How to Find and Check an IMEI Number on Any Phone
How to Find and Check Your IMEI Number
30-second answer: Open the phone dialer and enter *#06#. The 15-digit IMEI appears automatically. You can also find it in Settings, on the retail box, and sometimes on the SIM tray. After finding it, use the IMEI to validate the number, identify the brand and model, and compare the reports available for that device.
This guide explains the difference between finding an IMEI, validating its format, identifying the device from TAC data, and ordering a report for a specific status field.
What Is an IMEI Number?
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It is a unique 15-digit number permanently assigned to every mobile device — think of it as the phone's fingerprint. No two phones share the same IMEI. Carriers and law enforcement use IMEI numbers to track, block, and identify devices. When a phone is reported stolen, carriers can add its IMEI to a blacklist that prevents it from connecting to any network.
Finding the correct IMEI is useful for:
- Matching a used phone with its box, invoice, and seller listing
- Reporting a lost or stolen device to a carrier or police
- Selecting a report for a specific question such as blacklist, carrier lock, warranty, or iCloud status
Method 1: Dial *#06# (Works on All Phones)
The fastest way to find your IMEI on any phone — iPhone, Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola, Nokia, or any other brand — is to open the dialer and type *#06#. You do not need to press call; the IMEI number appears on the screen automatically within a second.
On dual-SIM phones, you will see IMEI 1 and IMEI 2. Each cellular identity can have a different status, so record and check both when evaluating a used phone.
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Method 2: Check Phone Settings (iPhone)
On an iPhone, go to Settings → General → About and scroll down until you see the IMEI field. If your iPhone supports dual SIM or an eSIM, you will see IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 listed separately. Tap and hold on the number to copy it without mistyping.
For older iPhones (6s and earlier), the IMEI is also engraved on the SIM tray. On iPhone 4 and earlier, it is printed on the back cover.
Method 3: Check Phone Settings (Samsung & Android)
On Samsung Galaxy devices, go to Settings → About phone → Status information → IMEI information. On stock Android (Google Pixel, Motorola, OnePlus), go to Settings → About phone → IMEI information or Settings → About phone → Status. The exact path varies slightly by brand and Android version, but IMEI is always somewhere inside "About phone."
On Xiaomi and Redmi devices: Settings → About phone → All specs, then scroll to the IMEI section. On Realme and OPPO devices: Settings → About device → IMEI.
Method 4: Physical Inspection
Several places on the physical device show the IMEI:
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- SIM tray: On most iPhones from 4s to 14 Pro, the IMEI is laser-engraved on the SIM card tray. Eject the tray and look closely with good lighting.
- Retail box: Every phone box has a label with the IMEI printed under the barcode. If you still have the original packaging, this is the most reliable source.
- Under the back cover: On older Android phones with removable batteries, the IMEI sticker is usually inside the battery compartment.
- Purchase receipt or invoice: Many carriers and retailers print the IMEI on the sales receipt, especially for insurance purposes.
Method 5: Apple ID / iTunes / Finder (iPhone)
If your iPhone is damaged, lost, or will not turn on, you can find its IMEI without the physical device:
- Sign in to appleid.apple.com, click on your device, and the IMEI is listed under device details.
- Connect the iPhone to a Mac (Finder) or PC (iTunes) — the device summary shows the IMEI when you click on the serial number field.
- On iCloud.com → Find My → select the device — the IMEI may appear in the device information panel.
Method 6: Google Account (Android)
For Android phones, open a browser and go to myaccount.google.com → Security → Your devices. Click on a device and look for the IMEI in the device details. This works even if the phone is currently off or unavailable.
Finding, Validating, Identifying, and Reporting Are Different
These actions are often described as one “IMEI check,” but they answer different questions:
- Find: locate IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 on the phone, box, invoice, or device account.
- Validate: confirm the number has 15 digits and passes its check-digit calculation.
- Identify: use the first eight digits, called the TAC, to retrieve available brand, model, or device-family information.
- Run a status report: query a selected source for listed fields such as blacklist, carrier lock, warranty, iCloud, MDM, or history.
Identify the device and compare available IMEI reports. If you specifically want the daily free sample, use the free IMEI check. Eligible Apple devices may return additional fields when available.
