Where to find your IMEI on any phone

Your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit code that identifies your specific phone to cellular networks. You can find it in four places without opening your phone or installing anything: dial a code, check your settings, look at the box it came in, or find the sticker under the battery (on older phones).

The fastest method is to open your phone's dialer and type *#06#, then press call. Your IMEI appears on the screen immediately. This works on nearly every phone — iPhone, Android, older models — because it's a standard command built into the cellular system itself.

If that doesn't work or you prefer not to use the dialer, your phone's settings menu holds the same information. On Android, go to Settings > About Phone > IMEI Information (the exact path varies by manufacturer, but "About Phone" is standard). On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and scroll to find IMEI.

Key Takeaways

  • Dialing *#06# on any phone displays your IMEI instantly without opening settings or installing apps.
  • Your phone's settings menu also stores your IMEI under About Phone (Android) or About (iPhone), though the path varies by manufacturer.
  • The original box your phone came in prints the IMEI on a label, useful if your phone is broken or won't turn on.
  • Your carrier can look up your IMEI from your account if you need it and can't access your phone.

Finding IMEI in your phone's settings

On Android phones, the location of IMEI information depends on your manufacturer. Samsung phones typically store it under Settings > About Phone > Status > IMEI Information. Google Pixel phones use Settings > About Phone > Device Info. Other brands like OnePlus, Motorola, and Nokia follow similar paths but may label sections slightly differently.

The most reliable approach is to open Settings, look for an "About" or "About Phone" section, then search within that menu for "IMEI" or "Device ID." Most Android phones also show your IMEI under Settings > About Phone > SIM Status or Settings > About Phone > Phone Identity.

On iPhone, the process is simpler because Apple uses the same structure across all models. Open Settings > General > About and scroll down until you see "IMEI." You'll also see your phone's serial number and model number on the same screen.

Checking IMEI when your phone won't turn on

If your phone is broken, won't charge, or won't power on, the dialer method and settings menu are no longer options. Your best sources are the original packaging and your carrier's records.

The box your phone came in has a label on the back or side that lists your IMEI, serial number, and other device identifiers. If you still have the box, this is the fastest way to find your IMEI without touching the phone itself.

If the box is gone, contact your cellular carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or your prepaid provider) and give them your phone number or account details. They can look up your IMEI from their network records. This takes a phone call or a visit to a store, but it's reliable even if the phone itself is completely non-functional.

Why you might need your IMEI

Your IMEI serves several practical purposes. If your phone is stolen, you can report the IMEI to your carrier and law enforcement, which blocks the phone from connecting to any cellular network — even if someone replaces the SIM card. This makes the phone much harder to resell or use.

You also need your IMEI when switching carriers or unlocking your phone. Some carriers require it to transfer your service to a new device. If you're selling your phone, the buyer may ask for your IMEI to verify the phone's history and make sure it hasn't been reported as stolen or blacklisted.

Warranty claims and repairs sometimes require your IMEI to confirm you own the device and to pull up your service history. If you're troubleshooting network problems with your carrier, they'll ask for your IMEI to check whether your phone is properly registered on their network.

IMEI versus other device identifiers

Your phone has several different identification numbers, and it's easy to confuse them. Your IMEI identifies the phone itself to cellular networks. Your serial number is a unique code assigned by the manufacturer for warranty and repair purposes. Your ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card ID) is the number on your SIM card, not your phone — it changes if you swap SIM cards.

On Android, you may also see an IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity), which is tied to your SIM card and your carrier account, not the physical phone. If you're looking for the number that identifies your specific device to the network, that's your IMEI.

When a carrier or service asks for your "device ID," they usually mean your IMEI, but it's worth asking to confirm. The IMEI is the most commonly requested identifier because it's tied directly to the hardware and doesn't change when you switch carriers or SIM cards.

Verifying your IMEI is correct

Once you have your IMEI, you can verify it matches what your carrier has on file. Call your carrier's customer service line, give them your phone number or account number, and ask them to confirm your device's IMEI. If the numbers don't match, it usually means your phone hasn't been properly registered on their network, which can cause connectivity problems.

If you're buying a used phone, you can check the IMEI against online databases that track whether a phone has been reported as stolen or blacklisted by carriers. Websites like IMEI.info and CheckMEID allow you to enter the IMEI and see basic information about the phone's history, though the results vary depending on how much data carriers have shared publicly.

Keep your IMEI written down or saved in a safe place, separate from your phone. If your phone is ever lost or stolen, having your IMEI readily available makes it much faster to report to your carrier and law enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone use my IMEI to track my phone?

No. Your IMEI identifies your phone to the network, but it doesn't contain location data and can't be used to track you. However, if someone has your IMEI and your carrier account details, they could potentially contact your carrier and request service changes. Keep your IMEI private the same way you'd keep your phone number private.

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

This code works on nearly all phones, but some older or heavily customized devices may not respond. If it doesn't work, check your phone's settings menu under About Phone or About, or look at your original box or SIM card tray. Your carrier can also look it up for you.

Do I need my IMEI to switch to a different carrier?

Not always, but some carriers ask for it during the transfer process to confirm your phone is compatible with their network and to check whether it's been reported as stolen. It's helpful to have it ready when you switch, but your phone number and account information are usually sufficient.

Is my IMEI the same as my phone's serial number?

No. Your IMEI is a 15-digit code that identifies your phone to cellular networks. Your serial number is a separate code assigned by the manufacturer for warranty and repair purposes. Both appear in your phone's settings, but they serve different purposes.

Can I change my IMEI?

Changing your IMEI is illegal in most countries and violates carrier terms of service. It's also technically difficult on modern phones. If you need to register a different phone on your account, simply contact your carrier and provide the new phone's IMEI instead.