how to find imei on iphone
You can find the IMEI on an iPhone in several quick ways, whether you have the phone with you or not.
Quick answer: easiest methods
- Settings app: Open Settings → General → About and scroll down to IMEI/MEID.
- Phone keypad: Dial
*#06#in the Phone app; the IMEI appears automatically.
- Apple ID website: Go to appleid.apple.com , sign in, open Devices , select your iPhone, and view the IMEI.
1. Using the iPhone itself
In Settings (most common)
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap General → About.
- Scroll down until you see IMEI/MEID (or IMEI on some models).
- Tap and hold the number to Copy , then paste it wherever needed (e.g., carrier form, trade‑in site).
Using the Phone app (fast shortcut)
- Open the Phone app.
- On the keypad, type
*#06#.
- A small popup will show your IMEI ; you can note it or take a screenshot.
2. On the physical device
- SIM tray: For many iPhones, the IMEI is engraved on the SIM tray ; pop it out and look on the side that faces the phone.
- Back of older models: On some older iPhones (e.g., iPhone 6 and earlier), the IMEI/MEID is printed on the back under the model info.
3. Using a computer
On a Mac (Finder)
- Connect your iPhone to the Mac with a USB cable.
- Open Finder , then click your iPhone under Locations.
- In the General tab, click any info line (like phone number) to reveal Serial Number and IMEI/MEID.
On a Windows PC (iTunes)
- Install or open iTunes , then connect your iPhone.
- Click the iPhone icon in the top‑left.
- Go to Summary , then click Phone Number to show the IMEI/MEID.
4. If you don’t have the iPhone
Via Apple ID account
- Open a browser and go to appleid.apple.com.
- Sign in with the Apple ID used on the iPhone.
- Click Devices , select your iPhone, and scroll down to see Serial Number and IMEI/MEID.
From another Apple device
- On another iPhone/iPad signed in with the same Apple ID, open Settings → [Your name].
- Scroll to Devices , tap your iPhone, and check its details for IMEI/MEID.
Handy tips
- The IMEI is a 15‑digit number (sometimes 16 on newer models) and should be entered exactly, so use Copy/Paste when possible.
- You’ll usually need the IMEI when unlocking the phone , checking if it’s blacklisted, or trading it in.
Methods at a glance
| Method | Where you need the phone? | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Settings → General → About | Yes | Very fast |
Dial *#06# |
Yes | Fastest (5 seconds) |
| Apple ID account page | No | Fast |
| Finder (Mac) or iTunes (PC) | Yes (connected) | Medium |
| SIM tray / back of phone | Yes | Instant (if visible) |