How to Find Your Phone's IMEI Number
The IMEI is a 15-digit identifier unique to your phone. Buyers — including us — check it to confirm the device is clean before paying. Here's how to find it safely. General guidance only, not a confirmed valuation.
Reviewed by the PhonesForCash buying teamLast reviewed
This guide reflects practical device identification, inspection and resale considerations used by our buying team when assessing phones and other devices. It is general guidance, not a confirmed valuation.
Dial *#06# from the phone's keypad — the IMEI displays instantly on almost every device. Keep the number private until you're with the buyer.
Method 1 — Dial code (universal)
Open the phone dialler and dial *#06#. The IMEI (and serial number on iPhone, plus EID for eSIM-enabled models) appears on screen. Works on iPhone, Samsung, Pixel, OnePlus, Xiaomi and almost every modern phone.
Method 2 — Settings
- iPhone: Settings → General → About → scroll to IMEI (and IMEI 2 on Dual SIM / eSIM models)
- Samsung: Settings → About phone → Status information → IMEI
- Pixel / stock Android: Settings → About phone → IMEI
Method 3 — Physical device or packaging
- Original box: white label on the side lists the IMEI
- SIM tray on newer iPhones (since iPhone 14 in the US, varies elsewhere)
- Older phones may have the IMEI printed on the back casing or under a removable battery
IMEI vs serial number
IMEI identifies the cellular hardware and is registered with networks worldwide — it's what's checked for blacklist / contract status. Serial number identifies the device for manufacturer warranty (Apple's coverage check, Samsung's repair history). Both can be useful at the counter; the IMEI is the more important one for resale verification.
Dual SIM and dual-IMEI phones
Phones with two physical SIM slots, or one physical SIM + one eSIM, have two IMEIs. Both are tied to the same device. When asked for "the IMEI", IMEI 1 is conventional, but buyers may verify both.
Why buyers check IMEIs
- Lost / stolen status — phones reported to networks are blacklisted and can't be activated
- Finance status — phones still under network or finance contracts may be blocked
- iCloud / Activation Lock — see what is Activation Lock?
- Apple / Samsung repair history via the serial number
Important warning
Never post your IMEI publicly — on listings, social media, or in messages with people you don't know. IMEIs can be used to clone or impersonate a device. Share the IMEI only at the counter when selling, or directly with a buyer you trust.
Common questions
Do you need my IMEI to give a guide price?
No. A guide price needs model, storage and honest condition notes. We check the IMEI in person before finalising an offer.
What if the phone won't turn on?
The IMEI is also printed on the original box and, on many models, the SIM tray. Bring whatever you have — we can usually retrieve it in store.
Can I sell a phone with an IMEI block?
Sometimes, depending on the reason. Bring the phone in and we'll explain what we can offer — locked or blocked phones generally have parts-only value.
Want this applied to your specific device? Send the model and we'll come back with a realistic guide figure.
Related reading
Device Knowledge Centre →
All selling, valuation and recycling guides.
What is Activation Lock? →
Clear iCloud / FRP before selling.
How PhonesForCash tests phones →
What we check in store.
Prepare your phone for valuation →
Step-by-step before visiting.
Sell locked phones St Helens →
Blocked / locked devices still considered.
Sell my phone →
Start a valuation.