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The IMEI or MEID number on your mobile device serves as a unique identifier for the device. No two phones should have the same IMEI or MEID, making it an essential tool for tracking a lost or stolen phone. You can quickly find the IMEI or MEID number through various methods, depending on the device you are using.
Steps
Dial the Code
Dial the IMEI Code. You can find the IMEI/MEID number on any phone by dialing the code *# 06#. Typically, you won’t need to press the Call or Send button, as the IMEI/MEID number will appear immediately after entering the code.
Copy the number. The IMEI/MEID number will appear in a new window on your phone. If you're unable to use the copy-paste function, jot the number down on paper.
- Most phones clearly label whether the number is IMEI or MEID. If the phone doesn't specify, you can verify it by checking the network type. GSM carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile use IMEI, while CDMA carriers such as Sprint, Verizon, and US Cellular use MEID.
Using an iPhone
Check the back of iPhone 5 or earlier models. The IMEI number is engraved on the back of iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, and earlier models. The MEID number is simply the same number, but with the last digit removed (IMEI has 15 digits, MEID has 14).
- GSM networks like AT&T and T-Mobile use IMEI numbers, while CDMA networks like Sprint, Verizon, and US Cellular use MEID numbers.
- If you have an older iPhone model, proceed to the next step.
Check the SIM card slot on iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4, or 4s. First, remove the SIM card from its slot. The IMEI/MEID number is printed on the SIM card slot. For CDMA carrier phones (Verizon, Sprint, US Cellular), you will see both numbers. To determine the MEID number, simply remove the last digit of the IMEI number.
Open the Settings menu. This option can be found on the home screen of your iPhone. This step applies to all iPhone or iPad models.
Select General (General Settings). Tap "About" in the General menu.
Select IMEI/MEID. You will see the IMEI/MEID number. If you want to copy this number to your iPhone’s clipboard, tap and hold the IMEI/MEID entry in the About menu for a few seconds. Release when you see a confirmation that the number has been copied.
Find IMEI/MEID using iTunes. If your iPhone is turned off, you can connect it to your computer and use iTunes to find the IMEI/MEID number.
- Connect the iPhone to your computer and open iTunes.
- Select iPhone in the Device menu at the top right of the iTunes window, then choose the Summary tab.
- Click on "Phone Number" next to the iPhone image. This action will cycle through the ID number for your device.
- Copy the IMEI/MEID number. If both numbers are shown, check your carrier to determine whether you need the IMEI or MEID. GSM networks like AT&T and T-Mobile use IMEI, while CDMA networks like Sprint, Verizon, and US Cellular use MEID.
Using an Android Phone
Open the Android Settings menu. You can tap the settings icon from the app tray or use the Menu button (Menu).
Select "About Phone". You may need to scroll down the Settings page to find this option.
Choose "Status". Scroll to the bottom of the page until you see either MEID or IMEI. You will see both numbers, so make sure to check which one you need. GSM networks like AT&T and T-Mobile use IMEI, while CDMA networks like Sprint, Verizon, and US Cellular use MEID.
Write down the number. There is no way to copy this number to the phone’s clipboard, so you will need to write it down on paper.
- GSM networks like AT&T and T-Mobile use IMEI, while CDMA networks like Sprint, Verizon, and US Cellular use MEID.
Check Under the Battery
Turn off the phone. Before removing the battery, make sure to power down the phone. This helps prevent data loss and avoids damaging apps when disconnecting the power.
Remove the phone's back cover. This method is only applicable to devices with removable batteries. It cannot be used on iPhones or devices with built-in batteries.
Take out the battery. Gently remove the battery from the phone. Typically, you'll need to push the battery down slightly to release it.
Locate the IMEI/MEID number. The position of this number varies on each phone, but it's commonly printed on a label attached to the device, usually underneath the battery.
- If the phone displays the IMEI but you need the MEID, simply remove the last digit (IMEI is 15 digits, MEID is 14 digits).
- GSM networks like AT&T and T-Mobile use the IMEI number, while CDMA networks like Sprint, Verizon, and US Cellular use the MEID number.
Find IMEI on Motorola iDen Units
Power on the phone. Open the dialer and press #, *, Menu button, Right button. Be sure not to pause between presses, or you'll need to start over.
Find the IMEI number. In the SIM card menu, scroll down until you see "IMEI/SIM ID" and press Enter. You will find the IMEI, SIM, and sometimes the MSN number. The first 14 digits are visible, and the 15th digit is always 0.
- For older models without a SIM card, continue pressing the Right button until IMEI [0] appears on the screen. The first 7 digits will be shown. Write the number down since only 7 digits are displayed at a time.
- Press the Menu button and Next to view the next 7 digits. The 15th and final digit is usually 0.
Check the Packaging
Look for the mobile device's packaging. Forget about the manual, just find the product's box.
Locate the barcode on the product. It might be attached to the top of the box to seal the product.
Find the IMEI/MEID number. Typically, this number is printed along with the barcode or product code.
AT&T Login Account
Sign into your AT&T account on the website.
Go to your profile page and click on 'Update My Profile'.
Select the 'User Information' tab. After clicking on this tab, you will see a list of devices linked to your account, and you can change your phone number if needed.
Scroll down to find the 'Customer Service Summary & Contract' link.
Click on 'Wireless Customer Agreement' when the window appears. The device will download a PDF file.
Open the PDF file. You will recognize it as the device purchase agreement. Scroll to the bottom of the page to find the IMEI number.
Advice
- Write down the IMEI number in case you lose your phone.
- If your phone is stolen, you can call or visit a nearby service center and provide the IMEI number so they can lock the phone.
- If you live in South Africa, the law requires you to report theft to your service provider and the police. Your phone will be blacklisted across ALL networks so the thief cannot use it for illegal activities. If you recover the phone, you can remove the blacklist by proving ownership.
- Prepaid phones and phones without a contract in the US often do not have an IMEI. Disposable phones in Europe, Asia, and Africa are also often without an IMEI.
Warning
- Locking a lost phone using the IMEI number will sever all communication between the phone and the service provider, preventing you from tracking it. This is the final option if you want to protect sensitive information.
- Many thieves change the IMEI number of the stolen phone to match that of another device. If you purchase a phone from an unreliable source, it’s important to verify that the IMEI truly belongs to that specific phone.
