How to Check Your iPhone or Android Phone's IMEI Number

How to check your iPhone or Android phone's IMEI number
Photo : How to check your iPhone or Android phone's IMEI number

Need to check your IMEI number? No problem. In this article, we will take you through some simple steps as we show you how to locate your IMEI number on both Apple and Android devices. 

There are many reasons why you might want to check your phone's IMEI number. And if you're not sure why you would even need it in the first place, let me tell you right now that everyone should have theirs written down somewhere in case something were to happen to their device. Once you have your IMEI number, you can track your phone if you lose it or it is stolen. Or, when buying a second-hand phone, checking the IMEI number will let you know if it has previously been reported as lost or stolen. We'll show you how to locate your IMEI number in this easy-to-follow article. If you are interested in the connection between IMEI numbers and phone theft and want to find out more, you can read this interesting article posted by Forbes.

What is an IMEI Number?

An IMEI number is a unique number that is used to identify your phone. IMEI stands for International Mobile Station Equipment Identity. It is used by phone companies to match each phone to the networks, so they can work out who is making the calls, and from where. IMEI numbers are also used to blacklist devices if they are stolen so that they cannot be resold by the thief.

Apple used to print these IMEI numbers on their phones, but it is a practice that they have not done for a while. Fortunately, there are still ways that you can find out your IMEI number, as that will be the first step you will need to do to begin locating your phone. 

How to Locate Your IMEI Number

There are several reasons why you might want to locate your phone's IMEI number, which is usually at the point of purchasing, selling, or locating a phone. But you will also usually need your IMEI number if you want to unlock your phone to all networks. For us, to begin the process you will need to find out what your phone's IMEI number is.

A brief note before we get into it: IMEI numbers are not to be confused with serial numbers, they are two completely separate things! You may have seen recent articles posted on sites like Macrumors (Apple to Switch to Randomised Serial Numbers) and be wondering if it will affect your current, or future IMEI numbers, but rest assured, it will not. Serial numbers are easier to find than IMEI numbers, and many people tend to get the two mixed up.

On an Apple iPhone, you can check your iPhone's IMEI number, which is through the iPhone settings. If you open settings, then go to 'general', then 'about', you should be able to see your iPhone's IMEI number further down the page. You can then copy the number (by holding down on it with your fingertip and selecting copy), and then paste it into your notes so that you will be able to get to it easily in the future. 

Another easy way to check your iPhone's IMEI number is to open your dial pad and type in *#06# which will take you straight to a screen with your IMEI number. 

If you have an iPhone 6 or older, you will be able to locate your IMEI number by looking on the back of your phone. It will be printed alongside some other small text. If not here, check the bottom of your sim tray. 

For Android devices, the process is also fairly straightforward. Although the pathing can vary from device to device, you will always find the IMEI number nestled somewhere within the settings. Generally, it will be as follows: Settings > About Phone > Status > General > About Device. If you find that your device does not follow these particular steps, don't panic. Simply have a look around in your general settings until you find 'General' and 'About Device', and you will find it.

Got your IMEI Number. What Now?

You can use your phone's IMEI number to find everything about your phone. This is very important if you want to buy a used phone. Most IMEI checkers out there are free, but they might include hidden fees or steal your phone's info. No worries, you can check through services like iPhoneIMEI.net to confirm that your phone has never been reported lost or stolen, is not blacklisted, and if Find My iPhone is still enabled or not (if you go for a second-hand iPhone). Falling for an iPhone with active Find My iPhone, your new device turns into a useless brick. So, it's a good idea to check the IMEI number when buying a used device. 

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