How to Find IMEI on iPhone: The Complete 2026 Guide

How to Find IMEI on iPhone: The Complete 2026 Guide

Knowing how to find imei on iphone is essential for managing your device in 2026, whether you are using the latest iOS on an iPhone 16, iPhone 17, or an older model. Your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit code that acts as a digital fingerprint for your mobile. You will need this specific number for unlocking your handset from a UK network, reporting a lost or stolen mobile to the authorities, or arranging mobile network services like activating a new O2 SIM card.

Finding this code is straightforward, and the methods remain highly reliable even as Apple shifts towards eSIM-only designs. This guide will walk you through the fastest keypad codes, software settings, and physical locations to locate your unique identifier quickly.

Summary

This complete 2026 guide explains the various ways to locate your iPhone's IMEI number, from quick dial codes and system settings to physical checks on the SIM tray or original box. Whether your device is fully functioning, locked, dead, or even lost, there is a guaranteed method to retrieve your unique 15-digit code and manage your UK network services securely.

TLDR

• Dial *#06# on your Phone app keypad for the fastest way to view your IMEI on screen.
• Navigate to Settings > General > About to find your IMEI, IMEI 2, and serial number.
• Check the underside of the SIM tray on physical SIM models (iPhone 11 to iPhone 15).
• Find the IMEI on the original packaging barcode or via your Apple ID account online if the phone is lost or broken.
• Tap the "i" icon on the initial "Hello" screen to view the IMEI without setting up the device.

The Quickest Method: How to Get IMEI on iPhone with Keypad

To get your IMEI on an iPhone using the keypad, you simply need to open your Phone app and enter a specific shortcode. This is the fastest universal method for finding the identifier if your device is powered on, unlocked, and the touchscreen is accessible.

Using the *#06# IMEI Number Code

Open the Phone app on your device and dial *#06# on the keypad. As soon as you type the final hash symbol, your device information screen will instantly appear. You do not even need to press the green call button to trigger this. This screen will display your primary IMEI, alongside your EID number and MEID. This quick code works flawlessly across all iOS versions in 2026.

How to Find IMEI in iPhone Settings

To find your IMEI in your iPhone settings, you must navigate through the General menu to the About section. This is the standard software route for users who prefer tapping through their device menus rather than using dial codes.

Navigating to the About Section

Go to Settings > General > About on your iPhone. Once you are on the About page, scroll down past the network details. Here, you will find your primary IMEI, your IMEI 2 (used for dual SIM or eSIM setups), and your Apple serial number. A great quick tip is to tap and hold the 15-digit number; a 'Copy' prompt will appear, allowing you to easily paste the code into an email, note, or network provider chat.

Where to Find IMEI on iPhone Physically

To find the IMEI on an iPhone physically, you must check the SIM card tray, the back casing, or the original packaging, depending on your specific model. Physical location checks are incredibly useful for users who cannot turn on their screen or access their internal settings.

Checking the SIM Tray (iPhone 11 to iPhone 15)

Pop out the SIM card tray using a SIM ejector tool or a paperclip. On models ranging from the iPhone 11 through to the iPhone 15, the IMEI is printed in tiny text on the underside of the physical tray. You might need a magnifying glass or good lighting to read the 15-digit code. This physical check is especially handy when setting up a Lycamobile SIM on a second-hand handset that has not been powered on yet.

Finding Digital IMEI on Newer Models (iPhone 16 and iPhone 17)

With the 2026 shift towards eSIM-only designs in many regions, newer devices like the iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 often lack a physical SIM tray entirely. If your device does not have a physical tray, you must rely on the digital settings menu, the lock screen startup icon, or the original box to find your identifier. Apple has completely phased out physical IMEI printing on the chassis of these ultra-modern handsets.

Looking at the Back of Older iPhones

For older legacy models such as the iPhone 6, iPhone 6s, or iPhone 7, the IMEI is engraved directly onto the back casing of the mobile. Simply flip the handset over and look at the small text printed beneath the word "iPhone" to find your unique code.

