Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

The IMEI or MEID number on the phone acts as a unique identifier of the device. The two devices cannot have the same IMEI or MEID, so this is a useful tool to find lost or stolen phone. You can look up your IMEI or MEID number quickly in many different ways, depending on the device you are using.

Steps

Method 1 of 7: Dial Code

1. 

   Dial the IMEI code. You can look up IMEI / MEID number on any phone by dialing the code * # 06 #. Normally, you don't need to press the Call or Send button because the IMEI / MEID number will appear as soon as you finish typing the code.

2. 

   
   
   Copy the sequence number. The IMEI / MEID number will appear in a new window on your phone. Make a note of the sequence if you cannot use the copy and paste feature on your phone.
   • Most phones will indicate whether this is an IMEI or MEID number. If your phone doesn't display specifically, you can verify the number by checking what network you're on. GSM carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile use IMEI numbers. While CDMA carriers like Sprint, Verizon and US Cellular use the MEID number.
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Method 2 of 7: Use an iPhone

1. 

   
   
   Observe the back of the original iPhone 5 or iPhone. iPhone 5, 5c, 5s and earlier iPhone models are engraved with the IMEI number on the back. The MEID number is the same number, but omits the last digit (15-digit IMEI, 14-digit MEID).
   • GSM homes like AT&T and T-Mobile use IMEI numbers. CDMA carriers like Sprint, Verizon and US Cellular use the MEID number.
   • If you have an older iPhone, see the next step.

2. 

   
   
   Check SIM slot on iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4 or 4s. First of all, you need to remove the SIM from the slot. The IMEI / MEID number is printed on the SIM slot. If your phone is on a CDMA carrier (Verizon, Sprint, US Cellular) you should see both numbers. To determine the MEID number, simply remove the last digit.

3. 

   Open the Settings section. You should see this on your iPhone's desktop. This step applies to all models of iPhone or iPad.

4. 

   Select General. Select "About" in the General menu.

5. 

   Select IMEI / MEID. You will see the IMEI / MEID number. If you want to copy this number to the clipboard of your iPhone, press and hold the IMEI / MEID key in the About menu for a few seconds. When a message showing the number has been copied, let go of your hand.

6. 

   Find the IMEI / MEID number using iTunes. If the iPhone doesn't turn on, you can connect it to your computer and use iTunes to look up the IMEI / MEID number.
   • Plug your iPhone into your computer and open iTunes.
   • Select iPhone in the Device menu in the top-right corner of the iTunes window, and then select the Summary tab.
   • Click the "Phone Number" entry next to your iPhone's photo. This is a circular operation through the ID number to your device.
   • Copy the IMEI / MEID number. If both numbers are displayed, you need to check which carrier you use to see if you need an IMEI or MEID number. GSM networks like AT&T and T-Mobile use IMEI numbers. CDMA networks like Sprint, Verizon and US Cellular use the MEID number.
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Method 3 of 7: Using an Android phone

1. 

   Open the Android Settings menu. You can press the settings icon on the app tray or use the Menu button.

2. 

   Select the "About Phone" item. You may have to scroll down the Settings page to see this item.

3. 

   Select "Status". Scroll down the page until you see the MEID or IMEI entry. You will see both sequences of numbers, so verify which number you need to use. GSM networks like AT&T and T-Mobile use IMEI numbers. CDMA networks like Sprint, Verizon and US Cellular use the MEID number.

4. 

   Copy the number sequence. There is no way to copy this number to the phone's clipboard so you'll need to copy it to paper.
   • GSM networks like AT&T and T-Mobile use IMEI numbers, while CDMA networks like Sprint, Verizon and US Cellular use MEID numbers.
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Method 4 of 7: See under Battery

1. 

   Power off the phone. Before removing the battery, you need to power off the phone. This is done to avoid data loss and not damage the application when the power is turned off.

2. 

   Remove the back cover of the phone. This method only applies to devices with removable batteries. You cannot work with iPhones or other battery-powered devices.

3. 

   Remove the battery. Gently remove the battery from the phone. Usually, you need to gently push the battery down to get it out.

4. 

   Find the IMEI / MEID number. The number sequence on each phone is not the same, but usually the IMEI / MEID number is printed on a sticker attached to the phone, below the battery.
   • If your phone only says IMEI number but you need the MEID number, then just remove the last digit (IMEI is 15 digits, MEID is 14 digits).
   • GSM networks like AT&T and T-Mobile use IMEI numbers. CDMA networks like Sprint, Verizon and US Cellular use the MEID number.
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Method 5 of 7: Find IMEI on Motorola iDen Units

1. 

   Power on your phone. Open call function and press #, *, Menu key, Right key. Do not rest between keystrokes or you will have to start over.

2. 

   Determine the IMEI number. In the SIM card category, scroll down until you see "IMEI / SIM ID" and press Enter. Here you will see IMEI, SIM and sometimes MSN numbers. The first 14 digits are displayed; the 15th is always zero.
   • On some older units without a SIM card, continue to press the Right key until it appears on the screen. The first 7 digits are displayed. Copy the sequence of numbers on paper and only display 7 digits at a time.
   • Press the Menu key and Next button to see the next 7 digits. The 15th and last is usually the zero.
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Method 6 of 7: Check Packaging

1. 

   Find the packaging of the mobile device. Don't worry about the manual, just look for the product box.

2. 

   Identify the barcode on the product. It can be glued on the box lid to seal the product.

3. 

   Find the IMEI / MEID number. Usually this serial number is printed with the barcode or product code. advertisement

Method 7 of 7: AT&T login account

1. 

   Sign in to your AT&T account on the website.

2. 

   Go to your profile and click on 'Update My Profile'.

3. 

   Select the tab 'User Information'. After clicking on this tab, you will see a list of devices on this account, you can convert phone numbers.

4. 

   Scroll down to find the link 'Customer Service Summary & Contract'.

5. 

   Click on the Wireless Customer Agreement 'when the window appears. The machine will download a PDF file.

6. 

   Open the PDF file. You recognize this as the contract to purchase the equipment. Scroll down the page to find your IMEI number. advertisement

Advice

• Copy your IMEI number in case your phone is lost.
• If your phone is stolen, you can call or go to the nearest network service center and give the IMEI number to the staff to lock the phone.
• If you live in South Africa, the law requires you to report the theft to the service provider and to the police. Your phone will be blacklisted by ALL carriers so the thief can't use it for bad. If you get your phone back, the command can be undone, as long as ownership is proven.
• Prepaid and non-contract phones in the US usually do not have an IMEI, as are disposable phones in Europe, Asia and Africa.

Warning

• Locking the lost phone with the IMEI number cuts off all communication between the phone and the carrier, so you can't track the phone. This is your last resort if you don't want to be exposed to sensitive information.
• Many thieves replace the IMEI number of the phone they steal with the IMEI of another device. If you bought your phone from an untrustworthy person or place, you should carefully research whether the IMEI number actually belongs to that phone.