Short answer: on iPhone, open Settings > General > About. On most Android phones, open Settings > About phone and look for IMEI or Status. You can also dial *#06# on many phones, but Settings is easier to verify and label. Save the number privately before the phone is lost; do not post it publicly.
What an IMEI is and what it is not
IMEI means International Mobile Equipment Identity. It identifies the cellular device or modem, not your mobile number, prepaid load, Apple Account, or Google Account. A Dual SIM phone may show IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 because it has two cellular lines or modem identities. Record both and note which one corresponds to each SIM or eSIM.
An IMEI is useful for carrier support, warranty checks, proof-of-ownership records, and a lost or stolen phone report. It does not reveal your screen lock PIN, and knowing it does not give someone a legitimate way to unlock your accounts. Still, treat it as private device information.
Find the IMEI on an iPhone
- Open Settings.
- Tap General, then About.
- Scroll to IMEI. A Dual SIM or eSIM model may list more than one identifier.
- Press and hold the number if you need to copy it into a trusted support form.
Apple also documents other locations, including the original packaging and, on some models, the SIM tray or device body. Use the Settings value when possible so you can match the identifier to the active line. EID and ICCID are different identifiers; do not substitute them when a form specifically asks for IMEI.
Find the IMEI on an Android phone
Open Settings > About phone. Depending on the brand, tap Status, IMEI information, or a SIM entry. If you cannot find it, search Settings for IMEI. The dial code *#06# works on many models and normally displays the identifier without placing a call.
Google says Find Hub can also show an Android device’s IMEI. This is valuable if the phone is already missing: sign in to the official Find Hub service, select the device, and open its settings. Type the address yourself or use Google’s official help link; avoid sponsored lookalike sites asking for your Google password.
Match the right IMEI on a Dual SIM phone
- Take a screenshot of the About screen while you still have the phone.
- Write down IMEI 1, IMEI 2, the exact model number, and the mobile numbers separately.
- Temporarily disable one SIM in Settings and observe which line remains active if the labels are unclear.
- Keep the original receipt and box because they can help establish ownership.
Do not assume IMEI 1 always means the physical SIM. The assignment can vary by model and eSIM configuration.
Why the IMEI matters after a phone is lost
Start by using Apple Find My or Google Find Hub to mark the device as lost and protect the account. Then contact the carrier to block the SIM so calls, texts, and OTPs cannot be received by whoever has the phone. The related PHWhy guide explains how to block a lost Philippine SIM safely.
The NTC’s published citizen-service documents include a process for requesting the blocking or unblocking of an IMEI and SIM for a lost or stolen mobile phone. The listed proof may include the official receipt, phone box bearing the IMEI, or other required loss documents. Requirements and submission channels can change, so consult the current NTC regional office instructions before travelling or sending personal records.
Check whether your saved number is accurate
Compare the IMEI in Settings with the original box and purchase record. A standard IMEI is usually 15 digits, but do not edit or add digits yourself if the display looks different. Photograph the label clearly and save the record in a secure account that you can access without the phone.
If a second-hand phone’s Settings IMEI does not match its packaging, ask the seller for a clear explanation and proof of ownership before paying. A box can be swapped, so matching packaging alone is not proof that a device is legitimate.
Avoid unsafe IMEI services
Do not enter the IMEI into random checker sites that promise free unlocking, location tracking, or blacklist removal. An IMEI does not let a website locate a phone by itself, and legitimate carrier or NTC blocking cannot be safely bypassed. Never pay someone to rewrite the identifier; alteration may be unlawful and can leave the handset unable to connect.
When to seek official help
Contact the carrier if the identifier is missing, shows as unknown, or is rejected during legitimate activation. Contact the manufacturer or authorised service centre if the IMEI disappeared after a repair or software failure. For loss or theft, preserve the police or incident records and follow the current NTC and carrier process. Share the number only through verified official channels.
