You’re standing on a street corner, or maybe in a crowded Starbucks, staring at a used iPhone 15 Pro Max you found on Facebook Marketplace. The price is almost too good. Your gut says something is off. You need to know if this thing is a brick or a bargain. This is exactly why you need to check the imei number on iphone before you ever hand over a single dollar.
It’s just a 15-digit string. Seriously.
But those 15 digits tell the entire life story of that device. It’s the International Mobile Equipment Identity. Think of it like a Social Security number for your phone. If that number is "blacklisted," you’ve basically bought an expensive paperweight. Carriers use this database to track stolen gear, unpaid bills, or insurance fraud.
Honestly, most people wait until there’s a problem to look this up. Don't be that person.
The Quickest Ways to Find Your IMEI
Maybe your screen is cracked. Or maybe the phone won't even power on. You've got options.
The easiest path? Open Settings, tap General, and then hit About. Scroll down past the software version and the model name. You’ll see the IMEI right there. If you’re using a dual-SIM phone (which is basically every iPhone since the XS), you’ll actually see two: IMEI and IMEI2.
But what if the phone is locked?
Pop out the SIM tray. Grab a paperclip or that little tool you usually lose two minutes after opening the box. On almost every model from the iPhone 6s to the iPhone 13, the IMEI is etched right on the SIM tray in tiny, eye-straining text. If you’ve got an older device like an iPhone 6 or an original SE, look at the back of the case. It’s printed right there near the bottom.
Apple stopped printing it on the back of the case starting with the iPhone 6s. Why? Probably aesthetics. Or maybe just to make our lives a little harder.
If you’re sitting at a computer and your iPhone is nearby, you can just plug it in. Open Finder on a Mac or Apple Devices/iTunes on Windows. Click on your device. Click on the phone number or model name located under the device name, and it will cycle through the IMEI and Serial Number.
Dialing the Secret Code
There’s a "hacker" way to do this that works on literally every GSM phone on the planet.
Open the Phone app.
Go to the Keypad.
Type *#06#.
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You don't even have to press the green call button. The moment you hit that last pound sign, a screen pops up with your device info. It’s fast. It’s cool. It works even if the phone isn't activated with a carrier yet.
Why Checking the IMEI Number on iPhone is a Security Must
Let's talk about the "Blacklist."
When a phone is reported stolen, the IMEI goes into a global database managed by the GSMA. Once it’s on that list, the phone cannot connect to most cellular networks. It might work on Wi-Fi, but it’ll never make a call or use 5G.
I’ve seen people buy "clean" looking iPhones only to find out three days later that the original owner reported it stolen to claim insurance. Suddenly, the bars disappear. No signal.
You can use third-party tools like Swappa’s IMEI Check or CTIA’s Stolen Phone Checker. These are free. They pull from the official databases to tell you if the device is flagged. If you see a "Blocked" status, walk away.
The iCloud Activation Lock Trap
Here is a nuance people miss: the IMEI and the Activation Lock are different things.
A "clean" IMEI means the phone isn't reported stolen to a carrier. But the phone could still be locked to someone else’s Apple ID. Always check the imei number on iphone in tandem with checking the Find My status. If the seller says they "forgot the password" but the IMEI is clean, it doesn't matter. You still can't use it.
Decoding the Digits
Most people don't know that the IMEI isn't just random numbers.
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The first eight digits are the Type Allocation Code (TAC). This tells you the specific model and where it was manufactured. The next six digits are the serial number part of the identifier. The very last digit is a "check digit" calculated using the Luhn algorithm.
It’s basically a math puzzle that ensures the number wasn't typed in wrong.
Using the IMEI for Repairs and Recalls
Apple sometimes has "Service Programs." These are essentially quiet recalls for things like failing speakers on the iPhone 12 or display issues on the 11.
When you go to the Apple Support website, they’ll ask for your serial number or IMEI. It’s the only way they can verify if your specific unit was manufactured in the batch that had the defects. Without it, you’re just someone complaining about a broken phone; with it, you’re a candidate for a free repair.
Carrier Unlocking
If you want to move from AT&T to T-Mobile, or if you're traveling to Europe and want to use a local SIM, your phone needs to be "unlocked."
Carriers require your IMEI to process this. They check if the phone is fully paid off. If you still owe $400 on your device payment plan, they won’t release the IMEI from their network. Checking this beforehand saves you a massive headache at the airport.
The Difference Between IMEI and Serial Number
It gets confusing.
The Serial Number is Apple’s internal ID. It tells them about your warranty and your hardware specs.
The IMEI is the global telecommunications ID.
If you are calling Apple because your screen is flickering, they want the Serial Number. If you are calling your carrier because your data isn't working, they want the IMEI.
Buying a Used Phone? Do This
If you are buying used, ask the seller for a screenshot of the About page or a photo of the *#06# screen.
Run that number through a reputable checker. Don't rely on just one. I usually recommend checking the carrier's own "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD) page. If you’re planning to use Verizon, put the IMEI into Verizon’s compatibility checker. If they say "This device is not eligible," there is a reason. Usually, it's money.
Unpaid bills are the silent killer of used iPhones. The original owner stops paying their T-Mobile bill, and T-Mobile eventually blocks the IMEI. The phone works fine for a month, then suddenly—nothing.
Practical Steps to Take Now
You should have your IMEI written down somewhere that isn't just on the phone itself.
If your phone gets snatched at a music festival, you can't exactly open the Settings app to find the number you need for the police report. Find it now. Take a screenshot. Email it to yourself. Label it "iPhone Info."
How to Verify the Hardware
- Match the physical to the digital. Check the IMEI in the Settings app and compare it to the one on the SIM tray. If they don't match, the phone has been tampered with or the parts have been swapped. This is a massive red flag.
- Verify the GSMA status. Use a free tool like the CTIA Stolen Phone Checker to ensure the device isn't on a global blacklist.
- Check the Carrier Lock status. In Settings > General > About, look for Carrier Lock. It should say "No SIM restrictions." If it shows a specific carrier, that phone is tied to them until it's officially released.
- Keep a record. Save the IMEI in a password manager or a secure note. If the device is ever lost, this is your primary weapon for recovery or insurance claims.
Understanding how to check the imei number on iphone isn't just a technical hurdle. It is the single most effective way to protect your investment in a device that costs as much as a used car. Whether you are troubleshooting a network error or verifying a marketplace find, those 15 digits are your best friend.
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The most important thing is acting before you have a crisis. Go to your settings right now. Take that screenshot. Store it safely. You'll thank yourself later when you actually need it.