{"id":482,"date":"2005-07-18T16:32:00","date_gmt":"2005-07-18T11:02:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/07\/18\/imei-number-mobile-phones-security-solution\/"},"modified":"2026-10-16T19:12:59","modified_gmt":"2026-10-16T13:42:59","slug":"imei-number-mobile-phones-security-solution","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/07\/imei-number-mobile-phones-security-solution\/","title":{"rendered":"IMEI Check: How to Find Your Phone IMEI Number and Verify It (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>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 <strong>IMEI number<\/strong> and save it somewhere safe.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-59386\" src=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/imei-check-mobile-phone-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"imei check mobile phone\" width=\"760\" height=\"506\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/imei-check-mobile-phone-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/imei-check-mobile-phone-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/imei-check-mobile-phone-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/imei-check-mobile-phone-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/imei-check-mobile-phone.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Quick answer:<\/strong> Dial <strong>*#06#<\/strong> on any phone and the IMEI number appears on screen. Dual-SIM phones show two IMEIs. You can also find it in Settings &gt; About phone (Android) or Settings &gt; General &gt; About (iPhone), on the box and on the purchase bill. In India, check a phone&#8217;s IMEI on the Sanchar Saathi portal or by sending &#8220;KYM &lt;IMEI&gt;&#8221; to 14422.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6adbc966b4dd8\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #1a202c;color:#1a202c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #1a202c;color:#1a202c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6adbc966b4dd8\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/07\/imei-number-mobile-phones-security-solution\/#What_is_an_IMEI_number\" >What is an IMEI number?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/07\/imei-number-mobile-phones-security-solution\/#How_to_find_your_IMEI_number\" >How to find your IMEI number<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/07\/imei-number-mobile-phones-security-solution\/#How_to_check_IMEI_on_iPhone\" >How to check IMEI on iPhone<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/07\/imei-number-mobile-phones-security-solution\/#How_to_do_an_IMEI_check\" >How to do an IMEI check<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/07\/imei-number-mobile-phones-security-solution\/#Buying_a_used_iPhone_Check_these_too\" >Buying a used iPhone? Check these too<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/07\/imei-number-mobile-phones-security-solution\/#What_to_do_if_your_phone_is_lost_or_stolen\" >What to do if your phone is lost or stolen<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/07\/imei-number-mobile-phones-security-solution\/#Keep_your_IMEI_safe\" >Keep your IMEI safe<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/07\/imei-number-mobile-phones-security-solution\/#FAQ\" >FAQ<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/07\/imei-number-mobile-phones-security-solution\/#Can_I_track_a_phone_using_its_IMEI_number\" >Can I track a phone using its IMEI number?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/07\/imei-number-mobile-phones-security-solution\/#Does_the_IMEI_change_when_I_change_the_SIM\" >Does the IMEI change when I change the SIM?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/07\/imei-number-mobile-phones-security-solution\/#How_do_I_check_the_IMEI_on_an_iPhone_that_wont_turn_on\" >How do I check the IMEI on an iPhone that won&#8217;t turn on?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2005\/07\/imei-number-mobile-phones-security-solution\/#Is_it_illegal_to_change_an_IMEI_number\" >Is it illegal to change an IMEI number?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_an_IMEI_number\"><\/span>What is an IMEI number?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/10\/mobile-esim-vs-physical-sim\/\">eSIM vs physical SIM in India<\/a> for how the two differ.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_find_your_IMEI_number\"><\/span>How to find your IMEI number<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Dial *#06#:<\/strong> works on almost every phone, no network needed.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Android:<\/strong> Settings &gt; About phone &gt; IMEI (or Status).<\/li>\n<li><strong>iPhone:<\/strong> Settings &gt; General &gt; About, and scroll to IMEI. Long-press to copy it.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Phone box:<\/strong> printed on the sticker with the barcode.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Purchase invoice:<\/strong> most bills list the IMEI.<\/li>\n<li><strong>If the phone is lost:<\/strong> sign in to your Google account&#8217;s device list or Apple&#8217;s Find My on another device to see the IMEI of signed-in phones.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_check_IMEI_on_iPhone\"><\/span>How to check IMEI on iPhone<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Apple gives you several ways to check the IMEI on an iPhone, even if the phone is locked, lost or still in its box:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Settings:<\/strong> open Settings &gt; General &gt; About and scroll down to IMEI. Touch and hold the number to copy it.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dial *#06#:<\/strong> in the Phone app keypad, the IMEI (and EID) appears instantly.<\/li>\n<li><strong>SIM tray:<\/strong> on iPhone 6s up to the iPhone 13 series and iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation), the IMEI is printed on the SIM tray.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Back of the phone:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Before setup:<\/strong> on the &#8220;Hello&#8221; screen of a new iPhone, tap the info button in the bottom-right corner.<\/li>\n<li><strong>From a computer:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Apple Account website:<\/strong> sign in at <a href=\"https:\/\/account.apple.