Easily find the IMEI on any iPhone (models 11-17) with our complete guide. Discover how to check the IMEI via dial code (*#06#), Settings, the SIM tray, or even if your phone is lost, broken, or locked.
How to Find IMEI on iPhone: 5 Simple Methods
How to Find IMEI on iPhone: 5 Simple Methods
How to Find IMEI on iPhone: A Complete Guide for All Models (11–17)
You can find your iPhone’s International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) quickly by checking the Settings menu, dialing a short code, or looking at the physical device itself. Whether your phone is perfectly functional, has a broken screen, or is currently missing, knowing this unique 15-digit number is essential. You will need it for insurance claims, checking if a phone is blacklisted, unlocking your device for a new carrier, or selling the device. This guide covers all methods for iPhone models ranging from the iPhone 11 up to the iPhone 16 and 17, tailored for 2026 standards.
Summary
This article guides you through every method to locate the IMEI number on your iPhone. You will learn the standard digital methods like using the Settings app and the universal dial code. We also explain where to look on the hardware itself, depending on whether you have an older model with a SIM tray or a newer eSIM-only model like the iPhone 17. Finally, you will find solutions for retrieving the IMEI if your phone is lost, stolen, or locked on the “Hello” screen.
TLDR
- Fastest Method: Dial
*#06#on your keypad to see the IMEI instantly. - Standard Method: Go to Settings > General > About and scroll down.
- Hardware Check: Look on the SIM tray (iPhone 13 and older) or the original box (iPhone 14–17).
- Locked Phone: Tap the “i” icon on the “Hello” screen after a reset.
- Lost Phone: Log in to appleid.apple.com or check the barcode on the original packaging.
What is an IMEI Number on iPhone?
An IMEI number is a unique 15-digit serial number specifically designed to identify your device on mobile networks. Unlike a standard manufacturer serial number which identifies the build for warranty purposes, the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) connects the physical hardware to the cellular grid. It is the fingerprint of your phone’s cellular radio.
It is important to note that modern iPhones, specifically from the iPhone 11 through the current iPhone 17 series, often feature Dual SIM capabilities. Because these phones can handle two distinct cellular plans (usually via a physical SIM and an eSIM, or dual eSIMs), your device will possess two unique numbers: IMEI and IMEI2. Both function the same way, but they represent the two different digital “slots” available on your phone.
How to Find IMEI on iPhone in Settings
If your iPhone is unlocked and the display is working, checking the Settings app is the most reliable way to find your identifier. This method allows you to easily copy and paste the number if you are filling out an online form.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap on General.
- Select About at the very top of the list.
- Scroll down past the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth addresses until you see the section labeled “Physical SIM” or “eSIM.”
- Locate the 15-digit number listed next to IMEI.
💡 Pro Tip: You do not need to write the number down manually. Simply press and hold your finger on the IMEI number for a second, and a “Copy” option will appear.
How to Find IMEI Using the Dial Code (*#06#)
This is the universal method that works on virtually every mobile phone, not just iPhones. It is incredibly fast and requires no menu navigation.
📞
The Universal Code:
Open your Phone app, tap on Keypad, and type: *#06#
Open your Phone app, tap on Keypad, and type: *#06#
You do not need to press the green “Call” button. As soon as you type the last hash (#), a gray “Device Info” screen will automatically slide up from the bottom, displaying your IMEI, EID, and IMEI2 barcodes. You can take a screenshot of this screen for your records.
Where to Find IMEI Physically on the Device
If your phone will not turn on, or the screen is broken, you can look for the number printed on the hardware itself. However, the location depends heavily on which model year you own.
Older Models (iPhone 6s – iPhone 13)
For these devices, the IMEI is laser-etched onto the SIM card tray.
To view it, use a SIM removal tool (or a paperclip) to eject the tray from the side of the phone. Look very closely at the underside of the tray. The text is small, so you may need a magnifying glass or a different phone’s camera to read it clearly.
Newer Models (iPhone 14 – iPhone 17)
Most US models in this range are eSIM-only and do not have a SIM tray.
Because there is no tray to print on, Apple does not print the IMEI on the back glass anymore. For these models, if the phone is dead, you must rely on the original packaging box (see the section below) or your Apple ID account.
How to Find IMEI on iPhone Without the Phone
If your device is lost, stolen, or completely destroyed, you obviously cannot access the settings or the hardware. Fortunately, you have two reliable backups.
- 1. Check the Original Packaging
- Locate the white retail box your iPhone came in. Flip it over and look at the barcode sticker on the bottom. You will see several numbers listed; look for the one labeled IMEI/MEID. This is often the easiest way to prove ownership for insurance claims.
- 2. Using Apple ID (Web Browser)
-
You can find the IMEI of any device logged into your iCloud account from a computer or a friend’s phone.
- Go to appleid.apple.com and sign in.
- Click on Devices in the sidebar.
- Select your specific iPhone model.
- A pop-up will display the device’s Serial Number and IMEI.
How to Find IMEI on iPhone When Locked or Reset
Sometimes you may have a device that is functional but inaccessible, either because it has been factory reset or because it is disabled.
From the “Hello” Screen (After Factory Reset)
If you are looking at a phone that has just been wiped and is sitting on the initial “Hello” setup screen in various languages, you do not need to activate it to find the ID.
Look at the bottom right corner of the screen for a small “i” inside a circle (Info button). Tap this button. The screen will flip to display the regulatory information, including the IMEI and Serial Number.
Using a Computer (Finder or iTunes)
If the screen is broken but the phone still powers on, connect it to a computer via USB-C or Lightning cable.
- On Mac (macOS Catalina or later): Open Finder. Select your iPhone in the sidebar. Click the text under your iPhone’s name (where it says “iPhone 16” or similar). Each click will cycle through information: Model > Serial > IMEI.
- On Windows or older Mac: Open iTunes. Click the phone icon. Click on “Phone Number” under the summary tab to cycle through to the IMEI.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I find the IMEI on an iPhone if it won’t turn on?
Yes. If you have an iPhone 13 or older, check the engraved text on the SIM tray. For iPhone 14 through iPhone 17 (or if you don’t have the tray), check the barcode on the original retail box or log in to appleid.apple.com to view your device details.
Is the Serial Number the same as the IMEI?
No. The Serial Number is used by Apple for warranty status, AppleCare+, and repair tracking. The IMEI is used by cellular carriers to identify the device on their network. You cannot use a Serial Number to check if a phone is blacklisted by a carrier.
Why do I have two IMEI numbers?
If you see an IMEI and an IMEI2, your iPhone supports Dual SIM. This is standard on models from iPhone XS/XR all the way through the iPhone 17. It allows you to have two active phone numbers on one device (e.g., one for work and one for personal use), each requiring its own unique network identifier.
Is it safe to share my IMEI number?
You should generally keep your IMEI private to prevent potential cloning or fraud. However, if you are selling your device, the buyer will legitimately need the IMEI to verify that the phone is not stolen, blacklisted, or carrier-locked. In this specific selling scenario, it is standard practice to share it.
Written by
Conor Byrne
