IMEI Check: How to Find Your Phone IMEI Number and Verify It (2026)
When did you last do an IMEI check on your phone? Your IMEI number is a unique 15-digit code that identifies your mobile phone. You need it to block a lost or stolen phone, check whether a second-hand phone is genuine, claim insurance or file a police report. Take one minute today to find your IMEI number and save it somewhere safe.
Quick answer: Dial *#06# on any phone and the IMEI number appears on screen. Dual-SIM phones show two IMEIs. You can also find it in Settings > About phone (Android) or Settings > General > About (iPhone), on the box and on the purchase bill. In India, check a phone’s IMEI on the Sanchar Saathi portal or by sending “KYM <IMEI>” to 14422.
Table of Contents
What is an IMEI number?
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. Every phone that connects to a mobile network (2G, 3G, 4G or 5G) has one. It identifies the handset itself, not your SIM card, so it stays the same even if a thief changes the SIM. That holds for an eSIM too; see eSIM vs physical SIM in India for how the two differ.
How to find your IMEI number
- Dial *#06#: works on almost every phone, no network needed.
- Android: Settings > About phone > IMEI (or Status).
- iPhone: Settings > General > About, and scroll to IMEI. Long-press to copy it.
- Phone box: printed on the sticker with the barcode.
- Purchase invoice: most bills list the IMEI.
- If the phone is lost: sign in to your Google account’s device list or Apple’s Find My on another device to see the IMEI of signed-in phones.
How to check IMEI on iPhone
Apple gives you several ways to check the IMEI on an iPhone, even if the phone is locked, lost or still in its box:
- Settings: open Settings > General > About and scroll down to IMEI. Touch and hold the number to copy it.
- Dial *#06#: in the Phone app keypad, the IMEI (and EID) appears instantly.
- SIM tray: on iPhone 6s up to the iPhone 13 series and iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation), the IMEI is printed on the SIM tray.
- Back of the phone: iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, SE (1st generation), 6 and 6 Plus have it engraved on the back. iPhone 14 and later have no engraving, and US models are eSIM-only with no tray.
- Before setup: on the “Hello” screen of a new iPhone, tap the info button in the bottom-right corner.
- From a computer: connect the iPhone and open Finder (Mac) or the Apple Devices app or iTunes (Windows). Click the model name under the device to cycle to the IMEI.
- Apple Account website: sign in at account.apple.com, open Devices and select the iPhone. This works when the phone is lost.
- Another Apple device: on an iPad or second iPhone signed in to the same Apple Account, go to Settings > [your name], scroll to your devices and tap the iPhone.
- Box: the barcode label on the original box lists the IMEI and serial number.
Apple’s own guide, Find the serial number, EID or IMEI on your iPhone, has pictures of each location.
How to do an IMEI check
- India: on Sanchar Saathi, use “Know genuineness of your mobile handset”, or SMS KYM 15-digit-IMEI to 14422. It tells you if the IMEI is valid, blacklisted, duplicate or already in use.
- United States: enter the IMEI on Stolen Phone Checker, the free lookup from the wireless industry group CTIA, to see if a phone has been reported lost or stolen to participating carriers.
- Other countries: your mobile operator, or the GSMA’s device check services used by retailers and insurers, can tell you if a phone is reported lost or stolen.
Buying a used iPhone? Check these too
- Carrier lock: go to Settings > General > About and look at Carrier Lock. “No SIM restrictions” means the iPhone is unlocked and works with any carrier.
- Activation Lock: Apple no longer offers a public Activation Lock check. Ask the seller to sign out of their Apple Account and turn off Find My (Settings > [name] > Find My) in front of you, then erase the phone, before you pay.
- Matching numbers: the IMEI in Settings should match *#06#, the SIM tray (if it has one) and the box.
Always run an IMEI check before buying a second-hand phone, and make sure the IMEI on the screen matches the box and bill.
What to do if your phone is lost or stolen
- Try to locate, lock or erase it with Google Find My Device or Apple Find My. See how to find a lost iPhone, iPad or Mac.
- Call your mobile operator to block the SIM and get a replacement.
- File a police complaint with the IMEI number.
- In India, block the phone’s IMEI on Sanchar Saathi (the CEIR system) using the police report, ID proof and your new SIM number. Blocked phones cannot be used on any Indian network, and you can unblock it if the phone is found.
