How to find your iPhone's IMEI and serial number (5 ways)
Five reliable ways to find an iPhone's IMEI and serial number — including when the phone is locked or you only have the box.
Every iPhone carries two key identifiers: an IMEI (a 15-digit number that identifies the device on cellular networks) and a serial number (Apple's own device identifier, used for warranty and coverage). You'll need one or both to run a device check, file a warranty claim, or verify a phone before buying it. Here are five ways to find them.
1. Dial *#06#
Open the Phone app, dial *#06#, and the IMEI appears instantly — no menus, no unlocking the rest of the phone. Dual-SIM iPhones show two IMEIs (IMEI and IMEI2), and models with an eSIM also show an EID. This works on essentially every phone, which makes it the fastest option when a seller hands you a device.
2. Settings → General → About
Go to Settings → General → About and scroll down. You'll see the Serial Number, IMEI, IMEI2 (on dual-SIM models) and EID. Tap and hold a value to copy it. This screen is also the best thing to ask a remote seller to photograph — it shows the model and identifiers together.
3. The SIM tray and the back of the device
On many iPhones the IMEI is laser-etched on the SIM tray; on iPhone 6 and earlier it's printed on the back of the device. Note that newer US iPhones are eSIM-only and may not include a physical tray, so this method doesn't apply to every model.
4. The original box
The barcode label on the original packaging lists the IMEI and serial number. It's useful for cross-checking, but remember: a box can be swapped, so the identifiers on a box should match the ones on the device itself before you trust them.
5. Your Apple Account (for a device you own)
For a device already signed in to your Apple Account, sign in at appleid.apple.com (or check Settings → [your name] → Devices) to see the serial numbers of devices linked to your account. This is handy if the phone is lost or you're filling in a form away from the device.
Buying used? Match the numbers.
Always confirm that the IMEI from *#06# matches the one in Settings → About and on the box. A mismatch is a red flag that parts or housings have been swapped.
Once you have the IMEI or serial, you can turn it into a readable device report with 96 Check App — it returns the model, identifiers and status indicators in seconds. From there, the next step before buying is usually to check for iCloud / Activation Lock and to check whether the IMEI is blacklisted.
Key takeaways
- Dial *#06# for the fastest look at the IMEI on any phone.
- Settings → General → About shows the IMEI, IMEI2, EID and serial together.
- Cross-check the device, the SIM tray and the box — they should all match.
Check a device in seconds
Turn an IMEI or serial number into a clean device report with 96 Check App.
Frequently asked questions
- What's the difference between an IMEI and a serial number?
- The IMEI is a 15-digit number that identifies your iPhone on cellular networks and is used for blacklist/stolen checks. The serial number is Apple's own device identifier, used for warranty and coverage lookups. Dual-SIM iPhones have two IMEIs.
- Can I find the IMEI without unlocking the phone?
- Yes. Dialing *#06# from the keypad shows the IMEI without needing to unlock the rest of the device, and on many models the IMEI is etched on the SIM tray.
Related guides
96 Check App is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, authorised by, or endorsed by Apple Inc. These guides are for general information and are not a substitute for an in-person inspection.
