Locating your device IMEI is a fundamental skill for any mobile phone user, acting as a unique digital fingerprint for your hardware. This number is essential for tasks such as verifying the authenticity of a device, checking its warranty status, or reporting it stolen to your carrier. Whether you are using an Android smartphone or an iPhone, the process is straightforward once you know where to look. This guide provides multiple reliable methods to help you find IMEI on iPhone and Android devices without relying on third-party software.
Why You Need Your IMEI Number
The IMEI, or International Mobile Equipment Identity, serves as the unique identifier for your specific piece of hardware. You will typically need this 15-digit number when contacting your service provider about a lost phone, as it allows them to blacklist the device globally. Furthermore, it is a critical tool for verifying the legitimacy of a used phone before purchase, ensuring the device is not blacklisted or reported as stolen. Knowing how to find this number quickly can save you time and stress in security-related situations.
Using the Standard USSD Code
The most universal and reliable method to find your IMEI does not require accessing the phone's settings menu at all. By dialing a specific code on your keypad, the number will appear directly on the screen regardless of the operating system. This works even if the screen is locked or the device is not connected to a network.
Steps to Use the USSD Code
Open your phone’s dialer application.
Enter the code *#06#.
Press the call button, and the IMEI number will instantly display on the screen.
Checking Through Device Settings
If you prefer to view the IMEI within the software settings, both iOS and Android provide clear pathways to locate this information. This method is useful if you are already navigating the device settings for other purposes. The steps differ slightly between operating systems, but the end result is the same.
For Apple Devices
To find the IMEI on an iPhone, you must navigate through the Settings app. This number is often referred to as the "Serial Number" in some views, but it is the unique device identifier you are looking for.
Open the Settings app.
Tap General , then select About .
Scroll down to find the IMEI section. The number will be listed here, often separated into two parts.
For Android Devices
The path on Android phones leads through the Settings menu, usually under the "About Phone" section. The exact wording may vary depending on the manufacturer, such as Samsung or Google Pixel.
Open the Settings app.
Scroll down and tap About Phone or About Device .
Tap Status or IMEI Information .
The IMEI number will be displayed on the screen.
Viewing the Physical SIM Card Tray
Many devices print the IMEI number directly on the SIM card tray or on a sticker beneath it. This serves as a physical backup in case you cannot access the software settings. This is particularly handy for verifying the hardware number on a new device.
How to Check the Tray
Locate the small SIM ejector pinhole on the side of the phone.
