What Is an IMEI Number — and Why It Matters for Your Phone

Every phone manufactured in the world has a unique identification number called an IMEI — short for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It is 15 digits long, and no two phones in the world share the same IMEI. Think of it like a VIN number on a car: just as each vehicle has its own permanent ID number that identifies it no matter who owns it, your phone has a permanent number that identifies your specific device on any cellular network.

Understanding your IMEI number takes about five minutes. And it can save you real headaches if your phone is ever lost or stolen — or if you are buying a used phone and want to make sure it is not stolen or locked to a carrier.

Why your IMEI number matters

1. Blocking a stolen phone

If your phone is stolen, your carrier (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Spectrum Mobile, etc.) can use the IMEI number to block that device from connecting to any cellular network in the United States. This means the thief cannot use your phone to make calls or access mobile data, even if they put in a new SIM card. The phone becomes much less valuable to steal if it cannot connect to any network.

To report a stolen phone, you call your carrier, give them your IMEI. And they add it to a blocklist. This is separate from a police report (which you should also file). But it is an important step.

2. Checking a used phone before you buy

If you are buying a phone from someone on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or a similar site, you should always check the IMEI before handing over any money. A blocked or reported-stolen IMEI means the phone will not work on US networks. You would be paying for a device that is essentially useless as a phone.

You can also check whether the phone is still under a carrier contract or installment plan that was never paid off — which can result in the phone being locked or blocked.

How to find your IMEI number

There are several ways to find it. You only need to use one.

Method 1: Dial *#06# on your phone

This works on any phone — iPhone or Android — in any country. Open your Phone app as if you were making a call. Type *#06# (star, pound, 0, 6, pound). Do not press call — your IMEI number will appear on the screen automatically within a second or two. Write it down somewhere safe, such as a note in your Notes app or on a piece of paper you keep with your important documents.

Method 2: iPhone — Settings → General → About

Open the Settings app (the gray gear icon). Scroll down and tap "General." Tap "About." Scroll down until you see "IMEI." Your 15-digit number is listed there. You can press and hold on the number to copy it.

Method 3: Android — Settings → About phone

Open the Settings app. Scroll to the bottom and tap "About phone" (on some Android phones it may be called "About device" or "Phone information"). Look for "IMEI" or "IMEI information." On phones with two SIM slots, you may see IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 — both refer to your device. The first one is the primary number.

Method 4: Look on the SIM card tray or the phone's box

On many iPhones and Android phones, the IMEI is printed on the SIM card tray — the small removable slot on the edge of the phone that holds your SIM card. You may need a SIM ejector tool (or an unfolded paperclip) to slide the tray out. The number is engraved in very small print.

The IMEI is also printed on the original box the phone came in, if you still have it — usually on a sticker on the back or side of the box alongside the model number and serial number.

---

How to report a stolen phone using the IMEI

If your phone is stolen:

1. 1**File a police report first.** Go to your local police department or file online at your city or county's non-emergency reporting portal. Ask for a copy of the report. You will need the report number.
2. 2**Call your carrier right away.** Tell them your phone was stolen and provide your IMEI number. Ask them to add the IMEI to the blocklist so the phone cannot be used on any network.
3. 3**Suspend your service.** Ask the carrier to suspend your phone line so no calls or data can be billed to your account while the phone is missing.
4. 4**Change your passwords.** If your phone was unlocked when stolen, the thief may have access to your email, banking apps, and other accounts. Change passwords for important accounts from another device as soon as possible.
5. 5**Contact your insurance if you have phone insurance.** Many carrier plans and some credit cards include phone theft protection — check your documents or call your carrier.

---

How to check an IMEI before buying a used phone

Before handing over money for a used phone, ask the seller to show you the IMEI number (use the *#06# method) or ask to borrow the phone for 60 seconds so you can look it up yourself. Then check it using one of these free tools:

• **IMEI.info** (imei.info): Enter the number to see the phone's model, manufacturer, and whether it has been reported. It also shows warranty status and, in many cases, whether it is financed or under contract.
• **Your carrier's IMEI check tool:** AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and other major carriers have free IMEI check pages on their websites. Search for "[your carrier] IMEI check" to find the right page. Enter the IMEI and the tool will tell you whether the phone is compatible with their network and whether it has been reported stolen or blocked.

If the check shows the phone is clean — not stolen, not blocked, not still under a contract — you are in good shape. If it shows any problems, walk away from the sale.