How to Find the IMEI on iPhone, Android and a Missing Phone

Knowing where to find a phone’s IMEI is essential when registering a device, reporting loss or theft, contacting an operator, making an insurance claim, requesting manufacturer support or checking a used phone before purchase. The process is usually simple when the phone is in your hand, but owners can often recover the identifier even after the device is missing.

Quick answer: dial *#06#

On many phones, the fastest method is to open the phone dialer and enter *#06#. The device may immediately display IMEI 1, IMEI 2 and other identifiers. You normally do not need to press the call button.

Write the digits carefully or save a screenshot in secure storage. Do not publish the screenshot on social media because it may expose the complete identifier.

How to find IMEI on iPhone

Apple’s official instructions place the identifier in the About screen:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General.
3. Tap About.
4. Scroll until you see IMEI or IMEI/MEID.
5. Touch and hold the number if you need to copy it into an authorized form.

Depending on the iPhone model, identifiers may also appear on the SIM tray, original packaging, purchase record or Apple account. Do not assume every model prints the number in the same physical location.

How to find IMEI on Android

Android menu names differ by manufacturer and software version, but the normal path is:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap About phone or About device.
3. Look for IMEI, Device identifiers, Status or IMEI information.

Google’s guidance for Pixel phones shows the IMEI under Settings > About phone. Samsung, Xiaomi, OPPO, vivo, realme, Motorola and other manufacturers may label the menu slightly differently.

How to find IMEI 2 on a dual-SIM phone

A dual-SIM phone may display IMEI 1 and IMEI 2. Google explains that one identifier may be associated with each SIM slot. In Android settings, look for labels such as:

• IMEI (SIM slot 1);
• IMEI (SIM slot 2);
• IMEI 1 and IMEI 2;
• Primary and secondary IMEI.

Record both when registering or reporting the device. If only one number is documented, the second cellular identity may be omitted from the case record.

Find IMEI on the original retail box

The retail box usually has a label containing the model, colour, storage, serial number, barcodes and one or more IMEIs. Compare this label with the phone settings. All digits should match.

A mismatch can occur after an authorized replacement, a box mix-up or incorrect paperwork, but it can also indicate a risky transaction. Ask for evidence before buying. Use the used-phone buying checklist.

Find IMEI on an invoice or receipt

Some retailers and operators print the IMEI on the invoice, financing agreement or service record. Search email for the retailer name, order number, model or terms such as “IMEI”, “device identifier” and “serial number”.

A payment receipt without the device identifier may still support ownership, but an invoice that includes the IMEI is stronger evidence because it connects the transaction to a specific device.

Find IMEI on the SIM tray

Some phones engrave or print the IMEI on the SIM tray. Remove the tray carefully in good light and use magnification if necessary. Do not force the tray, and do not rely on this method if the phone is missing.

Find IMEI through an Apple account

If an iPhone is no longer available, the owner may be able to review devices associated with the Apple account. Apple also documents other places where serial, EID, IMEI/MEID or ICCID may be found. Follow Apple’s current support instructions and use the account owner’s authenticated access.

Find IMEI through Google or Find Hub

Google’s official support explains that the IMEI may be available in phone settings or through its device-finding tools for supported devices. Access requires the appropriate Google account. Menu names and supported information can change, so follow the current official interface.

Find IMEI through the mobile operator

An operator may have the identifier associated with a device sale, installment plan, insurance record or network history. The operator will normally verify the account holder before disclosing information. Prepare the mobile number, account identity, purchase date and any available receipt.

Find IMEI from insurance or repair records

Insurance policies, claim documents and authorized repair receipts may contain the IMEI or serial number. Search cloud storage, email and paper records. A previous screen-replacement invoice can become useful evidence after a later loss.

What if the IMEI is not 15 digits?

Recheck the label and make sure you are not copying the serial number, ICCID or EID. A standard IMEI is normally 15 digits. A barcode label may contain several long numbers close together.

What if the IMEI in settings does not match the box?

Do not ignore the difference. Possible explanations include:

• the wrong box was supplied;
• the phone was replaced under warranty or insurance;
• the main board was changed during repair;
• the paperwork contains an error;
• the phone or identifier has been manipulated.

Ask for replacement documentation or manufacturer records. A seller who refuses reasonable verification is a serious warning sign.

How to store an IMEI safely

• Save it in an encrypted password manager or secure document store.
• Keep photographs of the box and invoice.
• Record both IMEIs on dual-SIM phones.
• Keep the serial number and purchase date with it.
• Create a device registration before an incident.

IMEI Alert allows owners to maintain a structured record and submit an emergency report later. Learn why registration helps before a phone is lost.

When you should provide the IMEI

Provide the complete identifier only when there is a legitimate need, such as:

• mobile operator support;
• manufacturer or authorized repair support;
• insurance or finance documentation;
• police or authorized authority report;
• secure ownership registration;
• a careful used-phone transaction.

When you should not provide it

Do not send it to strangers promising live tracking, remote unlocking or guaranteed blacklist removal. Never provide passwords, one-time codes or banking details alongside the IMEI. Read the tracking scam guide.

Sources and further reading

• Apple: Find serial number, EID, IMEI/MEID or ICCID
• Google: Find device serial number and IMEI
• Google: Find, secure or erase a lost Android device