Your iPhone’s IMEI is a unique serial number vital for identification. You can find it easily through your iPhone’s Settings app or by dialing a special code. This guide shows you exactly how to get your iPhone’s IMEI, along with why it’s so important and what to do if you can’t access it.
Ever wondered about that special number that makes your iPhone, well, your iPhone? It’s called the IMEI, and it’s like a fingerprint for your device. If you’ve ever needed to report your iPhone lost or stolen, deal with your mobile carrier, or even sell your device, you’ll likely be asked for this number. It can feel a bit mysterious, especially if you’re new to iPhones, but don’t worry! Getting your iPhone’s IMEI is super simple, and I’m here to walk you through every step. We’ll cover the easiest ways to find it and explain why this little number is actually a big deal.
Why is Your iPhone’s IMEI Important?
The IMEI, which stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity, is a unique 15-digit number assigned to every single mobile phone, including your iPhone. Think of it as your phone’s personal identification number. It’s not just a random string of digits; it serves several crucial purposes:
- Device Identification: It uniquely identifies your specific iPhone hardware on the global network.
- Security and Tracking: If your iPhone is lost or stolen, you can provide the IMEI to your carrier or law enforcement. They can then blacklist the device, making it unusable on most cellular networks, which deters theft.
- Carrier Services: When you switch carriers or need to unlock your iPhone (to use it with a different network provider), your carrier will often ask for the IMEI.
- Warranty and Support: Apple or authorized service providers might use the IMEI to verify your iPhone’s warranty status and ensure it’s a genuine device.
- Troubleshooting: In some advanced troubleshooting scenarios, the IMEI might be needed to identify your device and its service history.
Knowing how to find your IMEI quickly can save you a lot of hassle when you least expect it. It’s a small piece of information that offers significant security and functionality benefits.
Method 1: Finding IMEI via iPhone Settings (Easiest Way)
This is by far the most common and straightforward method to find your iPhone’s IMEI. You don’t need any special codes or tools, just your iPhone and a few taps!
Steps:
- Open the Settings App: Look for the gray gear icon on your Home Screen and tap it.
- Scroll Down and Tap “General”: This section contains most of your iPhone’s basic settings.
- Tap “About”: This screen shows all the important information about your iPhone, including its name, software version, serial number, and importantly, its IMEI.
- Locate the IMEI: Scroll down slightly on the “About” screen. You’ll see a line item labeled “IMEI”. The number next to it is your iPhone’s unique IMEI.
Tip: On this “About” screen, you can also find your iPhone’s Serial Number. While different from the IMEI, the Serial Number is also important for warranty and support. If you need to copy the IMEI or Serial Number, simply tap and hold on the number, and then select “Copy”.
What if my iPhone has Dual SIM?
If your iPhone supports Dual SIM (either with a physical SIM card and an eSIM, or two eSIMs), you’ll see two IMEI numbers listed on the “About” screen. Each SIM card slot or eSIM has its own unique IMEI. They will typically be labeled as “IMEI” (for the physical SIM or primary eSIM) and “IMEI 2” (for the secondary eSIM).
For example, on an iPhone 13 Pro with Dual SIM, you might see:
| Label | Description |
|---|---|
| IMEI | Unique identifier for the primary cellular connection (physical SIM or eSIM 1). |
| IMEI 2 | Unique identifier for the secondary cellular connection (eSIM 2). |
Understanding which IMEI belongs to which SIM is helpful if you need to manage your cellular plans or troubleshoot connection issues with a specific line.
Method 2: Dialing a USSD Code (#06#)
This is another super quick and universal method that works on most mobile phones, including iPhones. It doesn’t require navigating through menus and can be done directly from your Phone app.
Steps:
- Open the Phone App: Tap the green phone icon on your Home Screen.
- Go to the Keypad: Select the “Keypad” tab at the bottom.
- Dial #06#: Carefully type the following code into the dialer:
#06# - See Your IMEI: As soon as you finish dialing the last ‘#’, your iPhone’s IMEI (and IMEI 2 if applicable) will pop up on your screen in a small window.
This method is often the fastest way to get your IMEI when you need it in a hurry. You can even use this to quickly get the IMEI for a friend or family member if they are with you.
Note: This code does not make a call. It’s a special code that triggers a device information display.
Method 3: Finding IMEI on the iPhone’s Physical Body or SIM Tray
For older iPhone models, or if your iPhone is not turning on, you might be able to find the IMEI printed directly on the device itself. Apple has moved away from printing the IMEI on newer models, but it’s still worth checking if the other methods fail.
Where to Look:
- iPhone 6s and later (excluding Pro Max models with larger chassis): The IMEI is usually etched on the back of the iPhone. You might need good lighting and a magnifying glass to see it clearly, as it’s very small.
- iPhone 6, 6 Plus, SE (1st gen), 5s, 5c, 5: The IMEI is printed on the SIM tray. You’ll need to eject the SIM tray to see it.
- iPhone 4s and earlier: The IMEI is printed on the back of the device.
How to Eject the SIM Tray (for models where it’s printed there):
- Turn off your iPhone.
- Locate the small pinhole on the side of your iPhone where the SIM tray is.
- Insert a SIM ejector tool (or a small paperclip) into the hole and push gently until the tray pops out.
- Carefully remove the tray and look for the IMEI printed on it.
- Reinsert the SIM tray securely.
Important: This method is less reliable for newer iPhones (iPhone 7 and later generally) as Apple has reduced the physical etching of the IMEI. Always try the Settings or #06# methods first.
Method 4: Finding IMEI on the Original Packaging
If you still have the original box your iPhone came in, the IMEI is printed on a sticker on the packaging. This is a great backup method, especially if your iPhone is lost, stolen, or not functioning.