- Change passwords for email, banking and social accounts used on the phone.
Keep your IMEI safe
- Save it in your email, notes app or password manager, not only on the phone.
- Do not post your IMEI publicly. Criminals can use it to clone or misuse details.
- Note both IMEIs on dual-SIM phones.
While you are in your phone settings, also check the SAR value of your phone.
FAQ
Can I track a phone using its IMEI number?
Not yourself. Police and mobile operators can trace a phone by IMEI. You should use Find My Device or Find My.
Does the IMEI change when I change the SIM?
No. The IMEI belongs to the phone, not the SIM.
How do I check the IMEI on an iPhone that won’t turn on?
Look on the SIM tray or the back of older models, check the box, or sign in at account.apple.com and open Devices.
Is it illegal to change an IMEI number?
In India and many other countries, tampering with a phone’s IMEI is a criminal offence.
Please do not post personal details or IMEI numbers in the comments; they will be removed.
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my handset model is samsung champ c3303k . i had given my mobile to customer care to service it and they had changed my motherboard. but in my new motherboard i have no IMEI serial number, how can i get an IMEI serial number now?? please help me
dear sir,
i have lost my sony ericsion mobile k810i can you trace my mobile phone its imei number is 357994012571942
i lost ma w580i………… in delhi……
i hav fir of that mobil. plz i want 2 my ph. back at any cost…….
i am lost my 2626 no. i want to take my 2626.
hi i know the information related IMEI No. but is there any pssibility to protect ur cell phone with the help of IMEI no.any buddy get changed the SIM card and autometic that no. will be received to the previouse one pls inform me
Check your phone box.
IMEI number will written on it
i am lost my mobile nokia 1600 and i am finding my mobile pls suggestion me where i find my mobile ?
can i track a person down (triangulate) when he she is using a phone to sms… trying to catch a stalker
hi
i have lost my nokiya n70m mobile phone on 14 fab 2008 .i have its imei number & Bill also,i also complan to S.P. office & given to S.P. latter to other GSM oppreters & Nokiya castmar caer in over local city ,katni [M.P.]. plz let me know how can i trace my phon if it possible
thanks
i have lost my nokia 6600,and i dont have imei no.,in this situation can i get my imei no of me lost nokia 6600.i was using mig33,i have downloaded lots of software on my cell through internet.is there any chance to get the imei no of my lost mobile.plz help me.
i have stolen my mobile last night by some one idit perosn and i donot know its IMEI no. please tell me how can i find.
i lost my sony k850i and i have the iemi no but i called sony they said that u can block ur phone but if that will come fo repair then they can do something
i donot know about sevice provider
i am in malysia. is there any possibilty to trace it back
my N6233 phone theft in 25th APRIL night. i have in its a IMEI number so plese help me trace out in my phone
-my mobile has been theft what can i do
i lost my NOkia 6233 handset yesterday i dnt have its IMEI Where do I found its IMEI number ?please help me..
i lost my samsung E250 i know the IMEI number
so plz……………….
help………..
i lost my n82…. is there any way to get it back….
Just wanna tell to everyone in india that this IMEI number is useless, none of person in CC aware of it…
Santosh here,
i lost my moble on 3rd april 2008. i know IMEI number of my moble. can i find my mobile any way.
I have lost my nokia 2626 today. I have the IMEI number. Can I get back the cell phone. should I file a police complaint? or the service provider itself can help me? Pl. advise.
i have lost my nokia cell 6630 in Patran, Distt Patiala Punjab. I have the IMEI number with me can i track my cell in any ways and get it back? i am from Patiala (Punjab).please inform soon.
i lost my sony ericsson K750i……
please guide me how to block it using IMEI number….
i lost my mobile i have the imei no kindly help.
Dear friends,
Actually there is some bad happening with me, My brother has been kidnapped/Missed from last one week. He has Nokia 1600 mobile with Idea prepaid connection which I have purchased on 24/8/07. I have also the IMEI number of that mobile (Nokia 1600), so that can I trace the mobile easily. Please help me.
