You’re likely here because a trade-in site is asking for a 15-digit string of numbers or your phone just got swiped and the police need a "digital fingerprint." That’s basically what an IMEI is. It stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. Every single iPhone ever made has one, and it’s unique. Think of it as your phone’s Social Security number. If you're trying to figure out how do you find the imei number on an iphone, don't stress. It's actually buried in about five different places, some of which don't even require the phone to be turned on.
Honestly, people overcomplicate this. You don’t need to be a "tech bro" to find it. Whether you’re holding a brand new iPhone 16 or an ancient iPhone 6s you found in a junk drawer, the process is mostly the same, though Apple has moved the physical location of the numbers over the years just to keep us on our toes.
The Settings Method (The Path of Least Resistance)
If your screen works and you haven't forgotten your passcode, this is the way to go. It’s the most reliable method because it pulls the data directly from the logic board. Open your Settings app. Tap General. Then tap About.
Scroll down. Keep going past the serial number and the model name. You’ll eventually hit a section labeled Physical SIM (or just "Primary" if you're using an eSIM). There it is. A long, slightly intimidating 15-digit number.
Pro tip: if you press and hold your finger on those numbers, a little "Copy" bubble pops up. Use it. Manually typing fifteen digits is a recipe for disaster and one typo means the trade-in company will reject your quote.
The Dialer Code: A Classic Industry Secret
There is a "secret" code that works on almost every mobile phone on the planet, not just iPhones. It’s a legacy feature from the early GSM days. Open your Phone app and go to the Keypad.
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Type in *#06#.
You don't even have to hit the call button. As soon as you hit that final pound sign, a screen should overlay your dialer showing your EID, IMEI, and IMEI2. This is arguably the fastest way if you're in a hurry. It works because it bypasses the standard UI layers and queries the cellular modem directly.
When the Screen is Smashed or the Power is Dead
What if your iPhone is a literal brick? Maybe you dropped it off a pier or the battery expanded and it won't boot. You can't get into Settings. You can't dial a code.
You still have options.
For most modern iPhones—specifically everything from the iPhone 6s up to the iPhone 13—the IMEI is actually etched into the SIM tray. You’ll need a paperclip or that little SIM tool that came in the box. Pop the tray out. You might need a magnifying glass or a very bright desk lamp because the text is microscopic.
The Shift to eSIM
If you have an iPhone 14, 15, or 16 purchased in the United States, you're going to notice something annoying: there is no SIM tray. Apple went all-in on eSIM. In this case, you can't look at the tray because it doesn't exist.
Check the original packaging. If you’re the type of person who keeps your tech boxes in a closet (guilty), the IMEI is printed on a white barcode sticker on the back of the box.
Finding the IMEI via iCloud or Another Device
Apple's ecosystem is actually helpful here. If you have an iPad or a Mac signed into the same Apple Account (formerly Apple ID), you can find the iPhone's details there.
On a Mac, go to System Settings, click your name, and scroll down to your list of devices. Click on the iPhone in question. A small window will pop up with the serial number and the IMEI. On an iPad, it’s the same deal: Settings > [Your Name] > Scroll down to the device.
If you don't have another Apple device, go to https://www.google.com/search?q=appleid.apple.com on any web browser. Log in. Look for the "Devices" section. It's all there. This is a lifesaver if your phone was stolen and you need the number for an insurance claim or a police report.
Why Does This Number Actually Matter?
It's not just a random serial. The IMEI is used by the GSMA (the global organization for mobile operators) to manage a massive database of "blacklisted" devices.
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If you report your phone as stolen, your carrier adds your IMEI to this blacklist. Once that happens, the phone is effectively a paperweight. It won't connect to any cellular network in most countries, even if the thief swaps the SIM card. This is why second-hand buyers always ask "is the IMEI clean?" They’re checking to see if the phone was reported stolen or if there's an unpaid balance on the device.
Variations and Secondary Numbers
You might see something called IMEI2. Don't panic; your phone isn't a clone.
Modern iPhones support Dual SIM (usually one physical SIM and one eSIM, or two eSIMs). Each "line" needs its own unique identifier. If you’re unlocking your phone to move to a different carrier, they might ask for both, though usually, the primary IMEI is enough.
There is also the MEID. This is basically the same number but minus the last digit. It’s an older standard used by CDMA networks (like the old Verizon and Sprint networks). Nowadays, sticking to the 15-digit IMEI is the standard practice.
Common Misconceptions and Pitfalls
Some people think the Serial Number and the IMEI are interchangeable. They aren't.
- Serial Number: Used by Apple for warranty and repair tracking.
- IMEI: Used by carriers for network access and theft tracking.
If you call Apple for a screen repair, they want the serial. If you call T-Mobile because your service is out, they want the IMEI.
Another weird quirk? The iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, and the original iPhone SE actually had the IMEI engraved on the back of the metal case. Apple stopped doing this because it looked "cluttered," but if you're rocking a vintage device, just flip it over and squint.
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Technical Next Steps
Once you have that number, what do you do with it?
If you are buying a used iPhone, take that IMEI and plug it into a free "IMEI Checker" online. Sites like Swappa or even the CTIA’s Stolen Phone Checker are great. They will tell you if the device is activation locked or blacklisted.
If you are selling your phone, never post a photo of your IMEI publicly on eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Scammers can sometimes use your valid IMEI to "clone" it onto a stolen device or report it as stolen just to mess with you. Only provide it to a serious buyer once they've committed to the purchase or use a secure platform.
Keep a record of your IMEI in a secure place—like a password manager or a physical notebook. You hope you never need it, but the day you do, you'll be glad you don't have to go hunting for a tiny SIM tray in the dark.
Troubleshooting Search Issues
Sometimes, the Settings menu might glitch and show "Unknown" for the IMEI. This usually points to a hardware failure with the cellular baseband. If you see this, and your phone also says "No Service" or "Searching," you’re likely looking at a logic board issue that requires a professional repair. In that case, the physical engraving or the original box is your only hope.
Double-check the digits. It’s easy to mistake a '0' for an 'O', but remember: the IMEI is a numerical-only string. No letters allowed. If you see a letter, you're looking at the Model Number or the Serial Number by mistake.
To wrap things up, finding that 15-digit code is really just about knowing where to look based on the state of your device. Use the Settings menu if you can, the dialer code if you're fast, the SIM tray if it's dead, and the iCloud website if the phone is gone.