How to Find IMEI on iPhone (All Models)
Need to find your iPhone's IMEI number? This guide covers every method for finding IMEI on any iPhone model, from the original iPhone to the latest iPhone 16.
Why You Need Your iPhone IMEI
Your iPhone's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit number that uniquely identifies your device. You'll need it for:
- Checking warranty status through iPhone IMEI check
- Verifying if a used iPhone is genuine and not blacklisted
- Unlocking your phone from a carrier
- Filing an insurance claim for a lost or stolen phone
- Reporting a stolen device to authorities
For a general overview of IMEI, see our guide on how to find IMEI number on any phone.
Method 1: Dial *#06# (Fastest Method)
The quickest way to find your IMEI on any iPhone is using the dial code:
- Open the Phone app
- Go to the Keypad tab
- Dial
*#06# - The IMEI will display instantly on screen
This works on all iPhone models and doesn't require a SIM card. If you have a dual-SIM iPhone (eSIM + physical SIM), both IMEI numbers will be displayed.
You can long-press the IMEI number to copy it to your clipboard.
Method 2: Check in Settings
You can find the IMEI in your iPhone's settings:
- Open Settings
- Tap General
- Tap About
- Scroll down to find IMEI
- Long-press the number to copy it
In the same section, you'll also find your Serial Number, MEID (on CDMA-compatible models), and other device information. This method works even without a SIM card inserted.
Method 3: Check the SIM Tray
For iPhone models with a physical SIM card tray, the IMEI is engraved on the tray itself:
- Use a SIM ejector tool (or a paperclip) to eject the SIM tray
- Remove the tray carefully
- Look at the SIM tray—the IMEI is engraved on the metal
This method is useful when the phone won't turn on. The SIM tray IMEI is available on:
- iPhone 6s and later (through iPhone 13)
- iPhone SE (all generations)
- International models of iPhone 14 and later (with physical SIM)
Note: US models of iPhone 14 and later are eSIM-only and do not have a physical SIM tray. For these models, use one of the other methods.
Method 4: Check the Back of the Device
On older iPhone models, the IMEI is printed or engraved on the back of the device:
- iPhone 6s and earlier: IMEI engraved on the back, near the bottom text
- Original iPhone: IMEI engraved on the back metal case
- iPhone 7 and later: IMEI is NOT printed on the back (use other methods)
Method 5: Check the Original Packaging
If you still have the original iPhone box, the IMEI is printed on the barcode label:
- Find the original retail box
- Look for the barcode label on the back or bottom
- Find the "IMEI/MEID" field—it shows the 15-digit number
This is the best method when the phone is lost, stolen, or won't turn on. Always keep your original packaging for this reason.
Method 6: Use Finder or iTunes
If you have a computer, you can find the IMEI through Finder (macOS) or iTunes (Windows):
- Connect your iPhone to the computer with a USB cable
- Open Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (macOS Mojave or earlier, or Windows)
- Select your iPhone in the sidebar (Finder) or device button (iTunes)
- Click on the device name or serial number to cycle through device information
- When you see the IMEI, you can copy it with Ctrl+C (Windows) or Cmd+C (Mac)
Method 7: Find IMEI for a Lost iPhone
If your iPhone is lost or stolen, you can still find its IMEI:
Option A: iCloud.com
- Go to icloud.com/find on a computer or other device
- Sign in with your Apple ID
- Click on All Devices at the top
- Select your lost iPhone
- The IMEI may be displayed in the device info panel
Option B: Apple ID Account Page
- Go to appleid.apple.com
- Sign in with your Apple ID
- Scroll down to Devices
- Select your iPhone to see its IMEI
Option C: Original Receipt
Check your original purchase receipt—whether from Apple, a carrier, or a retailer. The IMEI is typically listed on the receipt.
IMEI Location by iPhone Model
Here's a quick reference for where to find the IMEI on each iPhone generation:
| iPhone Model | IMEI Location |
|---|---|
| iPhone 16, 15, 14 (US) | Settings, *#06#, Packaging (eSIM only, no SIM tray) |
| iPhone 16, 15, 14 (International) | Settings, *#06#, SIM tray, Packaging |
| iPhone 13 through 8 | Settings, *#06#, SIM tray, Packaging |
| iPhone 7, 6s, 6 | Settings, *#06#, SIM tray, Back of device, Packaging |
| iPhone 5, 5s, SE (1st gen) | Settings, *#06#, Back of device, Packaging |
| iPhone 4, 4s | Settings, *#06#, SIM tray, Packaging |
| Original iPhone, 3G, 3GS | Settings, *#06#, SIM tray, Back of device, Packaging |
What to Do With Your IMEI
Once you've found your IMEI, you can:
- Run a comprehensive iPhone check to verify warranty, carrier status, and blacklist
- Check if your phone is refurbished or original
- Verify iCloud activation lock status
- Request a carrier unlock
- Report the phone as lost or stolen to your carrier
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
When dealing with 教程-related matters, you may encounter these common issues:
Issue 1: Inaccurate or Missing Query Results
Possible causes and solutions:
- Database update delay: GSMA and carrier databases may have a 24-48 hour update delay. Try querying again later.
- IMEI input errors: Ensure you enter the 15-digit numeric IMEI without spaces, letters, or special characters.
- New device models: Recently released models may not yet be in all databases, resulting in limited information.
