5 Ways to Find the IMEI or MEID Number on a Mobile Phone - wikiHow (2024)

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Steps Using an iPhone or iPad Using a Computer with an iPhone or iPad Using an Android Checking the Packaging Opening the SIM Tray Community Q&A Video Tips You Might Also Like References About This Article Reader Success Stories Is this article up to date? FAQs
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  • Computers and Electronics
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Locate your mobile phone's unique identifier with this easy-to-use guide

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methods

1Using an iPhone or iPad

2Using a Computer with an iPhone or iPad

3Using an Android

4Checking the Packaging

5Opening the SIM Tray

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Written byTravis Boylls

Last Updated: July 31, 2023Fact Checked

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The IMEI or MEID number for your phone or tablet acts as a unique identifier for that device. IMEI stands for "International Mobile Equipment Identity" and is used by T-Mobile, AT&T Wireless, and other carriers that use Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM). MEID stands for Mobile Equipment Identification and is used by Verizon, Sprint, Cricket, and other carriers that use the Code Switch Multiple Access (CDMA) system. No two devices will have the same IMEI or MEID, which makes it a very useful tool for tracking lost or stolen cell phones. This wikiHow article will teach you how to quickly retrieve and record your IMEI or MEID number in a variety of ways, depending on your device.

Steps

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  1. 1

    Open the Phone app

    . It typically has a green icon with an image that resembles an old phone receiver. Tap the phone icon on your Home screen to open the Phone app.

  2. 2

    Open the dial pad. It typically has an icon that resembles 10 squares in the shape of a phone's dialer. Open the dial pad on your phone.

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  3. 3

    Dial *#06#. You can retrieve the IMEI/MEID number on virtually any phone by dialing in the universal code, which is "*#06#". You typically will not need to press the Call or Send button. The IMEI/MEID number will appear as soon as you finish dialing the code.[1]

  4. 4

    Copy the number. Your IMEI/MEID number will appear in a new window on your phone. Write the number down as it is not possible to copy and paste it from your phone's display. However, you can take a screen shot.

    • Most phones will tell you when the number is displayed if it is an IMEI or MEID number. If your phone doesn't you can verify which number it is by checking what carrier you use. GSM networks like AT&T and T-Mobile use IMEI numbers. CDMA networks such as Sprint, Verizon, and US Cellular use MEID numbers.
    • If you need the MEID number, take the same number but ignore the last digit (IMEI is 15 digits, MEID is 14 digits).

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Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Using an iPhone or iPad

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  1. 1

    Open the Settings app

    . This can be found on your iPhone's Home screen. This step works for any iPhone or an iPad that is capable of receiving cellular data from the 4G or 5G network.[2]

  2. 2

    Tap General. It's near the top of the Settings menu.[3]

  3. 3

    Tap About. A list of information about your phone or tablet will appear.[4]

  4. 4

    Scroll down to IMEI or MEID. If you want to copy it to your iPhone or iPad's clipboard, tap and hold the number and select Copy.[5]

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  1. 1

    Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer. Use the charging cable that came with your iPhone or iPad and connect it to a free USB port on your Mac or Windows computer.

    • Make sure your iPhone or iPad is powered on.

  2. 2

    Open the Finder or iTunes. If you have a Mac with macOS Catalina (Version 10.15) or newer, open the Finder. It has an icon that resembles a blue and white smiley face. If you have a Windows computer or a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier, Open iTunes. It has a white icon with a music note.[6]

  3. 3

    Click your device. It will be listed as the name of your iPhone or iPad in the panel to the left.

    • On iTunes, you may need to click the icon that resembles a phone or tablet in the upper-right corner.

  4. 4

    Click General or Summary. It's the first tab at the top of the page. If you are using the Finder, it will say "General." If you are using iTunes, it will say "Summary."[7]

  5. 5

    Locate the IMEI or MEID number. It will be listed at the top of the page below the name of your iPhone or iPad.

