The guide to finding your iPhone’s unique IMEI number.
Every smartphone has a unique code that identifies it, most commonly known as the IMEI. This code is different from the serial number. In this article, we will explain what an IMEI is, its importance, and its use. Moreover, we will show you the easiest ways to find the IMEI iPhone number.
IMEI, What Is It?
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a number assigned to your phone. It contains important information about your phone’s carrier status and is used for identification purposes, enabling quick recognition and identification of the device. It is also often referred to as ESN, an Electronic Serial Number.
Is The IMEI iPhone Number Important?
As mentioned above, the IMEI is used to identify each mobile phone, but there are other important reasons.
The IMEI number is essential because your mobile phone company uses it to match the phone to the networks. Knowing it can help you determine if the phone is still under the carrier contract and which network it runs on. The IMEI number also comes in handy when you request an unlock from a specific carrier or trade in your iPhone for cash online.
Moreover, it’s important to note that IMEI is used to maintain a list of mobile phones reported stolen (i.e., blacklisted). Thus, you can contact your carrier and provide your IMEI number in order to lock it when the iPhone is lost or stolen. The action will remotely shut off the phone and prevent anyone else from activating it.
How To Find IMEI Of Your iPhone
There are several ways to find an iPhone’s IMEI number. Here, we will walk you through the easiest and quickest steps.
How To Find IMEI iPhone Number Using Settings App
- Go to the Settings.
- Tap on General and then About.
- Scroll down, and you will see your iPhone’s IMEI number below.
Obtain iPhone IMEI via Dialpad
Another common way to find the IMEI number is to dial the code *#06# on your iPhone:
- Open the Call app and tap Keypad.
- Type *#06# from your phone. It will register the code automatically.
- Then, the IMEI number will appear on your screen.
- Write it down on a piece of paper.
Physically Locating Your iPhone‘s IMEI Number
- Look at the back of your iPhone: You can find the IMEI number written on the back of the iPhone 6 or earlier models. It’s a long number at the end of the text “Designed by Apple California”, labeled IMEI. The print is tiny, so you will need good lighting to read it fully. However, Apple has stopped etching the IMEI number at the back after the iPhone 6s release.
- SIM Tray: If you can’t find your iPhone’s IMEI, try looking at the SIM tray once removed. Use a metal spike (included in the box with each iPhone) to remove the SIM card and turn the tray over. The IMEI iPhone number is engraved on the underside of the tray. Again, the number is hardly legible, so using a magnifying glass in a well-lit room is advisable.
- Check your iPhone packaging: If you have the original box, look on its side and find a barcode. Next to it, you can also see the serial and IMEI numbers.
How To Find IMEI Number If Your iPhone is Stolen or Lost
You can still locate the iPhone IMEI number even if you can’t access the cellphone. You can get the IMEI number in your recent backup via iTunes.
- Open the iTunes app.
- Go to Preferences and then select the Devices tab.
- You will see a list of device backups. Hover over the one you are trying to locate.
- You can find information about your iPhone in this recent backup, including its IMEI number.
We hope these tips help you quickly find your iPhone’s IMEI number. If you are preparing to sell your smartphone, we recommend going through a trustworthy buyback site. For instance, Gadget Salvation provides current market estimates for electronics such as iPhones, MacBooks, laptops, and more and pays in cash.