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">account.apple.com<\/a>, open Devices and select the iPhone. This works when the phone is lost.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Another Apple device:<\/strong> on an iPad or second iPhone signed in to the same Apple Account, go to Settings &gt; [your name], scroll to your devices and tap the iPhone.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Box:<\/strong> the barcode label on the original box lists the IMEI and serial number.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Apple&#8217;s own guide, <a href=\"https:\/\/support.apple.com\/108037\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find the serial number, EID or IMEI on your iPhone<\/a>, has pictures of each location.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_do_an_IMEI_check\"><\/span>How to do an IMEI check<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>India:<\/strong> on <a href=\"https:\/\/sancharsaathi.gov.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sanchar Saathi<\/a>, use &#8220;Know genuineness of your mobile handset&#8221;, or SMS <strong>KYM 15-digit-IMEI<\/strong> to <strong>14422<\/strong>. It tells you if the IMEI is valid, blacklisted, duplicate or already in use.<\/li>\n<li><strong>United States:<\/strong> enter the IMEI on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stolenphonechecker.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Stolen Phone Checker<\/a>, the free lookup from the wireless industry group CTIA, to see if a phone has been reported lost or stolen to participating carriers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Other countries:<\/strong> your mobile operator, or the GSMA&#8217;s device check services used by retailers and insurers, can tell you if a phone is reported lost or stolen.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Buying_a_used_iPhone_Check_these_too\"><\/span>Buying a used iPhone? Check these too<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Carrier lock:<\/strong> go to Settings &gt; General &gt; About and look at Carrier Lock. &#8220;No SIM restrictions&#8221; means the iPhone is unlocked and works with any carrier.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Activation Lock:<\/strong> 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 &gt; [name] &gt; Find My) in front of you, then erase the phone, before you pay.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Matching numbers:<\/strong> the IMEI in Settings should match *#06#, the SIM tray (if it has one) and the box.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Always run an IMEI check before buying a second-hand phone, and make sure the IMEI on the screen matches the box and bill.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_do_if_your_phone_is_lost_or_stolen\"><\/span>What to do if your phone is lost or stolen<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Try to locate, lock or erase it with Google Find My Device or Apple Find My. See how to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2012\/04\/find-lost-iphone-ipad-ipod-mac\/\">find a lost iPhone, iPad or Mac<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Call your mobile operator to block the SIM and get a replacement.<\/li>\n<li>File a police complaint with the IMEI number.<\/li>\n<li>In India, block the phone&#8217;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.<\/li>\n<li>Change passwords for email, banking and social accounts used on the phone.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Keep_your_IMEI_safe\"><\/span>Keep your IMEI safe<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Save it in your email, notes app or password manager, not only on the phone.<\/li>\n<li>Do not post your IMEI publicly. Criminals can use it to clone or misuse details.<\/li>\n<li>Note both IMEIs on dual-SIM phones.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>While you are in your phone settings, also check the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2013\/07\/mobile-phone-sar-tick\/\">SAR value of your phone<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ\"><\/span>FAQ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_I_track_a_phone_using_its_IMEI_number\"><\/span>Can I track a phone using its IMEI number?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Not yourself. Police and mobile operators can trace a phone by IMEI. You should use Find My Device or Find My.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_the_IMEI_change_when_I_change_the_SIM\"><\/span>Does the IMEI change when I change the SIM?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No. The IMEI belongs to the phone, not the SIM.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_I_check_the_IMEI_on_an_iPhone_that_wont_turn_on\"><\/span>How do I check the IMEI on an iPhone that won&#8217;t turn on?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Look on the SIM tray or the back of older models, check the box, or sign in at account.apple.com and open Devices.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_illegal_to_change_an_IMEI_number\"><\/span>Is it illegal to change an IMEI number?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In India and many other countries, tampering with a phone&#8217;s IMEI is a criminal offence.<\/p>\n<p><em>Please do not post personal details or IMEI numbers in the comments; they will be removed.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When did you last do an IMEI check on your phone? Your IMEI number is a unique 15-digit code that&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":59386,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[49],"class_list":["post-482","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-security","tag-tutorials"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/482","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=482"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/482\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":67447,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/482\/revisions\/67447"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/59386"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=482"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=482"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=482"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}