The IMEI or MEID number for mobile phone acts as a unique identifier for that device. Two devices will never have the same IMEI or MEID and this feature makes it a very useful tool for tracking lost or stolen cell phones. You can quickly retrieve and record your phone's IMEI or MEID number in many different ways, depending on your device.
Steps
Method 1 of 7: Entering a Code on the Numeric Keypad
Step 1. Dial the IMEI code
Theoretically you can retrieve the IMEI / MEID code from any mobile phone by setting the universal code. Dial * # 06 #. You will not have to press Call or Enter, because the code will appear as soon as you have finished composing the indicated sequence.
Step 2. Write down the number that will appear in a new window on your mobile
Write it down, because it is not possible to copy and paste from the display.
Most phones will tell you if it is an IMEI or MEID number. If your phone doesn't specify this, check with your carrier. GSM networks use IMEI numbers. CDMA networks use MEID numbers instead
Method 2 of 7: Using an iPhone
Step 1. Look at the back of the iPhone
The iPhone 5, 5c, 5s and the original model have the IMEI number printed on the back, near the bottom. If you want the MEID, take the same number, but leave out the last digit (the IMEI has 15, the MEID 14).
- GSM networks use IMEI numbers. CDMA networks use MEID numbers instead.
- If you are using an older iPhone, check out these steps.
Step 2. Look into the SIM card holder of your iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4 or 4s
Read this guide for more information on how to remove the SIM on your specific model. Your IMEI / MEID number is stamped into the slot. If you are with a CDMA network you will find both codes printed. To determine the MEID number, ignore the last digit.
Step 3. Open the Settings application
You can find it on your mobile home screen. This method works with any iPhone or iPad.
Step 4. Tap "General" and then "Info"
Step 5. Tap IMEI / MEID to view it
If you want to copy it back to your iPhone clipboard, press and hold the IMEI / MEID button in the Info menu for a few seconds. A message will appear notifying you when you have copied it back.
Step 6. Find the IMEI / MEID number with iTunes
If your iPhone won't turn on, you can connect it to your PC and use iTunes to retrieve the code you need.
- Connect the iPhone to your computer and open iTunes.
- Select your iPhone from the Devices menu in the upper right corner of iTunes, then click on the Summary tab.
- Click on "Phone Number" next to your iPhone image. This will take you to the identification numbers of your device.
- Copy the IMEI / MEID number. If both are displayed, select your carrier to see which number you need. GSM networks use IMEI numbers, CDMA networks use MEID numbers instead.
Method 3 of 7: Using an Android Mobile
Step 1. Open the Android Settings menu
You can do this by tapping Settings in the App Drawer or by using your phone's Menu key.
Step 2. Tap "About device"
You may have to go down to the bottom of the Settings menu to find it.
Step 3. Tap "Status"
Go down until you find the MEID or IMEI entry. Both may be present on your mobile phone: check with your carrier to find out the number you need. GSM networks use IMEI numbers, CDMA networks use MEID numbers instead.
Step 4. Write down the number
There is no way to copy it to your mobile phone clipboard: you can only write it down.
GSM networks use IMEI numbers, CDMA networks use MEID numbers instead
Method 4 of 7: Under the Battery
Step 1. Turn off your mobile phone before removing the battery
You will avoid data loss and will not ruin applications.
Step 2. Remove the back of your mobile
This method only works with phones with a removable battery. It is not possible to apply it to iPhones or other mobile phones and with fixed batteries.
Step 3. Gently remove the phone battery
Generally you need to push it a little before pulling it out.
Step 4. Find the IMEI / MEID number
The location will change from phone to phone, but usually the code is printed on a label attached to the phone under the battery.
- If your phone has an IMEI number, but you are on a network that uses that MEID, ignore the last digit.
- GSM networks use IMEI numbers, CDMA networks use MEID numbers instead.
Method 5 of 7: Find the IMEI Code - Motorola iDen
Step 1. Turn on your mobile phone and press # * ≣ Menu →
Don't take breaks between presses or you'll have to start over.
Step 2. Find your IMEI
On units with SIM, scroll down until you see "IMEI / SIM ID" and then press ↵ Enter. You will see your IMEI, SIM and, on some models, even your MSN number. 14 digits are displayed: the fifth is always a 0.
- On older SIM units, keep pressing the Right key until you see IMEI [0] on the screen. The first seven digits are displayed. Write them down, because only seven are displayed at a time.
- Press ≣ Menu and then the Next button to view the other seven digits. The final fifteenth digit is, in most cases, 10.
Method 6 of 7: Checking the Packaging
Step 1. Locate the original packaging of your mobile device
Don't worry about the booklet; look for the box.
Step 2. Locate the barcode label attached to your box
It may have been placed over the opening in order to function as a seal.
Step 3. Look for the IMEI / MEID code
It must be displayed clearly and is usually listed along with the barcode and serial number.
Method 7 of 7: Logging into the Account (AT&T)
Step 1. Log into your AT&T account from the website
Step 2. Hover over the "Profile" link and click on the option to update it
Step 3. Select the User Information tab
Once you open the tab, you may notice that you have multiple devices associated with your account. This gives you the ability to switch between phone numbers.
Step 4. Scroll down the page slightly and click on the "Customer Service Summary & Contract" link
Step 5. Click on "Wireless Customer Agreement" when the new window opens
A PDF file download should start.
Step 6. Open the PDF
You should be able to recognize that this is the document relating to the purchase of the mobile phone. Scroll all down, there you will find your IMEI.
Advice
- Write down your IMEI number before your phone is stolen or lost.
- If your mobile is stolen, you can call your carrier and provide the IMEI number so that it can be blocked.
- Most disposable phones don't have an IMEI number.
- It is also good to report the theft of a mobile phone to the provider, as well as to the police. It will be blocked on all networks. Once found, it will be unlocked, upon demonstration of being the legitimate owner.
