the back of the device; newer models print it on the SIM tray.
  • Your IMEI stays the same for the life of your phone and does not change if you switch carriers or restore the device.

Why you might need your IMEI

Carriers use your IMEI to activate service on your phone, so you may need it when switching providers or setting up a new line. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can provide the IMEI to your carrier to block the device from connecting to any network, which makes it harder for someone else to use it.

Some repair shops ask for your IMEI before servicing your phone to verify it is not reported as stolen. Insurance companies may also request it when you file a claim for a damaged or missing device.

Checking your IMEI before buying a used iPhone

If you are considering a used iPhone, asking the seller for the IMEI lets you verify the phone's history before you hand over money. You can check whether the device is reported as lost or stolen, blacklisted by a carrier, or still under a payment plan that could lock it later.

Contact the carrier that originally sold the phone — AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, or another provider — and give them the IMEI. They can tell you whether the device is clear to use or flagged in their system. Some carriers have online tools where you can check this yourself by entering the IMEI on their website.

If the seller cannot or will not provide the IMEI, that is a warning sign. A legitimate seller should be able to find this number in under a minute using one of the methods above.

What happens if your IMEI is blacklisted

A blacklisted IMEI means the phone is flagged in a carrier's database and cannot connect to cellular networks. This usually happens because the phone was reported stolen, the original owner did not pay their bill, or the device was involved in fraud.

If you bought a used phone and later discover it is blacklisted, you have limited options. The original owner or the carrier that blacklisted it is the only party that can remove the flag, so you would need to contact them and explain the situation. Many carriers will not reverse a blacklist without proof that the person requesting it is the original owner.

This is why checking the IMEI before buying a used phone matters — once you own it, removing a blacklist becomes very difficult.

IMEI versus other iPhone identifiers

Your iPhone has several different numbers that identify it in different ways, and it is easy to confuse them. Your IMEI identifies your phone to cellular networks. Your serial number identifies it to Apple and appears in Settings under General > About as well. Your phone number is assigned by your carrier and can change if you switch providers or get a new SIM card.

If you are dealing with Apple Support or your carrier, they may ask for any of these numbers depending on what they need to help you. The IMEI is specifically what carriers use to check whether a phone is clear to activate on their network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my IMEI change if I restore my iPhone or switch carriers?

No. Your IMEI is tied to the physical hardware and never changes, no matter what you do to the software. Restoring your iPhone, updating iOS, switching carriers, or changing your phone number does not affect your IMEI. It stays the same for the entire life of the device.

Can I look up someone else's IMEI to see if their phone is stolen?

No. Carriers do not provide IMEI lookup tools to the public for privacy reasons. Only the phone's owner, the carrier, or law enforcement can check whether an IMEI is blacklisted. If you suspect a phone is stolen, contact local police or your carrier's fraud department.

What if I cannot find my IMEI in Settings?

Try dialing *#06# instead — this works on every iPhone and displays the IMEI even if Settings is not responding. If that does not work, remove your SIM tray and check for the IMEI printed on it or on the back of the phone. If none of these methods work, your phone may have a hardware problem and should be inspected by Apple or a repair shop.

Is my IMEI the same as my SIM card number?

No. Your IMEI identifies your phone; your SIM card has its own separate number called an ICCID. They are different numbers that serve different purposes. Your IMEI stays with the phone forever, but your SIM card can be replaced or moved to another phone.