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Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Using an Android

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  1. 1

    Open the Android Settings menu. You can do this by tapping the Settings app in your App Drawer.[8]

  2. 2

    Scroll down and tap About or About Phone. It's near the bottom of the Settings menu. Depending on your Android model, it will either say "About" or "About Phone."[9]

    • On some phones, you may have to tap System or General in order to find the "About Phone" or "About Device" option.[10]

  3. 3

    Scroll down to find the 15-digit IMEI or 14-digit MEID. The numbers are the same other than the last digit--if you don't see an entry for MEID, you can safely provide the IMEI number and drop the last digit.

    • On some phone's you may have to tap Status in order to find the IMEI or MEID. If you are having a hard time find the IMEI or MEID, tap the magnifying glass icon in the upper-right corner and enter "IMEI" (T-Mobile, AT&T Wireless) or "MEID" (Verizon, Sprint, US Cellular, Cricket) in the search bar.

  4. 4

    Write down the number. There is no way to copy the number to your phone's clipboard, so you will need to write or type the number out.

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Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Checking the Packaging

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  1. 1

    Locate the original packaging for your mobile device. Don't worry about the booklet; look for the box.[11]

  2. 2

    Locate the barcode label stuck to your box. It might have been placed over the opening to act as a seal.

  3. 3

    Look for the IMEI/MEID. It should be clearly labeled and is usually listed together with the barcode and serial number.

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Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Opening the SIM Tray

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  1. 1

    Power off your phone. Before removing the battery or SIM card from your phone, you will need to make sure your phone is powered off.

  2. 2

    Locate your SIM card tray. If your phone has a removable battery, the SIM card tray will be underneath the battery. If your phone does not have a removable battery, the SIM tray will be located on the side of your phone. It will be an oval-shaped compartment with a pinhole on one of the sides.[12]

  3. 3

    Remove the SIM card tray. If your phone has a removable battery, remove the back from your phone and then remove the battery. You will not need to remove the SIM card. If your phone has a SIM card tray on the side, use the SIM card removal tool that came with your phone to open the SIM card tray. Insert the pointed end of the tool in the pinhole and press down to eject the SIM card tray with the SIM card.[13]

    • If you don't have the SIM card removal tool that came with your phone, you can just use a paperclip.

  4. 4

    Check for the IMEI or MEID number. If your phone has a removable battery, you can find the number printed on a label beneath the battery. You do not need to remove the SIM card. If your phone has an ejectable SIM card tray, check for the IMEI or MEID number either at the top of the SIM card holder or along the side. It will be in printed in tiny letters.

  5. 5

    Place the SIM card tray or battery back in the phone. Once you have the IMEI or MEID number, you will need to return the battery or SIM card tray with the SIM card back to it's original place. Your phone will not work without it.

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Community Q&A

Add New Question

  • Question

    How can police find the person who stole a cellphone with an IMEI number?

    5 Ways to Find the IMEI or MEID Number on a Mobile Phone - wikiHow (36)

    Community Answer

    They are able to track it. Once the theft is reported, they will make an IMEI tracking letter which will be sent to the network provider. Once this is done, the network provider will block the handset so that it will be useless until it is unlocked. The phone will not work even if the network SIM card is changed.

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    YesNo

    Not Helpful 10Helpful 52

  • Question

    How do I get my IMEI number if phone is lost?

    5 Ways to Find the IMEI or MEID Number on a Mobile Phone - wikiHow (37)

    Community Answer

    You may be able to get your IMEI number by logging in to the online account manager for your mobile service provider.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

    YesNo

    Not Helpful 52Helpful 203

  • Question

    How can I find an IMEI if I do not have the phone?

    5 Ways to Find the IMEI or MEID Number on a Mobile Phone - wikiHow (38)

    Community Answer

    Do you mean "if you do not have 'a' phone"? This is only possible with phones. If you mean you don't have the phone number, I do not know.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

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    Not Helpful 30Helpful 61

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      Video

      Tips

      • Write your IMEI down before your phone gets lost or stolen.

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      • Most pre-paid and non-contract phones in America don't have IMEIs; the same applies to disposable phones throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa.

        Thanks

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      • If your mobile phone is stolen, you can call or go to the nearest service center of your mobile network and give that IMEI number to staff to block your phone.

