How to Find Your IMEI on iPhone 16, 15, 14 & Older Models (2026)

Your iPhone has a unique 15-digit identifier called an IMEI number. Whether you need it for warranty claims, carrier registration, or stolen device reporting, knowing how to find your IMEI on an iPhone is essential — and there are multiple ways to do it. The method depends on what iOS version you’re running and which iPhone model you own.

This guide covers every iPhone model from the iPhone 16 all the way back to the original iPhone, plus step-by-step screenshots for each method.

Table of Contents

• What Is an IMEI and Why Do You Need It?
• Method 1: Find IMEI in Settings (Fastest)
• Method 2: Check the About Section (iPhone 12 and Earlier)
• Method 3: Check the SIM Card Tray
• Method 4: Check the Original Box
• Method 5: Find IMEI in Finder or iTunes
• Method 6: The Dial Trick (*#06#) — Android Only
• IMEI on Specific iPhone Models: iPhone 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, and Earlier
• Dual IMEI: Understanding IMEI1 and IMEI2 on Newer iPhones
• What to Do After You Find Your IMEI
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Is an IMEI and Why Do You Need It?

An IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit number assigned to every cellular mobile device at manufacture. It’s burned into your iPhone’s hardware and never changes — even if you change carriers, restore the phone, or get a new SIM card.

You need your IMEI for:

• Reporting a stolen iPhone: Apple and your carrier use IMEI to blacklist the device globally, rendering it useless to a thief.
• Checking device status: Verify your phone is clean and not reported stolen or blacklisted.
• Warranty claims: Apple may ask for your IMEI to verify your device is genuine.
• Carrier registration: Some carriers require IMEI for account verification or SIM activation.
• Second-hand purchases: Before buying a used iPhone, always check the IMEI to ensure it’s not stolen or blacklisted.

Method 1: Find IMEI in Settings (Fastest)

This method works on all modern iPhones (iPhone 13 and newer), including iPhone 16, 15, 14, and 13.

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap General.
3. Tap About.
4. Scroll down to find IMEI (on dual-SIM models, you’ll see IMEI1 and IMEI2).
5. Long-press to copy it to clipboard.

That’s it. This is the fastest, most reliable method for any modern iPhone.

Method 2: Check the About Section (iPhone 12 and Earlier)

Older iPhones (iPhone 12, 11, X, 8, 7, and back) show IMEI in the same location, but the path is slightly different depending on iOS version.

1. Go to Settings > General > About.
2. Look for the IMEI field (usually near the top of the list).
3. If you don’t see it, scroll down — on older iPhones it’s sometimes under IMEI1 and IMEI2 for dual-SIM models.

Method 3: Check the SIM Card Tray

Most iPhones (except eSIM-only US models) have a physical SIM tray on the side of the device. Inside that tray, the IMEI is printed on the metal tray itself — visible without removing your SIM card.

1. Locate the SIM tray on the side of your iPhone (usually the right side).
2. Use an Apple SIM eject tool or a thin paperclip to push the small hole.
3. Gently pull out the tray.
4. Look at the metal surface of the tray — the IMEI is laser-printed there.
5. Write it down or take a photo.

Note: US models of iPhone 14, 15, and 16 are eSIM-only and have no physical SIM tray. For these models, use Method 1 (Settings).

Method 4: Check the Original Box

Still have your iPhone’s original packaging? The IMEI is printed on a label on the back of the box.

1. Find the barcode label on the back of your iPhone box.
2. Look for the line labeled IMEI:
3. The 15-digit number printed next to it is your IMEI.

This is useful if you’re away from your phone or you’ve lost access to it.

Method 5: Find IMEI in Finder or iTunes

If you connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC, you can find your IMEI through the Finder app (Mac) or iTunes (Windows / older Macs).

On Mac (Monterey and newer):

1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac with a USB cable.
2. Open Finder and click on your device in the sidebar.
3. Click the General tab.
4. Your IMEI appears in the device information panel.

On Windows (iTunes):

1. Connect your iPhone to your Windows PC.
2. Open iTunes (or the Music app on Windows 11).
3. Click on your device icon in the top menu.
4. Click Summary.
5. Scroll down — your IMEI is listed under Phone Number section or IMEI field.

Method 6: The Dial Trick (*#06#) — Android Only

iPhone does not support the *#06# dialing trick to display IMEI — this method only works on Android phones. For iPhones, stick to Methods 1-5 above.

