How to Find Your iPhone IMEI: The Definitive Guide

So, you need to find your iPhone’s IMEI? Relax, you’ve come to the right place. Finding your International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is crucial for various reasons, from checking warranty status to reporting a stolen device. Luckily, Apple provides multiple ways to access this unique 15-digit identifier. Here’s the direct answer, followed by a deep dive into the specifics and some frequently asked questions:

The most straightforward method is to dial *#06# on your iPhone’s keypad. The IMEI will instantly appear on your screen. Alternatively, you can find it in your iPhone’s settings under General > About. Other methods involve checking the SIM tray, the back of certain iPhone models, or your Apple ID account details.

Decoding the IMEI: Why You Need It

Think of your iPhone’s IMEI as its digital fingerprint. It’s a globally unique identifier that distinguishes your device from every other iPhone in existence. This isn’t just some random string of numbers; it’s essential for:

• Identifying your device: When contacting Apple Support or your mobile carrier, they’ll often ask for your IMEI to verify your identity and device details.
• Checking warranty status: Use the IMEI on Apple’s website to determine if your iPhone is still under warranty or covered by AppleCare.
• Reporting a stolen or lost device: Providing the IMEI to your carrier and law enforcement can help them blacklist your device, preventing its use on mobile networks and potentially aiding in its recovery.
• Unlocking your iPhone: In some cases, you’ll need the IMEI to unlock your iPhone for use with different carriers.
• Trading in or selling your iPhone: Potential buyers may want the IMEI to verify the device’s legitimacy and history.

Multiple Avenues to Locate Your IMEI

While dialing *#06# is the quickest method, let’s explore all the ways you can unearth your iPhone’s IMEI:

Method 1: The Universal Dial Code ( *#06# )

This is by far the simplest and fastest method. Just open the Phone app, go to the keypad, and type *#06#. The IMEI will pop up on your screen immediately. This method works on most mobile phones, not just iPhones.

Method 2: Diving into the Settings App

This is another reliable way to find your IMEI, especially if you don’t have access to the phone app:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on General.
3. Tap on About.
4. Scroll down until you see the IMEI listed.

Method 3: Checking the SIM Tray

On some iPhone models, the IMEI (or, more accurately, the IMEI2 which applies to the eSIM if your phone uses one) is printed on the SIM tray. This is particularly common on older models. Eject the SIM tray using a SIM ejector tool (or a straightened paperclip in a pinch) and carefully inspect it. Look for a small, printed number.

Method 4: Examining the Back of the iPhone (Older Models)

For certain older iPhones, the IMEI is physically printed on the back casing. Specifically, this was the case for the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone SE (1st generation), iPhone 5s, and iPhone 5c. Check the back of your device carefully.

Method 5: Accessing Your Apple ID Account Online

If you’ve lost your iPhone or can’t access it directly, you might still be able to find the IMEI through your Apple ID account:

1. Go to appleid.apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID.
2. Scroll down to the Devices section.
3. Click on your iPhone.
4. The IMEI will be displayed in the device information.

Method 6: iTunes or Finder (If You’ve Synced)

If you’ve previously synced your iPhone with iTunes (on a PC) or Finder (on a Mac running macOS Catalina or later), you can find the IMEI there:

iTunes (PC):

1. Open iTunes.
2. Connect your iPhone to your computer.
3. Click on the iPhone icon when it appears in iTunes.
4. On the Summary tab, click on Phone Number to cycle through the information until the IMEI is displayed.

Finder (macOS Catalina and later):

1. Open Finder.
2. Connect your iPhone to your computer.
3. Select your iPhone in the Finder sidebar.
4. Click on Phone Number to cycle through the information until the IMEI is displayed.

Method 7: Original Packaging

If you still have the original box your iPhone came in, the IMEI is usually printed on a sticker on the box.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about finding your iPhone’s IMEI:

1. What’s the difference between IMEI and Serial Number?

While both are unique identifiers, the IMEI is specific to mobile devices and identifies the physical hardware connected to a mobile network. The Serial Number is a manufacturer’s identifier for a specific device, regardless of its connectivity. Think of the IMEI as the phone’s mobile network ID, and the Serial Number as its overall manufacturing ID.

2. Can I find the IMEI if my iPhone is completely dead?

If your iPhone is completely unresponsive and you haven’t synced it with iTunes/Finder or saved the original packaging, finding the IMEI becomes challenging. Your best bet is to check your Apple ID account online (if you’ve signed in with that iPhone previously) or contact Apple Support and provide them with any information you have about your purchase.

3. Is it safe to share my IMEI?

Generally, it’s safe to share your IMEI with trusted parties like Apple Support, your mobile carrier, or potential buyers when selling your device. However, avoid sharing it on public forums or untrusted websites, as it could potentially be used for malicious purposes like spoofing or cloning (although this is rare and technically difficult).

4. What if my iPhone has two IMEI numbers?

Some iPhones, especially newer models with dual SIM functionality (one physical SIM and one eSIM), have two IMEI numbers: IMEI1 (for the physical SIM) and IMEI2 (for the eSIM). You can find both in Settings > General > About.

5. Can I change my IMEI?

No, it is illegal to change or tamper with your iPhone’s IMEI. The IMEI is a unique identifier programmed into the device’s hardware, and altering it is a serious offense.

6. What does it mean if my IMEI is blacklisted?

If your IMEI is blacklisted, it means that your iPhone has been reported as lost or stolen and blocked from connecting to mobile networks by carriers. This prevents unauthorized use of the device.

7. How do I check if my IMEI is blacklisted?

There are several online services that allow you to check the blacklist status of your IMEI. Be cautious when using these services, as some may not be reputable. It’s often best to contact your mobile carrier directly.

8. What should I do if my iPhone is lost or stolen?

Immediately report the loss or theft to your mobile carrier and law enforcement. Provide them with the IMEI to help them blacklist the device and potentially aid in its recovery. Also, consider using Apple’s “Find My” feature to locate, lock, or erase your iPhone remotely.

9. I’m buying a used iPhone; how can I verify the IMEI?

Before purchasing a used iPhone, ask the seller for the IMEI and verify that it’s not blacklisted. Also, check the IMEI in Settings > General > About and physically on the device (if applicable) to ensure they match. This helps avoid purchasing a stolen or counterfeit device.

10. Does resetting my iPhone change the IMEI?

No, resetting your iPhone to factory settings does not change the IMEI. The IMEI is embedded in the hardware and remains constant.

11. Why is my IMEI showing as ‘null’ or ‘00000000000000’?

An invalid IMEI (showing as null or a string of zeros) usually indicates a serious hardware or software issue with the iPhone. This could be due to a damaged baseband chip or other internal problem. Contact Apple Support or an authorized service provider for assistance.

12. Can I use the IMEI to track my iPhone?

The IMEI itself doesn’t provide real-time tracking. However, when you report a lost or stolen iPhone to your carrier, they can use the IMEI in conjunction with other tracking methods to attempt to locate the device. Apple’s “Find My” feature is a more direct and effective way to track your iPhone.