Your phone’s IMEI is important
Every mobile phone has an unique International Mobile Equipment Identity number (IMEI). It can be essential to find out what it is and how you can check it.
This is because if your phone is stolen or lost, you can use the IMEI to blacklist it – ensuring anyone who finds it is unable use it even if they use a different SIM card.
For similar reasons, it is also helpful to know how to check the IMEI numbers when purchasing a used phone. You can verify that your phone isn’t lost, hasn’t been blacklisted, hasn’t been damaged, and has not been covered by an insurance claim through CheckMend. Although it is not free, the service can be used if you are buying a high-end phone.
Manufacturers may require your IMEI number to book repairs or other issues.
You now know how important an IMEI number can be. Here’s how to check the IMEI number of your Android and iPhone devices.
How to check your Android phone’s IMEI
Although different Android phones use slightly different methods to find the IMEI number of their device, the principle remains the same.
The Settings menu usually contains the IMEI number information. Tap there and then select About Phone > Status, General> About Device > Status or something similar.
Some phones let you copy the number, while others require that you write it down or take a picture. Other information such as the serial number and details about the phone will be displayed.
It is easy to find the IMEI number. The general rule of thumb is to ‘check’ your phone’s status to get more information.
How to check your iPhone’s IMEI
No matter what age your iPhone, iOS or iPhones are, finding your IMEI number is easy. Go to Settings > General > About. Scroll down a bit to see your IMEI. You can then copy it to your clipboard by holding your finger.
You can check your IMEI online if your iPhone is not at your side.
Sign in with your Apple ID to access your Apple account. After you have done this, scroll down and select Devices. Your IMEI number will then be displayed on that page. This is especially useful if your device has been lost or you want to blacklist it to prevent theft.
You can also check the IMEI of your iPhone by connecting it to your computer. This is the best way to verify the IMEI if your screen is damaged or cracked.
How to find out your phone’s IMEI number using other methods
Although it’s the easiest way to verify the IMEI number using your phone’s software, it’s not the only method.
Alternatively, you can see the IMEI number on some phones if you know where to find it. Using a magnifying lens, you can see the IMEI number on all iPhones that have been released since the iPhone 6S (except the original iPhone SE). Although it’s not an easy method, it is possible.
Similar to the Samsung Galaxy phone, the IMEI number is displayed on the back in near translucent font. You’ll again need a magnifying lens.
The IMEI number can be checked on your phone’s box. This is a great way to find out if your smartphone was stolen or lost. Make sure to keep the original box of your phone.
You could dial *#06# from any phone in the past to get a pop-up message with the IMEI number of your phone. However, this support has been discontinued for newer phones. If you don’t have any other options, this is worth a try for older devices.
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