Device Information
The first eight digits form the TAC (Type Allocation Code). Available TAC data can identify a manufacturer, model, or device family, depending on database coverage. It does not always determine storage, color, condition, ownership, or status. Compare the result with the phone's About screen, box, and invoice.
Blacklist / Stolen Status
Blacklist status is not part of a TAC lookup. It requires a report or official source that explicitly covers the relevant blacklist data. Coverage and update timing vary, and a clean result means only that the selected source did not return a record at that time.
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Carrier Lock Status
A carrier-locked phone may be restricted to one network. Check the phone itself when possible, test the SIM you intend to use, contact the responsible carrier, or choose a report that explicitly lists carrier or SIM-lock status. An IMEI report does not unlock the device.
iCloud Activation Lock (iPhone Only)
Apple's Activation Lock can require the previous owner's Apple Account credentials after a reset. Ask the seller to erase the device and complete setup with you before payment. Remote iCloud or Find My fields are separate from TAC identification and appear only in reports that explicitly list them.
Warranty Status
Warranty data comes from manufacturer or supplier sources, not from the TAC itself. Use the manufacturer's support channel or choose a report that explicitly includes warranty fields. Eligible Apple free results may return warranty information when available.
How to Read Your IMEI Check Results
When you receive your IMEI report, here is how to interpret the most common results:
- Clean / Not blacklisted: The selected source did not return a blacklist record at the time of the report. It is not proof of ownership or a future-status guarantee.
- Blacklisted / Blocked: The IMEI is on a carrier or national blacklist. Do not buy this phone — it will likely stop working on networks. If you already own it, contact your carrier to investigate.
- Carrier unlocked: The phone can be used with any compatible network globally. This is ideal for international travel or switching operators.
- Carrier locked: The phone is restricted to a specific carrier. Useful to know before importing or switching networks.
- iCloud locked: The iPhone is tied to an Apple ID. Ask the seller to remove Activation Lock before completing the purchase.
- Warranty active: The manufacturer's warranty is still valid, giving you coverage for hardware defects.
- Model mismatch: Recheck both IMEIs and compare Settings, box, and invoice. A mismatch requires investigation; do not assume a specific cause from TAC data alone.
How to Check IMEI on a Phone You Cannot Turn On
If the phone is broken or does not power on, your options are:
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A quick first look
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Blacklist, lock, warranty, and history signals.
- Check the original box — the IMEI barcode label is on the outside packaging.
- For iPhones, use Apple ID at appleid.apple.com to retrieve the IMEI remotely.
- For Android, check your Google account at myaccount.google.com → Security → Your devices.
- Contact your carrier — if the phone was purchased on a plan, the carrier has the IMEI on file.
- Check your purchase receipt or original email confirmation from the retailer.
How to Check IMEI on a Dual-SIM Phone
Dual-SIM phones have two IMEI numbers, one for each SIM slot. When running an IMEI check for a used phone purchase, check both IMEIs. A seller might show a clean IMEI for slot 1 while slot 2 is blacklisted. Dialing *#06# on a dual-SIM phone displays both IMEIs on one screen.
Frequently Asked Questions About IMEI Checks
Is it safe to share my IMEI for a check?
Yes, sharing your IMEI with a reputable verification service is safe. The IMEI cannot be used to remotely access your phone or personal data. It is essentially a serial number — sharing it is similar to sharing a vehicle registration plate number.
Can an IMEI be changed or cloned?
Legally, no. Deliberately changing an IMEI is illegal in most countries and voids the warranty. Some criminals clone IMEIs, but reputable IMEI check services cross-reference multiple databases, making it more difficult for cloned devices to pass verification.
Does a free IMEI check give complete results?
No. IMEI Check Pro's free result validates the number and identifies available brand and model details. Eligible Apple devices may also return serial, warranty, carrier, and SIM-lock fields when available. Blacklist, iCloud, MDM, finance, repair history, and other advanced fields require a separate report that explicitly lists them.
How long does an IMEI check take?
A basic IMEI check returns results in seconds. More detailed reports that query carrier and international databases can take up to a few minutes, but most services complete within 30 seconds.
What if my IMEI check shows a problem?
If the check reveals the phone is blacklisted: do not complete the purchase. If you have already bought it, contact the seller and request a refund, or open a dispute with the marketplace (eBay, Facebook Marketplace, OLX, etc.). If the phone was reported stolen from you, contact your local police with the IMEI and ask them to track it.