IMEI on Specific iPhone Models: iPhone 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, and Earlier

iPhone Model	Year Released	Best Method	Has SIM Tray?	Supports Dual IMEI?
iPhone 16 Pro Max	2024	Settings > General > About	Yes (except US)	Yes (eSIM dual)
iPhone 16	2024	Settings > General > About	Yes (except US)	Yes (eSIM dual)
iPhone 15 Pro Max	2023	Settings > General > About	Yes (except US)	Yes (eSIM dual)
iPhone 15	2023	Settings > General > About	Yes (except US)	Yes (eSIM dual)
iPhone 14 Pro Max	2022	Settings > General > About	Yes (except US)	Yes (eSIM dual)
iPhone 14	2022	Settings > General > About	Yes (except US)	Yes (eSIM dual)
iPhone 13 Pro Max	2021	Settings > General > About	Yes	Yes
iPhone 13	2021	Settings > General > About	Yes	Yes
iPhone 12 Pro Max	2020	Settings > General > About	Yes	Yes
iPhone 12	2020	Settings > General > About	Yes	Yes
iPhone 11	2019	Settings > General > About	Yes	No
iPhone XS / XR	2018	Settings > General > About	Yes	No
iPhone 8 / 7	2014-2016	Settings > General > About	Yes	No
iPhone 6s and earlier	Pre-2014	Settings > General > About	Yes	No

Dual IMEI: Understanding IMEI1 and IMEI2 on Newer iPhones

Starting with the iPhone XS (2018), Apple introduced Dual SIM support, allowing two active carrier connections on a single device. This means your iPhone now has two separate IMEIs: IMEI1 and IMEI2.

How it works:

• Non-US models (iPhone 13+): One physical SIM + one eSIM = IMEI1 (physical) + IMEI2 (eSIM).
• US models (iPhone 14+): Two eSIMs = IMEI1 + IMEI2 (no physical SIM tray).
• Both IMEIs are equally valid: Either can be blacklisted, checked, or used for warranty claims.

When you report your iPhone stolen, both IMEI1 and IMEI2 are typically blacklisted at the same time, preventing any carrier from activating either SIM. If you want to check both IMEIs individually, go to Settings > General > About and note down both numbers.

What to Do After You Find Your IMEI

Once you have your IMEI, here are the next steps depending on your situation:

If You Lost or Misplaced Your iPhone

• Contact your carrier immediately with your IMEI to request blacklisting.
• Report the theft to local law enforcement — police can use IMEI for device recovery.
• Contact Apple Support with your IMEI to flag the device and disable remotely if possible.

If You’re Buying a Second-Hand iPhone

• Ask the seller for the IMEI before purchasing.
• Run the IMEI through an official IMEI check tool to confirm it’s not blacklisted, stolen, or flagged for finance issues.
• Never complete a purchase without verifying the IMEI status.

If You Want to Store Your IMEI Safely

• Save your IMEI in your phone’s Notes app or a password manager (encrypted storage).
• Photograph the IMEI label on your SIM tray or box for backup.
• Keep it separate from your device — if your iPhone is stolen, you’ll need this number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my iPhone IMEI?

No. Your iPhone’s IMEI is permanently burned into the device hardware during manufacture. It cannot be changed, cloned, or spoofed without illegal baseband modification — which violates telecom laws in most countries. There is no legitimate way to change your IMEI.

What’s the difference between IMEI and ICCID?

IMEI is your device identity (the phone hardware). ICCID is your SIM identity (the phone number and carrier). You can change your SIM and ICCID stays with it, but your IMEI stays with the device. Both can be viewed in Settings > General > About.

Is my IMEI private or can others see it?

Your IMEI is semi-public. Carriers, Apple, law enforcement, and telecommunications databases can access it. However, casual strangers cannot see your IMEI unless you share it or they physically access your phone. Avoid sharing your IMEI publicly online to prevent fraud.

Do I need both IMEI1 and IMEI2 to report a stolen phone?

No. You only need one IMEI to report your phone stolen. Most carriers will automatically blacklist both IMEIs when you report the device (if it’s dual-SIM). However, having both numbers is helpful for complete device documentation.

Can an iPhone work without an IMEI?

No. An IMEI is required to connect to any cellular network. Without a valid IMEI, your iPhone cannot make calls, send SMS, or use cellular data — though it will still work on WiFi. This is why blacklisting an IMEI is so effective for theft prevention.

Where’s the IMEI on an iPhone X or older?

All iPhones (including iPhone X and older) show the IMEI in Settings > General > About. Some older models may also print it on the SIM tray. If your device is powered off, use the SIM tray method or check the original box.

Next Steps: Save Your IMEI and Verify Your Device Status

Your iPhone’s IMEI is your device’s fingerprint — unique, permanent, and essential for security. Whether you need it for a warranty claim, stolen phone report, or second-hand verification, knowing all six methods to find your IMEI means you’re never stuck.

Take 30 seconds right now: go to Settings > General > About, copy your IMEI, and save it somewhere safe. If you’re planning to sell your iPhone, give a copy to the buyer so they can verify it. If you’re buying used, always run the IMEI through an official check tool before handing over money.

TrackMobileIMEI is powered by real device data and iOS documentation. Our guides are updated quarterly to reflect the latest iPhone models and iOS versions.