Thanks,
Sudhanshu Kumar
Email: sudhanshu.info@yahoo.com
My samsung mobile phone was stolen 2 days ago. I don’t have the IMEI number. Can the IMEI # be found at the box of my said cp? I would like to have it blocked to give a lesson to the person who stole it.
i lost my mobile on 31/03/08 at around 7.30 in malad (mumbai).my cell number was 9819153886.i dont have IMEI number.last call i had received from this number 08322756065.their is nay chances of finding or blocking my cell.
please advice as soon as possible.
i have lost my n-72 please help me for tracing it
I have lost my Motorola Mobile and I have all the details about the phone. I have the IMEI number also. I have lost the phone along with a memory card wherein I have stored lot of datas which are highly valuable to me. Is my mobile traceable.
Where do I found my IMEI number on my phone I have a LG 550 fusic?
hi just got my k750i stolen any ideas on how to block it or get it back please mail me thanks and highly appreciated
i’ve got the imei number with me
Hi all,
I lost my mobile nokia 6233 with Airtel prepaid connection today (28/2/08) which I have purchased on 24/2/08 (3 days old) . I have the IMEI number . I have reported to police on this as police informed me that wait for two days so that the theif may use the mobile so that they can trace it easily. But they asked the details to get from the Airtel. Suggest me plz….
I forget my Nokia 3310 security code, I have IMEI Number : 351106604645853 so please send me master security code to my mail id please please have been waiting for your answer
hello to all,
I lost my nokia 3230 mobile phone on 5th feb 2008.
I know the IMEI number and how can it be useful for me i mean is there any way to get my mobile back. I fired a FIR to police station and i m sure that they will not help me so if anyone can trace the mobile or know the way to trace it please mail me —
ankit_0913@yahoo.co.in
Hi i lost my cell last month, i have heard from people my cell can be tracked with the IMEI number. Do let me know if have the software by which i can track my mobile.
my nokia mobile phone have been stolen, i have the IMEI No here is it.359526018175621. please kindly block my moblile phone so that it will no use to the theft.so get back to as soon as this is done my email address is dittocious@yahoo.com. thank you
I have lost my sony ericsson mobile phone,i have IMEI no. please help me to block my mobile phone so that it is of no use to theft.
I lost my nokia N70 mobile in bangalore..i know its imei number.will i be able to trace back my mobile?please help me
Hi Guys,
Im also one of the unfortunate i lost my nearly new mobile N95, which was a gift from my family, its
IMEI No: 352255016230611. Please help me out to find it and let me know is there anyway to find.
contact me at aamer@nabeel.com
Thanks in advance.
i have lost my nokia 6681 and i donot know my IMEI NO HOW CAN I BLOCK THE MOBILE PLEASE INFORM ME
SATISH
have lost my Sony ericson Mobile model W700i during my transist at Koti on 22-01-2008. I have reported in ESEVA.I have the IEMI no.Is it possibel to track this mobile phone or block it for so that no one can misuse it.kindly give suggestion.
How can I use this information to trace/block my mobile handset?
Please Reply me on my mail. My id is himakar@atspl.com
Thank You
please give me some tips about my mobile nokia 3250 how can i search my cell either block it i have imei no. @ bill coppy thanks.
hello guys,
iam gowtham ilost my mobile phone on 17-12-2007.i present the details in before you
mobile model:Sony Ericsson K750I
IMEI number :355706013621126
plz send ur idear regarding the details of the tracing of mobile to gowtham.sm@gmail.com
Hi,
Some persons snatched my mobile phone(Samsung-E840) in Gurgaon.I have all the details related to my cell that includes IMEI nnumber etc.
Can I trace it back and if yes how can I do that.
lost my sony nokia 6070 handset, i have all document,MEI no., Bill etc. How can I use this number to trace/block my mobile handset?
lost my sony ercsson K550i handset, i have all document,MEI no., Bill etc. How can I use this number to trace/block my mobile handset?
Sir,
i have lost my mobile phone.Its Nokia 6260,i do have the first 10 digits of the IMEI number.
Pls could i still use just the 10digits to block the phone from being used?If yes,How do i block it?
MERRY XMAS
Kind Regards,
Rukky.
Sir,
I have lost my Sony ericson Mobile model W830I during my transist at Goa on 03-12-2007. I have filed the FIR in local police station.I have the IEMI no.Is it possibel to track this mobile phone or block it for so that no one can misuse it.kindly give suggestion.
pls get back my mobile somehow