How to Get an IMEI Number on a Locked Phone

Co-authored by Emily Schmitt Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: June 28, 2024 Fact Checked

Trying to activate a smartphone and can't find the IMEI code? This 15-digit code is easy to find if you know where to look—even if your phone's screen is locked. This wikiHow article will teach you how to retrieve your Android or iPhone's IMEI number on a phone with a locked screen, plus how to find the IMEI on a phone that's locked to a certain carrier.

Ways to Check IMEI if Your Phone Is Locked

Look at the back of the phone.
Examine the SIM card.
Check around the battery if you have an older Android.
Inspect the phone's packaging.
Call up your carrier.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

On a Phone with a Locked Screen

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If your phone's screen is unresponsive or you don't know the password, you may be able to find your IMEI on the phone itself, depending on the model.^{[1]
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Research source} If you have iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, or the iPhone 5, your IMEI will often be on the back of the phone. Some Android models may have the IMEI printed on the back as well.
2
Check on or below the battery. Some Android models with removal batteries have the IMEI printed on their underside. You may even find the IMEI under the battery cover.^{[2]
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- Switch off your phone, remove the back cover, pop out the battery, and check to see if the IMEI number is on the battery. ^{[3]
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- This will not work if your phone does not have a removable battery.
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3
Pop out the SIM Tray. Most Phone models have their IMEI numbers engraved on the SIM tray. To pop out your SIM card and find the IMEI:^{[4]
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- Get a SIM tool or bend a paperclip.^{[5]
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- Locate the hole on the SIM tray.
- Gently insert the SIM tool or paperclip into the tray.
- Remove the paperclip or SIM tool and the tray should eject.
If you didn't see the IMEI on the phone itself, you can check the box that your phone came in (if you still have it). Often the IMEI will be printed on the outside of the box or in the owner's manual.
Sometimes your phone provider will give you access to an online portal that might have your IMEI number. If you explain your situation, you may also be able to verify your identity to get your IMEI number over the phone.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

On an iPhone Locked to a Carrier

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1
Dial *#06# on your phone. Just open the Phone app on your home screen and enter this special code on the dial pad. After a few seconds, you'll see a screen containing your IMEI.
- If you were unable to find the IMEI this way, continue with this method.
2
Open the Settings app
. It's the gray gear icon you'll find in your app list.
- Tap General. It's in the third group of settings.
- Tap About. This is the first option at the top of the menu.
- Scroll down to find the IMEI. You'll see the number next to "IMEI."

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

On an Android Locked to a Carrier

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1
Dial *#06# on your phone. Just open the Phone app on your home screen, dial this special code on the dial pad, and then tap the Call button. After a few seconds, you'll see a screen containing your IMEI.
- If you were unable to find the IMEI this way, continue with this method.
You can find this by swiping up to the All Apps screen and tapping Settings, which is has a cogwheel symbol.
You may have to scroll down pretty far to find it.
You may have to tap IMEI first to see the number.