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      About This Article

      5 Ways to Find the IMEI or MEID Number on a Mobile Phone - wikiHow (54)

      Written by:

      Travis Boylls

      wikiHow Technology Writer

      This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Travis Boylls. Travis Boylls is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. Travis has experience writing technology-related articles, providing software customer service, and in graphic design. He specializes in Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux platforms. He studied graphic design at Pikes Peak Community College. This article has been viewed 9,376,356 times.

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      Co-authors: 122

      Updated: July 31, 2023

      Views:9,376,356

      Categories: Cell Phones

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      Reader Success Stories

      • 5 Ways to Find the IMEI or MEID Number on a Mobile Phone - wikiHow (55)

        Dalbert Bailey

        Jul 29, 2017

        "I was on an old Samsung Intensity III and transferring to another carrier. Their live chat was worthless, so I..." more

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      5 Ways to Find the IMEI or MEID Number on a Mobile Phone - wikiHow (2024)

      FAQs

      How do I find my IMEI number if I don't have my phone? ›

      If you don't have access to the dialer in the phone you'll need to get the IMEI from either the box the phone came in (usually printed on a sticker), any paperwork that came with your phone (some sellers print it on the invoice) or maybe even a sticker on the rear of the phone.

      Read On ›
      How can I find my IMEI number without opening my phone? ›

      Find Your Android's IMEI Number on Google Dashboard

      First, sign in to your Google account at myaccount.google.com/dashboard and look for “Android” or you can click on “Find My Device.” It will show you the devices you have linked to your dashboard. Second, click on the information icon next to your device.

      Discover More Details ›
      What is the code used to identify the IMEI of a mobile device? ›

      Dial a Code: A simple way to find your IMEI number on a cell phone, regardless of the brand or model is to dial *#06# on your device's keypad. Once dialed, the IMEI number will be displayed automatically on the screen.

      Continue Reading ›
      Is there another way to get IMEI number? ›

      Finding your IMEI number on any device

      Dial *#06# from your device. You'll see your IMEI number displayed on your screen.

      See Details ›
      How to find IMEI number without phone iPhone? ›

      If you don't have your device
      1. Go to appleid.apple.com in a web browser.
      2. Sign in with the Apple ID that you use on your device.
      3. Choose the Devices section. To see the serial and IMEI/MEID number, select the device.
      Dec 6, 2023

      Find Out More ›
      How can I find my IMEI number without my phone Android? ›

      Just go to Google Settings, sign-in with your Google account and expand the Android tab. Here you will see of all Android devices that are connected to your Google Account and it will list the IMEI number of your phone as well and the IMEI number is printed on the box itself.

      Tell Me More ›
      How to find IMEI number with Google account? ›

      Use Google Find My Device.
      1. At the top left, tap your phone.
      2. Tap the information icon . Your IMEI appears to the right of the icon.

      Show Me More ›
      Can you check your IMEI number online? ›

      IMEI24.com is the website for you. IMEI lookup allows you to check your IMEI number and get access to warranty date, carrier info, blacklist status, purchase date, blockade info and more. IMEI is a 15 digits number, which can be displayed on the phone LCD by dialing *#06# just as a phone number.

      Explore More ›
      How to verify IMEI number? ›

      STEPS FOR IMEI VERIFICATION
      1. Type *#06# in your mobile device. ...
      2. Enter the displayed code in the box below and click on "check my device".
      3. The Mode and Manufacturer of your mobile device will be displayed.
      4. If the IMEI display a different model, please check with your vendor as your mobile device may not be genuine.

      Continue Reading ›
      How to find IMEI number from Google account? ›

      Use Google Find My Device.
      1. At the top left, tap your phone.
      2. Tap the information icon . Your IMEI appears to the right of the icon.

      Show Me More ›

      Can you track IMEI without SIM? ›

      #3: Google Find My Device

      It's not just users of iOS who are wondering can you track a phone with no SIM card. If they're on Android, you want to be able to track them with ease. Thankfully, Google Find My Device lets you do just that.

      Read The Full Story ›
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