How to find your phone’s IMEI number

IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity and serves as a unique identifier for your device. Major worldwide carriers that use Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) rely on an IMEI number to track your lost device in seconds. An IMEI number is important and can be used for different purposes. Whether you have an iPhone or anAndroid phone, use the methods below to glance over your phone’s IMEI number in no time.

The Honor Magic V2 and the Google Pixel 8 Pro next to each other with the screens turned on

Decoding IMEI numbers: A guide to your phone’s unique identifier

Phone app showing IMEI code dialing

Why do you need to know your phone’s IMEI number?

Knowing your phone’s IMEI number comes in handy in specific situations. These IMEI numbers are unique, hard to alter, and associated with your phone.

Dialer app on phone

If your phone is lost or stolen, you’re able to contact your local carrier, share the IMEI number, and blocklist the device to make it useless. Your phone can’t use the operator’s network anymore. Your local authorities can also use the unique identifier to locate the stolen device.

Find IMEI number

When you contact your carrier customer representative about a device problem, the person may ask for an IMEI number to start the diagnosis process. Your phone manufacturer also asks for an IMEI number when you make a warranty claim.

About phone menu on Android

You may notice that your device’s IMEI has 17 digits instead of 15. Your carrier may add two extra digits to spot your device on the network.

Locate IMEI number on Android

Use the Dialer or Phone app

you’re able to find your phone IMEI number using the Phone app. It’s the most straightforward and universal way to locate the IMEI number.

About menu on iPhone

Note your device’s IMEI number. This trick works on iPhone, Android, and other feature phones.

IMEI number on iPhone

Check the device’s Settings menu

you’re able to find your phone’s IMEI number from the Settings menu. Let’s start with the stock Android.

About phone menu on Samsung phone

How to find the IMEI number on an Android

How to find the IMEI number on an iPhone

How to find the IMEI number on Samsung phones

Samsung uses a different Settings menu on the One UI Android skin. If you have a Galaxy phone, check the steps below to find the IMEI number.

IMEI number on Samsung phone

Check the IMEI number on the phone’s back

Some manufacturers put the device’s IMEI number on the back. Since most OEMs prefer a clean look on the device, they engrave the number under the SIM tray. Pull out the SIM tray to find your IMEI number.

Find my device settings

Check the retail box

You’ll also find the device IMEI number on the retail box. The original packaging may have a sticker on the side with an IMEI number and other details.

IMEI number on Find My device

Check your device invoice

Pull up your device invoice and check the IMEI number. Retailers usually print or write down the IMEI number on an invoice.

Apple devices on the web

Find the IMEI number on a removable battery

If your Android has a removable battery, you’ll find the IMEI number on the device cell. Remove your phone’s back cover, pull out the battery, and look for 15 digits.

IMEI number on Apple account

Find your Android phone IMEI using Find My Device

Apart from locating your lost Android phone, Find My Device helps you find the IMEI number.

Open Apple account profile

Check your iPhone IMEI number from your Apple account

iPhone users have several options to check the IMEI number. you may access your Apple account on the web and find the IMEI number without picking up the phone.

Select an iPhone model in iOS Settings

Find your iPhone IMEI number from another iOS device

If you have another iPhone running the same Apple account, use the steps below to find the IMEI number.

IMEI number on iPhone

Check your iPhone IMEI number from the Mac Finder menu

Do you frequently connect your iPhone to your Mac? Use the default Finder app to glance over the IMEI number in seconds.

Finder menu on Mac

Jot down those 15 digits

As you’re able to see from the list above, there are several ways to find your phone’s unique identifier. After you locate it, write it down on a piece of paper or anote-taking appof your choice so that you don’t have to look for your phone’s retail box.

Find IMEI number using Finder

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