How To Find IMEI Number On Lost iPhone Device
Are you asking yourself how to find the IMEI number on the lost iPhone? The IMEI number is a unique identifier for each iPhone. We explain what an IMEI is and how to use it, as well as how to locate your IMEI now that Apple has ceased publishing them on their phones.
How To Find IMEI Number On Lost iPhone
Knowing your iPhone’s IMEI is a valuable technique – and may be required if you want to unlock it – but it became a little more difficult a few years ago when Apple stopped publishing the number on the back of their phones.
However, there are various methods for determining an iPhone’s IMEI, and we’ll go through the six most basic and useful in this article. Of course, you’ll only need one, so choose the one that’s the most convenient for you.
Read How to find an iPhone or iPad’s UDID if you need to search down your device’s (also useful) UDID.
What Is An IMEI And Why Is It Important
Every iPhone has an IMEI number, which is a unique identity code. The initials IMEI stand for International Mobile Station Equipment Identity, and the number identifies each mobile phone. Your mobile phone carrier uses the IMEI number to identify who is making calls by matching the phone to the networks. It’s also used to keep track of stolen phones on a blacklist. In the United Kingdom, a charity maintains a public database to prevent stolen phones from being moved from one network to another. Check out our Apple jargon buster for a definition of IMEI and other tech phrases. Learn more about other possibilities on how to find the IMEI number on a lost iPhone Apple device.
Dial A Code To Find Your IMEI
By entering the code *#06# into the Phone app, you can get the iPhone’s IMEI number. Take the following steps:
- Launch the Phone app.
- Press the Keypad button.
- Enter *#06# as shown in the image above; you don’t need to press the green call button; it will register immediately.
- After that, the IMEI code will appear on the screen.
The most frequent method of obtaining the IMEI number is by dialing a code, however, we do not believe it is the best because the number cannot be copied. Instead of being able to copy and paste the code, you must write it down – and at 15 digits, it’s long enough to be bothersome.
Take A Look At The iPhone’s Rear To Find IMEI Number On Lost iPhone
Every iPhone used to have its IMEI number inscribed on the rear. If you have an older model (iPhone 6 or earlier), turn it over and look for a long number labeled IMEI at the end of the text (the part that starts with “Designed by Apple in California“). However, because the IMEI text is so small, you may need to use a magnifying glass. You’ll have to write it down manually once again.
Another approach is to take a photo of the code with another iPhone (or iPad). This will allow you to zoom in on the text to make it easier to read. When the iPhone 6s was released, Apple discontinued etching the IMEI on the back of its phones. Only the model number, FCC ID, and IC are listed on an iPhone 6s or 6s Plus, and later handsets contain even less information; the iPhone XS, for example, states “Designed by Apple in California” and “Assembled in China” and nothing else.
This implies you’ll have to search elsewhere….or at the bottom of the SIM tray. Once you find your lost iPhone IMEI combination you can also learn how to track your lost iPhone for free!
Check The SIM Tray If Apple Hasn’t Etched The IMEI On The Back Of The Phone
Extract the SIM tray with your SIM removal tool (the metal spike that came with the iPhone), poke it into the little hole on the right-hand edge of the iPhone, and gently remove the SIM card before turning the tray over. The IMEI will be inscribed in small letters on the underside of the tray. Those are the best methods on how to find the IMEI number on a lost iPhone device that works for every Apple iPhone model!
