How to Find the IMEI Number on Your iPhone (And Why It Actually Matters)

by Vanessa Ricca, on May 11, 2026

Your iPhone's IMEI number is one of those things you never think about - until you really need it. Whether you're switching networks, reporting a lost phone, or checking if a second-hand iPhone is legit, knowing how to find it (and what it actually means) is genuinely useful.

What is an IMEI and where do i find it on my iPhone?

What Does IMEI Mean for iPhone?

IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It's a unique 15-digit number that identifies your specific iPhone - no two devices have the same one. Think of it like a fingerprint for your phone.

Every iPhone has one (or sometimes two, if it supports dual SIM). It's baked into the hardware, so it stays the same no matter how many times you reset, restore, or change your SIM card.

How to Find the IMEI on Your iPhone

There are a few different ways to find it, depending on what you have access to.

1. On your iPhone, through Settings

This is the easiest option if you still have your iPhone with you:

Open Settings
Tap General
Tap About
Scroll down to find IMEI

You can tap and hold the number to copy it.

2. On your iPhone, from the dialer

Open your Phone app, go to the keypad, and dial:

#06#

Your IMEI (and any other device information) will appear on screen automatically. No need to press call.

3. From the SIM card tray (older models)

On iPhone models from iPhone 6s and earlier, the IMEI is printed directly on the SIM card tray. You'll need the SIM ejector tool (or a paperclip) to pop it out and take a look.

On iPhone 6 and later the IMEI is printed on the back of the device. On iPhone SE (1st generation), it's on the back as well.

4. From the original box

If you kept the box your iPhone came in (good on you), the IMEI is printed on the barcode label on the outside.

5. Through iTunes or Finder on a Mac

Connect your iPhone to your computer
Open iTunes (on Windows or older macOS) or Finder (on macOS Catalina and later)
Click on your device when it appears
Click the phone number or serial number shown under your device name - this toggles between the different identifiers, including IMEI

6. Through your Apple ID account

This one works even if you don't have your iPhone with you:

Go to appleid.apple.com and sign in
Scroll to the Devices section
Select the iPhone you want to check
The IMEI will be listed there

How to Find Your IMEI Without Your iPhone

Lost your iPhone or don't have it to hand? You've still got options:

Your Apple ID account at appleid.apple.com shows IMEI for all registered devices
Your original box has the IMEI printed on the label
Your carrier may have it on file - contact them directly
iTunes or Finder if the phone was ever backed up and synced to a computer

Is iPhone IMEI the Same as Serial Number?

No - and this is a common mix-up. They're two different identifiers:

The IMEI identifies your phone as a piece of mobile network hardware. It's used by carriers and networks.
The Serial number identifies the specific unit as manufactured by Apple. It's used for warranty lookups and repairs.

Both are useful, but they serve different purposes. You'll find both in Settings > General > About.

Why Is an IMEI Check Important?

Knowing your IMEI isn't just a nerdy detail. Here's when it actually matters:

Buying or selling a second-hand iPhone: Running an IMEI check lets you verify whether a phone is stolen, blacklisted, or still locked to a carrier. If you're picking up a refurbed or used iPhone, this is one of the best ways to make sure you're not getting stung. (All iPhones on refurbed.ie go through a thorough quality check before they reach you - but it's always good to know how to do your own research too.)

Reporting a lost or stolen phone: If your iPhone gets lost or stolen, give your IMEI to your network provider. They can block the device so it can't be used on any network, even with a different SIM.

Network unlocking: Some carriers need your IMEI to confirm eligibility before unlocking your phone for use on other networks.

Insurance claims: Most insurers will ask for your IMEI when you file a claim, so it's worth having it noted somewhere safe.

What Does the IMEI Number Tell You?

An IMEI can reveal quite a bit about a device, including:

The device model and manufacturer
Whether the phone has been reported lost or stolen
Whether it's been blacklisted by a carrier
The network it's locked to (if applicable)
In some cases, the country or region it was originally sold in

It doesn't contain your personal data, your contacts, or anything tied to your Apple ID.

FAQs

Can someone do anything with your IMEI number?

Mostly, no - at least not anything directly harmful. Someone with your IMEI can look up publicly available information about the device model. They can't access your personal data, intercept your calls, or take over your account just from the IMEI alone.

That said, it's still worth being careful. In rare cases, IMEI numbers have been used in SIM-swap fraud attempts, where bad actors try to convince a carrier to transfer your number to a new SIM. It's not common, but it's a good reason not to share your IMEI publicly or with anyone you don't trust.

What happens if I give someone my IMEI?

If you share your IMEI with a trusted buyer, seller, or repair shop, there's very little risk. It's normal for second-hand phone transactions - it lets the buyer verify the phone's history.

Sharing it with a random stranger online or posting it publicly is a different story. In that case, someone could use it to report the phone as stolen (incorrectly), which could get your device blocked. Keep it private unless you have a good reason to share it.

Is it safe to share IMEI and serial number?

Sharing with someone you trust for a legitimate reason - like selling your phone or getting it repaired - is generally fine. Avoid sharing it publicly or with people you don't know. Your serial number carries similar considerations.

What can be accessed through an IMEI number?

Someone with your IMEI can look up basic device information and check it against stolen device databases. They can't access your photos, messages, apps, or Apple ID. Your personal data lives in your account and on your device - not in the IMEI.

Can police track an iPhone with an IMEI number?

Yes. Law enforcement agencies can work with mobile networks to track a device using its IMEI. This is one of the main reasons you should report your IMEI to your carrier immediately if your iPhone is lost or stolen. The carrier can flag the device, making it harder for whoever has it to use it.

Can you tell if someone is remotely accessing your iPhone?

The IMEI itself won't tell you this. If you're worried about unauthorised access to your iPhone, check your Apple ID account for unrecognised devices, review your iCloud security settings, and consider enabling Lockdown Mode if you think you're being targeted. Unusual battery drain, background data usage, or unfamiliar apps can also be signs worth looking into.

Why would someone ask for an IMEI number on an iPhone?

Legitimate reasons include: buying or selling the device, checking if it's stolen, unlocking it from a carrier, or processing a repair or insurance claim. If someone's asking for your IMEI and you're not sure why, it's fair to ask before handing it over.

How to check if an iPhone is 100% original?

There's no single test for this, but an IMEI check is one of the most reliable steps. You can check the IMEI against Apple's own coverage checker at checkcoverage.apple.com to verify the device is genuine Apple hardware and see its warranty status. You can also check the serial number directly with Apple to confirm the model and its service history.

Buying from a reputable source helps too. All refurbed iPhones are inspected and verified before sale, so you're not left guessing.

Quick Summary: How to Find Your iPhone IMEI

Method	Works without iPhone?
Settings > General > About	No
Dial *#06#	No
SIM tray or back of device	No (need physical phone)
Original box	Yes
Apple ID account (appleid.apple.com)	Yes
iTunes / Finder	Yes (if previously synced)

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