The IMEI number is one of the most important identifiers attached to every phone. It helps you in claiming warranty, verifying a second-hand phone or reporting a stolen device. It's a unique 15-digit code that identifies your device and you can find it easily. The steps are nearly identical across every Android brand, so it does not matter if you own a Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme or any other Android phone. On that note, let's go ahead and learn how to check the IMEI number on Android phones.
What is an IMEI Number and Why You Need It
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity and it's a unique 15-digit number assigned to every phone. It acts like a fingerprint for your device and no two phones can share the same IMEI. However, if your phone has dual-SIM support, you will actually see two unique IMEI numbers (IMEI 1 and IMEI 2), one for each SIM slot.
So why does it matter? The IMEI comes in handy in a few important situations. You need it to check your phone's warranty status or to confirm whether a used phone is genuine or not. In addition, the IMEI number lets you check if a phone is stolen before you buy it and to block a lost phone so nobody can use it. Network operators and the police also rely on the IMEI to track and blacklist phones across networks.
Note that the IMEI number is actually tied to the hardware and not your SIM number. So even if you change SIM cards or change your number, the IMEI remains the same.
How to Check IMEI on Android (Universal Method)
The quickest way to find the IMEI number on any Android phone is the universal dialler code and it works across all Android skins. Here is how to check the IMEI number on your Android phone.
- Open the stock Phone app on your Android device and go to the Keypad tab
- Now, dial *#06# and a pop-up will instantly appear. No need to press the call button.
- It will show your Android phone's IMEI number. That's it.
If your phone has two SIM slots, you will see IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 listed separately. You can take a screenshot or note down the numbers for later use. Now, the *#06# code is one of many hidden codes your phone supports. If you own a Samsung phone, you can find a list of Samsung secret codes for diagnostics and reset options.
How to Find IMEI in Settings (All Brands)
If the dialler code does not work for some reason, you can find the IMEI number inside your phone's Settings app. The exact path differs slightly from one brand to another, so here is how to do it on popular Android brands in India.
Samsung
On Samsung's One UI, head over to Settings > About phone and the IMEI number will be listed under the Available SIM section. Unlike most other brands, Samsung shows the IMEI on the main About phone page itself, so you don't have to dig into a separate menus. For a detailed guide, check out our guide on how to check the IMEI number on Samsung phones.
Google Pixel, Motorola and Nothing
Motorola, Nothing and Google Pixel phones all run a near-stock version of Android, so the steps are the same across all three brands. Just go to Settings > About phone and scroll down. The IMEI number will be listed there along with the model and serial number of your Pixel phone.
OnePlus
On OnePlus phones running OxygenOS, head to Settings > About device and open Status to view the IMEI number. The layout is very close to Oppo and Realme since all skins share the same codebase. For other methods, check out our comprehensive guide on how to check the IMEI number on OnePlus phones.
Vivo and iQOO
Vivo and iQOO phones run Funtouch OS and the IMEI number is shown under Settings > About phone > Status info. Both brands use the same menu layout since they share the same software. You can also long-press the IMEI number to copy it. Here is our complete guide on how to check the IMEI number on Vivo phones, which applies to iQOO too.
Oppo
Oppo phones run ColorOS, which is similar to Realme UI and the steps are nearly identical. Open the Settings app > About device > Status and you will see IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 listed. Long-press on any one of them to copy it. Our guide shows you how to check the IMEI number on Oppo phones using detailed instructions.
Realme
On Realme phones, you need to follow this path: just go to Settings > About device and tap on Status to find the IMEI number. If your Realme phone has two SIMs, both IMEIs will show up here. For detailed instructions, check out our guide on how to check the IMEI number on Realme phones.
Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco
On Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco phones, you need to dig a bit deeper to find the IMEI number. Go to Settings > About phone > Detailed info and specs, then scroll down and tap on Status to check the IMEI number. The steps are the same across HyperOS and older MIUI builds. Our full guide shows you how to check the IMEI number on Xiaomi and Redmi phones step by step.
