How to Check IMEI Number on iPhone (2026)

Whether you want to lodge a complaint for your stolen iPhone, file an insurance claim, or buy a second-hand iPhone, it is always recommended to know the device's IMEI number. This is a 15-digit number unique to that device only. But many of us don't know how to perform an iPhone IMEI check or where even to start. If that is the case, keep reading as we help you learn how to find the IMEI number of your iPhone with step-by-step instructions.

Does an iPhone Show IMEI Number? 

IMEI, short for International Mobile Equipment Identity, is a unique 15-digit identifier assigned to every mobile phone, including all iPhone models. It helps to specifically identify your device, especially when it gets lost, when you need to file an insurance claim, or when you switch carriers. 

It can help the authorities block or track your device in case it gets stolen or figure out the authenticity of the phone if you are buying a used iPhone from someone else. It is more important than most people realise, and this is why knowing your IMEI before something goes wrong can save you a lot of trouble.

How to Check IMEI Number on an iPhone 

To find out how to check the IMEI number on an iPhone, I looked through multiple Apple forums and Reddit threads, asking around all the possible ways to do an iPhone IMEI check. Based on my research, I found these working methods that you can try out yourself. Let's have a look. 

Check iPhone IMEI Number from iOS Settings

The Settings app is the easiest way to find your IMEI number. It works on all iPhone models running any recent version of iOS.

1. Open the Settings app and go to General > About.
2. Here, scroll down to the bottom and you'll see the IMEI section showing your iPhone's IMEI number.
3. Long-press on the IMEI number to copy it.

Find iPhone IMEI Number Using the Dialer 

This is a commonly known method to do an iPhone IMEI check, no matter which iPhone you have. It works on older models up to the latest iPhone 17 and newer devices. 

1. Open the Phone app on your iPhone and go to the Keypad tab at the bottom right.
2. Using the keypad interface, dial *#06#.
3. A "Device Info" screen will open, showing your iPhone's IMEI number.

You can take a screenshot of it on your iPhone or note it down somewhere else. 

Check the iPhone IMEI Number on the SIM Tray

Apple also engraves your iPhone's unique IMEI number on its SIM tray. So, in case your device becomes unresponsive, you can pop out the SIM tray and find your iPhone's IMEI number. This method works for iPhone 4s up to iPhone 13 only. 

1. Locate the SIM tray on the side of your iPhone.
2. Use a SIM ejector tool or a small pin to open the SIM.
3. Pull the tray out and look for the IMEI number printed at the top.

Check the iPhone Box to Find IMEI Number

You can also perform an iPhone IMEI number check using the original box. The IMEI number is typically printed directly below the barcode. It is printed there so you can easily note it down without even having access to your phone. 

This is especially handy when buying a second-hand iPhone, as you can cross-check the box's IMEI against the one in Settings. 

Perform an iPhone IMEI Check via Mac

If your iPhone screen is showing purple lines, is not working, or is broken, then you can use a Mac to learn the IMEI number of your device. You can connect to a Mac like you would for transferring photos from your iPhone to your laptop using the USB cable supplied with your iPhone and then perform an IMEI check. 

1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a supported USB cable.
2. Once connected, unlock your iPhone and select Trust inside the "Trust This Computer" prompt.

3. Open the Finder app on your Mac and select your iPhone from the sidebar.
4. Now, click on the phone number under your iPhone model name or number.
5. It will show the IMEI number of your device, along with CDN, EID, MEID, and ICCID.

Check IMEI from iPhone's Back Panel

On some older iPhone models, like the iPhone 5 to the iPhone 6 series, Apple printed the IMEI directly on the back of the device.

1. Flip your iPhone over to the rear side.
2. Look for small text near the bottom of the back panel.
3. The IMEI will be printed alongside the model number and regulatory information.

Image Credit: Apple

Unable to Check iPhone IMEI Number? Try These Troubleshooting Methods

If you are having trouble performing an iPhone IMEI check, something must likely be getting in the way. Here is how to fix it.

• Update your iPhone: If the IMEI number is greyed out in the Settings app, it could be because your iPhone is running an outdated version of iOS. Update it to the latest release, and it should be visible again
• Restart your iPhone: Sometimes your iPhone might have issues displaying the IMEI number due to a software glitch. Restart your iPhone to fix such minor hiccups.
• IMEI not showing after dialling #06#: Double-check you are entering the code exactly with no spaces or extra characters.
• Try a different USB cable: If the IMEI number is not appearing in the Finder app on your Mac, then try reconnecting your iPhone with a different USB cable or update your Mac.
• IMEI on the box does not match the phone: This is a red flag when buying a second-hand iPhone. It could mean the device has been swapped or tampered with. Do not go ahead with the purchase.
• iPhone showing two IMEI numbers: This is completely normal. Dual SIM iPhones have two IMEI numbers, one for each SIM slot.

Finding your iPhone's IMEI number is easier than most people think once you know where to look. For most situations, the Settings method is the quickest. So, I hope this guide was able to clear things out and make it easy for you to spot and perform an iPhone IMEI check without any hassle.