How to find your iPhone’s IMEI (and do it with it)

Just like you and me, your iPhone has a name. You sometimes need this so-called IMEI number to arrange certain matters, but then you must be able to find the number. No worries! This is how you find out the IMEI of your iPhone.

Why your iPhone’s IMEI matters

You can forget it right away, but the abbreviation IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. That is a lot of words for a unique code (consisting of 15 digits) by which telephones are recognized. Every iPhone and all other smartphones have their own IMEI.

Usually there is little positive going on when you need the IMEI of your iPhone. For example, the police will ask you when you want to report the theft. Your telecom provider also sometimes needs the IMEI, for example if you have problems with your network settings.

Finally, you can use this code to find out which model of Apple phone you actually have, and use it to calculate, for example, how old your iPhone is.

How to find out the name of your iPhone

Back to the good news, because it is not at all difficult to find out the IMEI number of your iPhone. In fact, even if you have lost the device itself, there is a good chance that you can still find out her or his name.

1. Find IMEI from the iPhone itself

However, we’ll start with the easiest option: over the phone itself.

Do you need the IMEI number now? You can copy this code directly from the Settings app by putting your finger on it. The code is then copied and you can paste it into another app.

2. View the SIM card tray

This way is a little less accessible than the previous one, but still relatively simple. Most likely, the IMEI number of your iPhone is also on the holder with which you place the SIM card in your phone.

The code is printed on the side, just next to the opening for the pin. This is the case for every iPhone released by Apple since 2015.

3. Grab your Mac (or computer)

Have you ever paired your iPhone with a Mac or Windows computer? The IMEI code is probably in the Finder (on Macs) or in iTunes (on older Macs and Windows computers).

1. Simply connect your iPhone to the computer;
2. Open the Finder, or iTunes;
3. Go to the ‘General’ tab (or click on ‘Overview in iTunes);
4. Click on ‘Phone number’ under the name of your phone to find the IMEI number, among other things.

4. When you no longer have the iPhone

Has your iPhone been stolen, or has it been lost somewhere? Then you may be able to find out the IMEI code from Apple itself. Go to the official website and sign in with your Apple ID, the same account you used to set up your phone. Then go to the “Devices” section and select your phone to find the IMEI number, among other things.

Finally, you can also take the packaging of your Apple phone. At the bottom of the box you will find all kinds of barcodes, including one for the IMEI code.

More tips for your iPhone

iPhoned is the starting point for Apple enthusiasts. Our website and app are packed with helpful tips for getting the most out of your Apple gadgets. For example, we explain how to control an Apple Watch with one hand and what to do when AirPods continuously fall out of your ears.