Find my Phone’s IMEI number

By Found, Lost, Stolen
iPhone, Find the IMEI Number

Phone IMEI Number:

So you’re being asked for your phone’s IMEI number and have no idea where to find it? Don’t worry—Liff Happens has your back. Whether your phone is in hand or long gone, here’s how to track it down.

I'm Missing My Phone
I Have My Phone

What is the IMEI number?

IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity—it’s a unique 15-digit number that identifies your device on GSM networks like AT&T and T-Mobile. It’s essential for reporting lost or stolen phones, filing insurance claims, or verifying ownership.

 

What would I need it for?

Your phone’s IMEI number can be an essential piece of information typically required when reporting a missing device, insurance, police reports, or verifying ownership of found devices.

How do I find my IMEI?​

Great question! The answer is it depends. 

When you have the device:

If you still have the device, then this is relatively easy to retrieve.

Keypad IMEI Lookup​

  1. Open up your Phone app ( Image result for phone app icon )
  2. On the keypad punch in this sequence: *#06#
  3. Boom, there is your IMEI Number

Find it on the "outside" of the Phone​

IMEI numbers can be found on the outside of many devices and here are common places to locate them:

  • Etched in small print on the back
  • On the Sim Card tray (pop out with a paper clip)
  • Under the battery, after removing the back of the device 

If you don't have your device:​

Well, that’s not great, and you might need this info–locating the IMEI number is slightly more complicated but not impossible.

Apple Device

Android Device

iPhone: Get it from Apple​

There are several places to check that might show the IMEI number.

  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.
  4. Scroll to the About section at the bottom.

If you still need help, here’s what to try next:

  • Do you have a different device with iOS 10.3 or later that’s signed in to your Apple ID? On that device, go to Settings > [Your name]. Scroll down to see any devices signed in with your Apple ID. Tap the device name to view the serial and IMEI/MEID number.
  • Do you still have your device’s original package? Find the serial number and IMEI/MEID on the barcode:
  • Still can’t find the number that you need? Contact Apple Support by selecting your device from this list:

Serial Number

Sometimes the IMEI isn’t accessible—usually because the screen’s toast (just something to keep in mind). But good news: we can still pull the serial number using a little behind-the-scenes techno magic. We’ll need you to grab it first though. It’s pretty similar to the IMEI steps—here’s how:

Option 1: Use Your Apple ID Account

  1. Go to appleid.apple.com and sign in

  2. Scroll down to the Devices section

  3. Click your iPhone from the list

  4. Boom—serial number is right there

Option 2: Original Packaging or Receipt

  • The serial number is printed on the box near the barcode

  • Or check your email receipt if you bought it online

Android

1. Google Find My Device
  1. Visit Google Find My Device and sign in with your Google account.
  2. Select your lost device from the list.
  3. Click on the “i” (information) icon to view the IMEI number.
2. Google Dashboard
  1. Go to Google Dashboard and log in with the Google account linked to your lost device.
  2. Under “Android,” click on your device to expand the details.
  3. Locate the IMEI number in the device information.
3. Carrier Account
  1. Log in to your account on your mobile carrier’s website.
    1. Call or stop into an office, they may on release a partial number…
  2. Navigate to the section for your devices or account details.
  3. Find your lost device and check the details to locate the IMEI number.
4. Purchase Receipt or Box
  1. Find the original purchase receipt or the box your device came in.
  2. The IMEI number is usually printed on the receipt or the box.
5. Google Account (Email)
  1. Search your email for any messages from your carrier or manufacturer that may include the IMEI number.
  2. Look for order confirmations or support emails.
6. Samsung Account (for Samsung Devices)
  1. Log in to your Samsung account.
  2. Go to “My Products” to see a list of registered devices.
  3. Select your lost device to view the IMEI number.

Call your Carrier​

Your cellular carrier will keep your IMEI number on file associated with your phone number. The highest success rate, but the customer service wait times and talking to humans can get challenging.

Find it from a Backup

iTunes may save you here

  1. Open iTunes
  2. Open Preferences (Mac: Command Comma  Related image,)
  3. Select Devices
  4. Hover Mouse over the backup
  5. Boom IMEI

Note: unfortunately, Android doesn’t seem to have this option.