Your Samsung Galaxy S25, S24, or any Galaxy phone has a unique 15-digit identifier called an IMEI number — the International Mobile Equipment Identity. Whether you need to verify your device, check for blacklisting, or provide it to your carrier or insurance company, knowing how to find your IMEI quickly is essential.
This guide walks you through five different methods to locate your IMEI on any Samsung Galaxy phone — from the easiest (Settings) to the fastest (dialing a code) — plus what to do once you have it.
Table of Contents
- Method 1: Check in Settings (Most Common)
- Method 2: Use the Dial Code *#06# (Fastest)
- Method 3: Samsung SmartThings App
- Method 4: SIM Tray Label (Some Models)
- Method 5: Original Box or Receipt
- Dual SIM Phones: IMEI1 vs IMEI2
- What to Do With Your IMEI
- FAQ
Method 1: Check in Settings (Most Common)
The Settings app is the most reliable way to find your IMEI on any Samsung Galaxy phone. Here’s how:
- Open Settings on your Galaxy phone.
- Scroll down and tap About Phone (sometimes labeled About Device).
- Look for the field labeled IMEI or IMEI information.
- On dual-SIM Galaxy phones, you will see both IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 — note which SIM slot each one belongs to.
- Long-press the IMEI to copy it, or write it down.
Pro tip: Screenshot this screen and save it to your cloud storage (Google Photos, Samsung Cloud) for safekeeping. Many carriers and insurance companies ask for your IMEI as proof of ownership.
Method 2: Use the Dial Code *#06# (Fastest)
If you want your IMEI right now without navigating Settings, use this hidden dial code:
- Open the Phone app (the dialer).
- Type *#06# exactly as shown (no spaces).
- Press Call — do not actually dial a number.
- Your IMEI will appear instantly on the screen. On dual-SIM phones, you will see IMEI1 and IMEI2 listed together.
- Screenshot or write down the number(s).
Important: This code works on virtually every Galaxy phone and does not send any data or incur charges. It simply queries the device’s baseband chip for its hardware ID.
Method 3: Samsung SmartThings App
If you use Samsung’s ecosystem, SmartThings can retrieve your device info including IMEI:
- Open the Samsung SmartThings app (or SmartThings Find).
- Go to Devices or My Phone.
- Select your Galaxy phone from the list.
- Tap Device Info or Details.
- Scroll to find IMEI.
This method is useful if you are already managing Samsung devices in SmartThings, but Methods 1 or 2 are faster for one-off lookups.
Method 4: SIM Tray Label (Some Models)
On older Galaxy models (S10, S20, older A-series), Samsung printed the IMEI on the SIM tray label. Newer S25 and S24 models typically do not — the information was deemed redundant with digital lookup methods.
If you have an older Galaxy with a removable SIM tray:
- Use the SIM ejector tool (tiny pin in the box) or a paperclip to gently eject the SIM tray.
- Remove the tray and examine the label on its underside.
- Look for a row of digits labeled IMEI — this will be the IMEI for that SIM slot.
- If both slots have labels, make a note of both.
Do not lose the tray. Reinsert it carefully to avoid damaging the SIM slot contacts.
Method 5: Original Box or Receipt
Your Galaxy phone’s original retail box often has the IMEI printed on a label, barcode, or spec sheet inside. Similarly, your purchase receipt or invoice from the carrier may list device details.
Why check the box? If you have lost your phone or it is inaccessible, the box IMEI serves as proof of ownership for insurance claims or carrier reports.
Dual SIM Phones: IMEI1 vs IMEI2 — Which One Do I Use?
Modern Samsung Galaxy phones often support Dual SIM — two separate cellular connections at once. This means two distinct IMEI numbers: IMEI1 and IMEI2.
How Dual IMEI Works on Galaxy
On dual-SIM Galaxy phones (like the S25 with physical SIM + eSIM), each SIM slot has its own IMEI:
- IMEI1: Usually assigned to the primary physical SIM slot.
- IMEI2: Usually assigned to the secondary eSIM or second physical SIM.
Both are registered with Samsung, your carrier, and global IMEI databases. If your phone is reported stolen, both IMEIs are typically blacklisted simultaneously.
Which IMEI to Provide?
If your carrier or insurance company asks for “your IMEI,” ask them to clarify which SIM slot your contract is associated with — then provide the matching IMEI. If you are unsure, it is safe to provide both.
What to Do With Your IMEI: Next Steps
Once you have your IMEI, here are the most common next steps:
1. Check If Your Phone Is Blacklisted
Blacklisting means a carrier or authority has marked your IMEI as stolen, damaged, or in violation — carriers will refuse to activate it. Check your IMEI status on an official checker or your carrier’s website. Learn more: IMEI Check Tools.
2. Verify You Have the Right Model
The IMEI encodes the model of your phone. Use an IMEI decoder to confirm you have an authentic S25 or S24 — not a refurbished model misrepresented as new. This is critical when buying a second-hand phone.
3. Report a Lost or Stolen Phone
If your Galaxy is lost or stolen, contact your carrier immediately and provide your IMEI. They will blacklist it, preventing anyone else from using it on their network. Learn more: IMEI Blacklisting.
4. File an Insurance Claim
Most phone insurance policies require an IMEI as proof of ownership and to prevent fraudulent duplicate claims. Keep a copy saved somewhere safe.
5. Protect Your IMEI
Never share your IMEI publicly or in untrusted chat groups. Scammers can use it to fraudulently claim your phone or create fake listings. For more on protecting your IMEI, see IMEI Security & Privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find my IMEI without turning on my phone?
Only if you kept the original box, receipt, or took a screenshot before the phone turned off. Otherwise, you need to power it on to access Settings or use the *#06# dial code.
Is the IMEI the same as the Serial Number?
No. The Serial Number is a manufacturing ID (not standardized across brands), while the IMEI is the globally standardized cellular identifier assigned by the manufacturer. Learn the difference here.
Do I need to find both IMEI1 and IMEI2 on my Galaxy?
Only if both SIM slots are active. If you use just one SIM, you typically only need that SIM’s IMEI. But for insurance and carrier records, it is worth saving both.
What if the IMEI in Settings does not match the box?
This is a red flag — it could mean the phone was replaced, repaired with a different mainboard, or is a counterfeit. Contact Samsung or your carrier to verify authenticity before proceeding with activation or insurance.
Can I change my IMEI?
Not legally. Changing or spoofing an IMEI is illegal in the USA, UK, India, Australia, EU, and most countries — it violates telecommunications laws. If you are trying to avoid a blacklist, contact your carrier for a legitimate solution. For more on legal protections, see IMEI Security & Privacy.
Where is the IMEI physically stored?
The IMEI is burned into your phone’s baseband processor — a dedicated chip that handles cellular communication. It is not in the SIM or the storage — it is hardware-level and cannot be lost even if you wipe your phone.
Summary: The Easiest Way to Find Your Galaxy IMEI
For most users: Settings > About Phone > IMEI.
In a hurry? Dial *#06# in your Phone app and press Call.
Lost your phone? Check the original box or your purchase receipt.
Your IMEI is a crucial piece of your device identity — save it, protect it, and keep it handy. Whether you are verifying ownership, checking for blacklisting, or filing an insurance claim, you now have five ways to access it instantly.
TrackMobileIMEI researches IMEI standards using official GSMA documentation and Samsung hardware specifications. This guide is updated regularly for new Galaxy models and Android versions.