Your IMEI is the closest thing a phone has to a passport number, a unique 15 digit identifier baked into the device at the factory. Carriers use it to activate service, insurers use it to verify claims, resale buyers use it to check for blacklists, and you need it any time you call your carrier to unlock the phone, report it lost, or switch lines. The good news is that finding your IMEI takes seconds and there are five reliable ways to do it, no matter what kind of phone you own.
What an IMEI Is and Why You Might Need It
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It is assigned to every cellular device worldwide and stays with the phone for its entire life, regardless of which carrier or SIM you use. Phones with two physical SIM slots or eSIM support have two IMEIs, one per radio. Carriers tie your account, your warranty, and your unlock status to this number. If you are buying second-hand, planning to travel, or want to unlock a carrier locked phone, you will need to know it.
Method 1: Dial *#06# (Works on Every Phone)
The universal method. Open the phone’s dialer and type *#06# exactly as written, no need to press call. The IMEI appears instantly on screen, along with any secondary IMEIs for eSIM or dual-SIM models. This works on iPhones, Android phones, basic feature phones, even phones with a depleted battery as long as the device can boot far enough to show the dialler. It is the fastest method and the one carrier support reps will usually walk you through first.
Method 2: Find the IMEI in iPhone Settings
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap About.
- Scroll down to the IMEI field. On dual-SIM models you will see IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 (or an eSIM IMEI listed separately).
- Long-press the number to copy it to the clipboard.
On iPhones with a physical SIM tray, the primary IMEI is also laser etched on the tray itself. Pop the tray out with the SIM ejector tool and look at the edge. On newer eSIM-only iPhones sold in the US, the IMEI is printed on the inside of the SIM tray cavity, visible if you remove the tray and shine a light into the slot.
Method 3: Find the IMEI in Android Settings
Android’s menus vary slightly by manufacturer, but the path is consistent: Settings > About Phone > IMEI (sometimes called Status). Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and most other brands follow this layout. Some skins (notably One UI) require an extra tap on “Status information” to reveal the number. If your phone supports dual SIM or eSIM, both IMEIs will be listed.
Method 4: Check the Original Box or Receipt
Every retail phone box has a sticker on the back or side with the IMEI printed alongside the serial number and model code. If you still have the packaging, this is the most convenient option when the phone itself is unavailable, for example if it has been lost or stolen and you need to report it. Carrier receipts and order confirmation emails also include the IMEI for any device you purchased on a payment plan.
Method 5: Check Your Apple ID or Google Account
If the phone is signed into Apple or Google services, the IMEI is visible in your account dashboard even when the device is out of reach. For iPhones, sign in at appleid.apple.com, scroll to Devices, and click the relevant iPhone. The IMEI is listed in the device details. For Android, open the Google account at myaccount.google.com, go to Security, then Your devices, and select the phone. This is invaluable if the device is lost, since it gives you the IMEI to pass to police or insurance without needing to find the box.
What You Can Do With Your IMEI
- Unlock the phone: Every US and Canadian carrier asks for the IMEI before processing an unlock request. See our guide on unlocking locked phones for the full process.
- Check carrier compatibility: Plug the IMEI into a carrier’s “bring your own device” checker to confirm the model supports their network bands before switching.
- Verify a used phone before buying: Run the IMEI through a free check site (Swappa, IMEI24, or the carrier’s own status page) to confirm it is not reported lost, stolen, or blacklisted.
- Travel preparedness: Before you head abroad, check whether the device is unlocked and which bands it supports. Our explainer on using a locked phone with an international SIM or eSIM covers the trade-offs.
- Report a lost or stolen phone: Carriers and police use the IMEI to blacklist the device, which makes it unusable on legitimate networks worldwide.
A Quick Note on Privacy
Your IMEI is not a secret on the level of a password, but it is not something to broadcast either. Knowing your IMEI plus a few other personal details can sometimes be enough for a scammer to social engineer a carrier rep into transferring your number or unlocking a device. Share it only with verified carrier support, the police, or a buyer you are dealing with through a trusted marketplace. Never post a clear photo of your phone box or SIM tray online, both reveal the IMEI to anyone who looks closely.
Bottom Line
The IMEI is a small string of digits, but it is the master key to almost every carrier interaction you will ever have with your phone. Memorise the *#06# shortcut, store the number somewhere safe alongside your serial number and proof of purchase, and you will have everything ready the next time you need to unlock, claim, or sell a device.