If you still have the phone
- Any phone: open the phone app and dial *#06#. The IMEI appears on screen.
- iPhone: Settings › General › About.
- Android: Settings › About phone (sometimes under Status).
Phones with two SIMs have two IMEI numbers. Save both.
If the phone is lost or stolen
| Where to look | How |
|---|---|
| Google Find Hub (Android) | At android.com/find, tap the info icon next to your device. |
| Apple Account (iPhone) | At account.apple.com, open Devices and choose the iPhone. |
| The original box | Printed on the sticker with the barcode. |
| Your receipt or invoice | Many stores print it on the invoice. |
| Your carrier | They can see it in your account, or tell you when you call. |
What the IMEI can and can't do
The IMEI is the phone's unique 15-digit ID. With it, your carrier can block the phone on their network, and the police can identify it if it's recovered.
You can't track a phone yourself with its IMEI. Websites and apps that claim to locate a phone "by IMEI" are scams. Here's what actually works.
Next time, it takes ten seconds
Turn on your phone's finding features today, and put a small Bluetooth tracker on the things you lose most, like keys, wallet and bag. Dial *#06# today and save the number in your notes or email.
Last checked October 2026. Menu names can differ slightly by phone model and software version.