Where to Find It:
- Check the Box Exterior: Look for a sticker on the outside of the iPhone box. This sticker usually contains the barcode, serial number, and the IMEI.
- Identify the IMEI Label: The label will clearly state “IMEI” followed by the 15-digit number.
This is a very useful method if your iPhone is completely inaccessible. Keep your original packaging in a safe place for this reason!
Method 5: Finding IMEI via Your Apple Account (Find My iPhone)
If your iPhone is lost or stolen, and you have “Find My iPhone” enabled, you can often retrieve its IMEI through your Apple account online.
Steps:
- Go to iCloud.com: Open a web browser on a computer or another device and go to icloud.com.
- Sign In: Log in with your Apple ID and password – the same one you use on your iPhone.
- Click “Find iPhone”: You might need to click on the “Find iPhone” icon.
- Select “All Devices”: In the “My Devices” list at the top, click on “All Devices”.
- Choose Your iPhone: Select your missing iPhone from the list.
- View Device Information: A pop-up window will appear showing your device’s location. The IMEI (and Serial Number) will be listed there.
This method is a lifesaver if your device is no longer in your possession. It’s a testament to why keeping your Apple ID secure and “Find My iPhone” activated is so important.
Method 6: Contacting Your Mobile Carrier
Your mobile carrier keeps a record of the devices active on your account, including their IMEIs. If all else fails, they can help you retrieve it.
How to Contact Them:
- Call Customer Support: Dial your carrier’s customer service number from another phone.
- Provide Account Information: You’ll likely need to verify your identity by providing account details (like your name, address, or security PIN).
- Request IMEI: Ask the representative to provide you with the IMEI of the iPhone associated with your account.
This is a reliable fallback option, but it might take a bit longer than the self-service methods.
Comparison of Methods
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of each method:
| Method | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Settings App | Easiest, quickest, always available on a working iPhone. | Requires iPhone to be powered on and functional. | Everyday users, quick lookups. |
| #06# Code | Extremely fast, no menu navigation, works on most phones. | Requires iPhone to be powered on and functional. | Urgent lookups, power users. |
| Physical Device/SIM Tray | Works even if iPhone doesn’t turn on (for older models). | IMEI can be hard to read, not present on newer models’ exteriors, requires SIM tray removal for some. | Older iPhones, non-functional iPhones. |
| Original Packaging | Works even if iPhone is lost/stolen/broken. No device needed. | Requires keeping the original box, box might be lost. | When iPhone is inaccessible. |
| Apple Account (iCloud) | Works for lost/stolen devices with Find My iPhone enabled. No device needed. | Requires Find My iPhone to be previously enabled, internet access. | Lost or stolen iPhones. |
| Mobile Carrier | Reliable backup, can help if other methods fail. | Requires contacting support, may take time, need account verification. | When all other methods fail. |
Troubleshooting: What If You Still Can’t Find Your IMEI?
It’s rare, but sometimes you might run into issues. Here are a few things to consider:
- Double-Check the Number: Ensure you’ve entered the #06# code correctly. Small typos can happen!
- Restart Your iPhone: Sometimes a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches preventing information from displaying correctly.
- Check Software Updates: Ensure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. While unlikely to be the cause for IMEI display, a healthy system is always best.
- Verify with Apple Support: If you’ve tried all methods and still can’t find your IMEI, or if you suspect an issue with your device, it’s best to contact Apple Support directly. They can help diagnose hardware or software issues.
- Consider Device Age: As mentioned, older iPhones had IMEIs printed on the back or SIM tray. Newer models rely heavily on software or packaging. If you have a very old device, check the physical markings carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What’s the difference between IMEI and Serial Number?
A: The IMEI is a unique identifier for your iPhone’s cellular modem, used for network identification. The Serial Number is a unique identifier for the entire device, used for warranty, Apple services, and general device identification. Both are important, but for different purposes.
Q2: Can I find my IMEI if my iPhone is broken or won’t turn on?
A: Yes, if you have the original packaging or if the IMEI is physically etched on older models. You can also try accessing it via your Apple account if “Find My iPhone” was enabled.
Q3: Is my IMEI private information?
A: While not as sensitive as your Apple ID password, your IMEI is a unique identifier for your device. It’s good practice not to share it widely, but it is necessary information for carriers, repair services, and in case of loss or theft.
Q4: How many IMEIs does an iPhone have?
A: Most iPhones have one IMEI. However, iPhones that support Dual SIM (either physical SIM + eSIM or dual eSIM) will have two IMEIs, labeled IMEI and IMEI 2.
Q5: What should I do if my iPhone is stolen and I need to report it using the IMEI?
A: First, use “Find My iPhone” to try and locate it. Then, contact your mobile carrier to report it stolen and ask them to blacklist the IMEI. You may also need to file a police report, which will require the IMEI.
Q6: Can the IMEI be changed?
A: The IMEI is hard-coded into the device’s hardware and is generally not changeable. Tampering with it is illegal in most countries.
Q7: Do I need my IMEI to unlock my iPhone for a new carrier?
A: Yes, your carrier will almost always require your iPhone’s IMEI to process an unlock request. They use it to identify your device and ensure it’s eligible for unlocking.
Conclusion
Finding your iPhone’s IMEI is a simple yet crucial task that every iPhone user should know. Whether you need it for carrier services, security, or troubleshooting, the methods we’ve explored – from the quick dial code to checking your original box – ensure you can access this vital information. Remember, your iPhone’s Settings app and the *#06# code are your go-to options for everyday needs. Keep your original packaging safe, and make sure “Find My iPhone” is enabled for those unfortunate times when your device might go missing. Mastering these simple steps will give you peace of mind and better control over your iPhone experience. Now you’re equipped to handle any situation requiring your iPhone’s unique IMEI!
