The IMEI is a 15-digit number that identifies your individual phone on mobile networks around the world. You need it to order an unlock code, to have a lost or stolen handset blocked, or to check a second-hand phone before you hand over any money. This guide shows every common place to find it.
What is an IMEI number?
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It is a 15-digit number given to each phone, and to each SIM slot in a dual-SIM phone, when it is made. The first eight digits identify the make and model, the next six identify the individual unit, and the final digit is a check digit that helps catch typing errors.
Networks use the IMEI to recognise the handset, separately from the SIM card inside it. That is why moving your SIM to another phone does not move the IMEI with it, and why unlock services always ask for the phone’s number rather than your mobile number.
How do I find my IMEI by dialling *#06#?
Open the phone’s dialler, the app you use to make calls, and type *#06#. On almost every mobile phone the IMEI appears on screen without you pressing call. Dual-SIM phones show two numbers, usually labelled IMEI 1 and IMEI 2. Write the number down or take a screenshot, and check each digit before you use it.
Some screens also show an IMEI SV, a two-digit software version, or a 16-digit IMEISV. For an unlock order, give the standard 15-digit IMEI and leave out any slashes or spaces.
Where is the IMEI on each type of phone?
Every phone stores the IMEI in its settings, and most also have it printed somewhere you can reach without switching on. The exact menu differs by brand and software version, so use the table below as a starting point. If one location does not work, try the next one, or simply dial *#06# from the phone’s keypad instead.
| Phone type | In the settings | Printed on the device or packaging |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone | Settings > General > About, then scroll to IMEI | The SIM tray on many models, and the original box |
| Samsung Galaxy | Settings > About phone | The box label, and on some models the SIM tray |
| Other Android phones | Settings > About phone, sometimes under Status or SIM status | The box, or a label under the battery on older models |
| BlackBerry and older keypad phones | Options or Settings, under device or status information | A sticker under the battery |
| USB modems and mobile Wi-Fi | The connection software or the device’s settings page | A label on the casing or under the cover |
On an iPhone you can press and hold the IMEI line in About to copy it, which avoids retyping. Android phones signed in to a Google account also list the IMEI in Google’s Find My Device service on the web.
How can I find the IMEI if my phone will not switch on?
Look at the original box first. Most manufacturers print the IMEI on a label near the barcode. On many iPhones it is also engraved on the SIM tray, which you can slide out with a SIM tool. Older handsets with removable batteries usually carry a sticker underneath the battery listing the IMEI.
Your purchase receipt or the paperwork from your network may also include the number. If you bought the phone on contract, your network can often look it up from your account.
When should I share my IMEI, and with whom?
Share your IMEI only when there is a clear reason, such as ordering an unlock, reporting a theft or getting a repair, and only with a business you trust. The number on its own cannot take control of your phone, but it is personal to your handset, so never post it in public forums, marketplace listings or social media.
When you are ready to unlock, browse our unlock codes, or follow our brand guides for iPhone, Samsung, HTC and BlackBerry. Modems and dongles are covered in our ZTE guide.
How do I use an IMEI to check a second-hand phone?
Ask the seller to dial *#06# in front of you and compare the result with the number on the box and in the settings. If all three match, you are looking at the original handset. Then put the IMEI into an online IMEI checker, which shows whether the phone has been reported lost, stolen or blocked by a network.
A blocked IMEI cannot be fixed with a network unlock, so this check is worth doing before you pay. If the phone turns out to be locked to a network but is otherwise clean, an unlock code solves that.
Frequently asked questions
Is the IMEI the same as the serial number?
No. The maker sets the serial number for its own records, while the IMEI is the identity networks use. That is why networks and unlock services want the IMEI rather than the serial.
Why does my phone show two IMEIs?
Dual-SIM phones have one IMEI for each SIM slot. Either one identifies the handset, but most unlock services ask for the first, normally labelled IMEI 1.
What if *#06# does nothing?
Make sure you typed it in the phone dialler and not in a messaging app or calculator. If nothing appears, use the settings menu or the box.
Can I change my phone’s IMEI?
No. Altering an IMEI is a criminal offence in the UK. If a number on screen does not match the box, ask questions before buying the phone.