How to Find Your Phone's IMEI or MEID Number

Your mobile device number is the key to accessing network services

by
Melanie Uy
Writer
Former Lifewire writer Melanie Uy has 5+ years' experience writing about consumer-oriented technology and is an expert telecommuter.
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Melanie Uy
Updated on July 22, 2021
reviewed by
Jerrick Leger headshot
Jerrick Leger
Lifewire Technology Review Board Member
Jerrick Leger is a CompTIA-certified IT Specialist with more than 10 years' experience in technical support and IT fields. He is also a systems administrator for an IT firm in Texas serving small businesses.
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Article reviewed on Nov 11, 2020
Jerrick Leger

Your phone or tablet uses a unique IMEI or MEID number, one that distinguishes it from other mobile devices. You may need this number to unlock your cellphone or tablet, to track or detect a lost or stolen cellphone, or to see if your phone will work on another carrier's network. Here's how to find the IMEI or MEID on your mobile device.

The information in this article applies to all smartphones and cellular-enabled tablets.

About the IMEI and MEID Numbers

IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It's a unique 15-digit number assigned to all cellular devices.

The 14-digit MEID stands for Mobile Equipment Identifier and is similarly meant to identify a mobile device. It is sometimes known as an electronic serial number. You can translate the IMEI to a MEID by dropping the last digit.

CDMA mobile phones and tablets on Sprint and Verizon networks have a MEID number, while GSM networks such as AT&T and T-Mobile use IMEI numbers.

IMEI and MEID Numbers on iOS Devices

If you have an iPhone or an iPad with cellular service, you can look up your IMEI or MEID numbers using this method.

Your iPhone or iPad may list both the IMEI and MEID numbers.

On an iOS device, tap Settings > General > About and then scroll down to find the IMEI and MEID numbers. Tap and hold either the IMEI or MEID to copy the number to your clipboard for pasting elsewhere.

Path to iPhone IMEI number

There are other numbers associated with mobile devices. The ICCID is the Integrated Circuit Card Identifier that identifies your SIM card. On iOS devices, the SEID is the Secure Element ID number that helps secure Apple Pay transactions.

IMEI and MEID Numbers on Android Devices

You have a couple of ways to check for the IMEI and MEID numbers on Android devices.

  • Go to the device's Settings. From there, scroll down to the bottom and tap About Phone. Then tap ​Status and scroll down to find the IMEI or MEID number.
  • Check Your Google Dashboard. Sign in to your Google Dashboard. Scroll down to the Android section and click on the arrow to expand it. Here you'll find a list of all your devices and the IMEI numbers for each.

General Tips for Finding IMEI and MEID Numbers

Although there's no universal shortcut for finding these numbers, one of several procedures should cover almost all devices.

Dial a Special Number

On some phones, you can open the phone dialing app and enter *#06#. Even before you tap the Call or Send button, your phone pops up the IMEI or MEID number for you to take a screenshot of or write down.

Dialing the *#06# number does not work on Verizon iPhones.

Check the Back of Your Phone

The IMEI or MEID code could be imprinted or engraved on the back of your phone, particularly for older-model iPhones that had it positioned near the bottom. 

Check Your Battery

If your phone has a removable battery, the IMEI or MEID number could be printed on a sticker on the back of the phone, behind the removable battery. Power down the phone, take off the battery cover, and remove the battery to find the IMEI or MEID number.

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