Other Ways to Find the IMEI Number Without Your Phone
If your phone is lost or won't turn on, you can still find the IMEI number. These methods can help you when you need the IMEI number to file a police complaint or an insurance claim. Here are a few options.
- Retail box: Every Android phone has its IMEI printed on a white sticker on the retail box. You will find it on the back or bottom of the box. Look for the 15-digit number next to the barcode.
- Invoice or receipt: If you bought the phone from an online or offline store, the IMEI is often printed on the purchase invoice. Check the invoice properly and you will find the IMEI number.
- SIM tray: Some older Android phones have the IMEI number etched on the SIM card tray. Take it out with an ejector pin and look closely and you may find the IMEI. That said, most modern phones no longer print the IMEI on the SIM tray.
- Google Find Hub: Go ahead and sign in to the Google account linked to the lost phone on the Find Hub app or website. Now, select your Android phone and you will see its IMEI number.
What Can You Do With an IMEI Number?
First off, once you have your IMEI number, you can check your Android phone's warranty status. Most brands allow you to enter the IMEI on their support page to see how many months of coverage you have left. For instance, you can see how to check warranty on Motorola phones.
Apart from that, the IMEI number is your best tool if your phone is lost or stolen. You can report and block it through the government's Sanchar Saathi portal (visit), which runs the CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) system. Once blocked, the device becomes unusable on every network in India, even with a different SIM.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) says this system has already recovered over 7 lakh lost and stolen phones. The best part is that you can unblock a recovered Android phone through the same portal. While we are at it, you can also follow our guide and learn how to find your Android device.
Besides all that, the IMEI helps you verify a second-hand phone before buying it. You can send an SMS in the format KYM <15-digit IMEI> to 14422. You can also use the Know Your Mobile service on the Sanchar Saathi app to confirm whether the device is genuine, blacklisted or already reported stolen.
Common IMEI Problems and Fixes
Sometimes the IMEI number does not show up on Android phones for various reasons. Here are the most common issues and what they mean.
IMEI not showing: If dialling *#06# shows nothing on a Samsung phone, the culprit might be Auto Blocker in One UI. You can turn it off temporarily under Settings > Security and privacy. Now, run the code again and you should see the IMEI number.
IMEI shows as null: An IMEI displayed as "null", "unknown" or "000000" usually means that the software partition is corrupted. It might be due to a failed firmware update or an incompatible custom ROM. The phone will not register on any network. You can't fix this IMEI problem on your own, so visit an authorised service centre with an invoice copy to get it fixed.
Dual-SIM phones showing two IMEI numbers: This is completely normal and it's not a problem at all. Every SIM slot gets its own IMEI number, so a dual-SIM phone will always show IMEI 1 and IMEI 2.
IMEI changed after a repair: If your IMEI looks different after a repair, it usually means the motherboard was replaced as the IMEI number is tied to the hardware. That said, altering or tampering with an IMEI is illegal in India, so always get repairs done at an authorised service centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check IMEI on Android? The easiest way is to open the Phone app, go to the keypad tab and dial *#06# on your Android phone. Your IMEI number will pop up instantly. You can also find it under Settings > About phone.
Is *#06# safe? Yes, the code is completely safe. The *#06# code displays your IMEI number on screen and it does not send any data, change settings or share information with anyone. It is a standard GSM code that works on every Android phone.
Do all Android phones have IMEI numbers? Every Android phone with cellular connectivity has an IMEI number and dual-SIM phones have two IMEIs. That said, Wi-Fi-only devices that can't connect to a mobile network don't have one.
Why does my Android phone show two IMEI numbers? It's because your Android phone has two SIM slots. Each slot is assigned its own unique IMEI, so a dual-SIM phone will always display IMEI 1 and IMEI 2. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about.
Can I track a phone using IMEI? As a general user, you can't. However, the police and network operators can use it through the CEIR system to track and block a stolen phone across networks.
And these are all the ways to find the IMEI number on an Android phone. As I mentioned above, the *#06# code is the quickest route. However, if you use an iPhone instead, here is how to check the IMEI number on your iPhone. We have added detailed instructions with screenshots.