Issue 2: Inconsistent Results Across Platforms
Different IMEI checking platforms use different data sources (GSMA, carrier databases, manufacturer databases), which may yield varying levels of detail. Recommendations:
- Use GSMA database results as the authoritative source for model identification
- Use carrier database results for blacklist status verification
- Use manufacturer official results for warranty status
- Cross-reference multiple data sources for comprehensive assessment
Issue 3: Abnormal Status in Results
If query results show "unknown" or abnormal status, it may indicate:
- The device may be a grey-market or refurbished phone from unofficial channels
- The IMEI may have been tampered with or cloned (common in counterfeit phones)
- The device is from a different region not covered by local databases
Real-World Case Studies
Case 1: Avoiding a Blacklisted Phone Purchase
A consumer found a phone priced significantly below market value on a secondhand marketplace. Before purchasing, they used IMEICheck to verify the IMEI and discovered the device was blacklisted due to unpaid carrier bills. The query helped the consumer avoid financial loss.
Case 2: Identifying a Counterfeit Phone
A user purchased a phone that looked nearly identical to the genuine product but noticed performance issues. An IMEI check revealed that the IMEI number corresponded to a different model than what was labeled on the phone, confirming it was a counterfeit using a cloned IMEI.
Advanced Knowledge
Understanding these advanced concepts will help you better understand 教程-related topics:
IMEI Number Structure
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) consists of 15 digits divided into three parts:
- TAC code (first 8 digits): Type Allocation Code, identifying the device model and allocator
- SNR code (middle 6 digits): Serial number, identifying the specific device
- Check digit (last digit): Validates the IMEI number's legitimacy
The TAC code precisely identifies the phone's brand, model, and production batch. GSMA manages all legitimate TAC codes globally.
IMEI and Phone Security
The IMEI serves as a phone's "ID number" and plays a crucial role in:
- Anti-theft protection: When a phone is stolen, carriers can blacklist the IMEI to prevent network access
- Authenticity verification: Genuine phones have IMEI records in the GSMA database; counterfeits often use cloned or invalid IMEIs
- Warranty verification: Manufacturers use IMEI to check activation date and warranty status
- Used phone transactions: Buyers verify the device isn't blacklisted via IMEI
Practical Tips and Precautions
Here are practical recommendations regarding 教程:
- Backup your IMEI: Record your phone's IMEI in a safe place for future reference
- Always check before buying: Whether new or used, verify the device status via IMEI before purchase
- Keep purchase receipts: Purchase receipts and warranty cards are important for consumer protection
- Protect your privacy: Don't enter your IMEI on untrusted websites; choose reputable checking platforms
- Understand regional differences: IMEI registration and blacklist rules may vary by country
Important Note
IMEI checking is an important tool for safe phone transactions, but it's not the only one. Combine IMEI verification with physical inspection, function testing, and account verification for comprehensive device assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to find IMEI on iPhone without SIM tray?
On iPhones without a SIM tray (iPhone 14 and later US models with eSIM only), you can find the IMEI by dialing *#06#, going to Settings > General > About > IMEI, checking the original packaging, or connecting to Finder/iTunes on a computer. The IMEI is also printed on the device box barcode label.
Where is IMEI on older iPhones?
On iPhone 5 through iPhone 6s, the IMEI is engraved on the back of the device near the bottom. On iPhone 3G and 3GS, it is printed on the SIM tray. On the original iPhone, it is engraved on the back case. For all models, you can also dial *#06# or check Settings.
Where to find IMEI and serial number on iPhone?
Both IMEI and serial number are found in Settings > General > About. Scroll down to find IMEI (15 digits) and Serial Number (10-12 characters). You can long-press to copy either one. Both are also printed on the original packaging near the barcode.
Where is IMEI on iPhone box?
The IMEI is printed on the original iPhone packaging on the barcode label, usually on the back or bottom of the box. It is listed alongside the serial number and other device information. This is useful when the phone is lost or will not turn on.
What does the TAC code in IMEI results mean?
The TAC code (Type Allocation Code) is the first 8 digits of the IMEI, representing the device model and allocation. It precisely identifies the phone's model, manufacturing origin, and production batch. The GSMA database records all legitimate TAC-to-model mappings.
Can a blacklisted phone be unblacklisted?
Yes, but only under certain conditions: if blacklisted due to unpaid bills, paying the balance may allow removal; if reported lost and then found, you can apply for removal with proof of purchase and ID. However, phones blacklisted for fraud or theft typically cannot be unblacklisted. Contact your carrier for specific removal procedures.
How to identify a fake phone?
IMEI checking is one of the most reliable methods. Genuine phones have IMEI records in the GSMA database, and the queried model should match what's shown in phone settings. Clone phones often use copied IMEI numbers, which may show mismatched model information. Also verify that hardware specs (CPU, RAM, screen resolution) match official parameters.
How long does an IMEI check for 教程 take?
Basic IMEI checks (model identification, blacklist check) typically return results within seconds. Detailed reports (including warranty status, carrier lock, activation date) may take 30 seconds to several minutes, depending on data source response times. IMEICheck aggregates information from multiple databases.
Conclusion
Finding your iPhone's IMEI is simple—whether you use the dial code, check Settings, look at the SIM tray, or find it on the packaging. The fastest method is always *#06#, but it's good to know alternative methods in case your phone is lost or won't turn on. Always keep a record of your IMEI in a safe place for emergencies.
Once you have your IMEI, run a comprehensive check at IMEICheck to verify your device's warranty, carrier, and blacklist status.