How to Find Your iPhone's IMEI Number
Every iPhone has a unique 15-digit number called an IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity). Think of it like a serial number, but for the cellular radio inside your phone. You'll need it any time you check an unlock status, report a phone lost, or start a carrier unlock request. The good news: finding it takes less than a minute, and you don't need any special tools.
What Is an IMEI, and Why Does It Matter?
An IMEI is a bit like a fingerprint. No two iPhones share the same one, even if they're the exact same model bought on the exact same day. Carriers, insurance companies, and unlocking services all use this number to look up your specific phone — not just the model, but the one in your hand.
This matters a lot if you're trying to unlock an AT&T iPhone, unlock a Verizon iPhone, or switch to a different carrier entirely. Every unlock request starts with the carrier looking up your IMEI to confirm the phone is paid off and eligible.
4 Ways to Find Your IMEI Number
1. Check the Settings App (Easiest)
- Open Settings
- Tap General
- Tap About
- Scroll down until you see IMEI
Tap and hold the number, then choose Copy, so you can paste it wherever you need it — no need to retype 15 digits by hand.
2. Dial the Secret Code
Open the Phone app and dial *#06#. You don't even need to press call — the IMEI pops up on screen instantly. This trick works on basically every phone ever made, not just iPhones, so it's a handy one to remember.
3. Look at the SIM Tray
Older iPhones (and some newer ones outside the US) print the IMEI in tiny text right on the SIM card tray. Eject the tray with a SIM tool or paperclip and look closely — you may need good lighting or a magnifying glass, since the text is small.
4. Check the Original Box
Still have the box your iPhone came in? Flip it over. There's a barcode label on the bottom or side with the IMEI printed right next to it, along with the serial number.
Tip: Take a screenshot of your IMEI right now and save it in a Notes app or photo album. When you're mid-unlock-request for a phone on T-Mobile, Sprint, or Cricket, you won't have to dig for it again.
Which Method Should You Use?
| Method | Best for | Needs phone to power on? |
|---|---|---|
| Dial *#06# | Fastest option, working phone | Yes |
| Settings app | Copying the number to paste elsewhere | Yes |
| SIM tray | Phone won't turn on | No |
| Original box | Phone is lost, stolen, or broken | No |
What If You Don't Have the Phone or the Box?
If your iPhone is lost or stolen and you never saved the IMEI anywhere, check these places:
- Your carrier account — log into your online account with the carrier that sold you the phone (like MetroPCS or Boost Mobile); most list every IMEI ever activated on your line
- Your Apple ID purchase history, if you bought the phone directly from Apple
- Your original receipt, which often includes the IMEI or serial number
IMEI vs. Serial Number: Don't Mix Them Up
These two numbers live right next to each other in Settings > General > About, and it's easy to grab the wrong one. The IMEI is 15 digits and tied to the cellular radio — carriers use this one for unlocking. The serial number is a shorter alphanumeric code Apple uses for warranty and repair lookups. If an unlock request keeps failing, double-check you copied the IMEI, not the serial number.
Frequently asked questions
Does my IMEI number change if I get a new SIM card?
No. Your IMEI is tied to the physical phone itself, not the SIM card. You can swap SIM cards or change carriers as many times as you want, and the IMEI stays exactly the same.
Can I find my IMEI if my iPhone screen is cracked and won't turn on?
Yes. Check the SIM tray with a magnifying glass, look at the original box, or log into your carrier account online — none of these require the phone to power on.
Is it safe to share my IMEI number with someone?
Generally yes, especially with your own carrier or a trusted unlocking service. An IMEI alone can't be used to access your data, calls, or texts. Still, only share it with services you trust for legitimate purposes like unlocking or reporting a lost phone.
Do iPhones with two SIM slots have two IMEI numbers?
Yes. Dual-SIM iPhones (including eSIM models) can show two IMEI numbers in Settings, one for each active line. Most unlock requests only need the primary IMEI, but check with your carrier if you're unsure which one to submit.