How to Find IMEI on iPhone Without Phone (Lost, Stolen, or Broken)

To find the IMEI on an iPhone without the phone in your possession, you can check the original packaging or log into your Apple ID account via a web browser. These methods are vital if your physical handset is unavailable, lost, stolen, or completely broken.

Checking the Original iPhone Box

Locate the original packaging your iPhone came in. Look at the barcode stickers pasted on the back or the bottom of the box. You will clearly see the IMEI and the serial number printed above or below the barcodes. This is often the easiest recovery method if the mobile is missing.

Using Your Apple ID Account Online

Log in to appleid.apple.com using a web browser on any computer or tablet. Once you have signed in, navigate to the 'Devices' section. Click on the specific iPhone you are looking for, and a pop-up menu will reveal the model details, including the IMEI number and serial number.

How to Find IMEI on iPhone with Broken Screen or When Locked

Connect your locked or damaged iPhone to a Mac using a cable and open Finder, or connect it to a Windows PC and open iTunes. Once the computer recognises the device, click on the mobile's name in the sidebar. In the general summary tab, click on the text that displays your phone number or device model; this action will cycle through the details and reveal the IMEI, even if the screen is unresponsive or locked without a passcode.

How to Find IMEI on iPhone Without Setting It Up

To find the IMEI on an iPhone without setting it up, you can utilise the information icon on the initial setup screen. This is perfect for users who have just purchased a new or refurbished mobile and want to verify the device details before activating it.

Finding IMEI on the 'Hello' Startup Screen

On the initial "Hello" screen, which appears before setup or immediately after a factory reset, look for a small "i" icon in the bottom right corner of the display. Tap this icon, and a screen will pop up displaying the IMEI, EID, and regulatory information. This works instantly and does not require network activation or a Wi-Fi connection.

Apple Serial Number Check vs IMEI Check

Understanding the difference between an apple serial number check and an IMEI check is important for managing your device repairs and network access. To check iphone serial number details, you are looking at an Apple-specific code. The serial number is used exclusively by Apple to track the manufacturing date, verify warranty status, and manage AppleCare claims.

Conversely, the IMEI is an industry-standard mobile network identifier. It is used globally by network providers, including all UK carriers, to identify the specific hardware connecting to their masts. Whilst a serial number gets your phone fixed at the Apple Store, the IMEI is what networks use to block a stolen phone from making calls or to unblock network access when changing providers.

FAQ

How do I check if Find My iPhone is on by IMEI?

To check if Find My iPhone is active, you should ideally check directly via the device settings or by logging into iCloud.com. Whilst third-party IMEI checker websites do exist and claim to offer this service, Apple no longer provides an official iCloud activation lock check via IMEI for security reasons in 2026.

How to find IMEI 2 on iPhone?

To find IMEI 2 on your iPhone, navigate to Settings > General > About and scroll down. IMEI 2 is assigned to the device's secondary connection, which is usually the digital eSIM profile. It sits just below the primary physical IMEI in your system list.

How to find Apple Watch IMEI on iPhone?

To find your Apple Watch IMEI using your iPhone, open the dedicated Apple Watch app on your mobile. Tap on General, then select About, and scroll down the page to find the connected watch's specific IMEI and serial details.

What is the EID number on iPhone?

The EID (Embedded Identity Document) is the unique 32-digit identifier for your iPhone's built-in eSIM motherboard chip. It sits alongside the IMEI and is absolutely crucial for downloading digital mobile plans and provisioning eSIM profiles in 2026.

Can I find my IMEI number if my iPhone is dead?

Yes, if your iPhone battery is dead, you can still find your IMEI number. You must rely on physical methods such as checking the underside of the SIM tray (on compatible models), reading the barcode on the original box, or logging into your Apple ID account online via another device.