Knowing how to find out IMEI number on iPhone is essential for security, insurance, and device verification. This unique 15-digit identifier acts as a digital fingerprint for your device, allowing carriers and authorities to blacklist or track a stolen phone. Whether you need the number to report a loss, unlock your device, or verify a second-hand purchase, accessing this information is straightforward. This guide provides multiple reliable methods to locate your IMEI, ensuring you can retrieve it quickly in any situation.
Why the IMEI Number Matters
The IMEI, or International Mobile Equipment Identity, is a critical piece of information specific to your hardware. It is separate from your SIM card and your Apple ID, meaning it remains with the device permanently. If your phone is lost or stolen, providing this number to your carrier allows them to block the device from connecting to any network, rendering it useless to thieves. Furthermore, it is vital for checking warranty status, verifying genuine Apple parts, and ensuring compatibility with cellular networks worldwide.
Method 1: Using the Settings App
The most common way to find out IMEI number on iPhone is through the Settings menu. This method requires you to have physical access to your device and its unlock screen. The steps are intuitive and do not require any technical knowledge, making it accessible for all users.
Open the Settings app on your home screen.
Tap on General at the top of the menu.
Scroll down and select About .
Scroll through the list of information until you see the field labeled IMEI .
Method 2: The Emergency Call Trick
If you do not have access to the home screen, perhaps because the screen is cracked or the device is not unlocking, you can still retrieve the IMEI. This method leverages the phone's emergency call interface, which displays device information before you actually place a call. It is a useful backup option that works even when the phone is locked.
Navigate to your iPhone’s dialer screen as if you are going to make a call.
Type in *#06# just like you would a phone number.
Without tapping the call button, the IMEI number will instantly appear on the screen.
Locating the IMEI on the Physical Device
For situations where the software is completely inaccessible, the IMEI is also printed directly on the SIM card tray. This physical engraving provides a failsafe method for retrieval. You will need the SIM ejector tool (or a paperclip) to open the tray, but the process is simple.
Checking Your Apple ID and Original Documentation
If you prefer not to touch the hardware or navigate menus, you can find out IMEI number on iPhone through your Apple account. When you first set up the device, Apple links the IMEI to your account for activation and security purposes. You can also refer to the original sales receipt or the small card that came in the SIM tray, where the number is often printed for warranty purposes.
