I’m pretty sure you all know your phone number. But do you know what the IMEI number of the iPhone is?
Although you don’t need to know it by heart, the IMEI number is just as important and more than an iPhone phone number, especially when you are looking to buy a used device or how to unlock it.
What is the IMEI number in iPhone?
IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. This is a unique 15-digit code, which is essentially the identity of every iPhone.
That is, it is just like your personal identity card.
The first eight digits have to do with the model and the origin of the iPhone (TAC). The remaining six are determined by Apple, with the last digit used to check the previous 14 digits.
What information do we get from the IMEI of an iPhone?
On the one hand, the iPhone IMEI contains information only about the origin, model and serial number of the device. But there really is a hell more to it.
IMEI numbers are stored in 2 huge databases:
This way, Apple and Mobile networks can register, access, and update ALL iPhone info down to the smallest detail at any time. In fact, this is exactly how they manage to verify the authenticity of an iPhone, as well as lock it or blacklist it.
This is true info behind iPhone IMEI
Model: Αs well as storage and color
IMEI2: Αvailable on iPhone XS and beyond for eSIM
Serial Number
Activation Status: Activated/Not Activated
AppleCare Eligibility: Yes/No
Warranty Status: Under/Out Of Warranty
Telephone Technical Support: Active/Expired
Repairs and Service Coverage: Active/Expired
Valid Purchase Date
Registered: Yes/No
Replaced: Yes/No
Loaner: Yes/No
iCloud Lock Status: ON/OFF
iCloud Status: CLEAN/LOST/ERASED
SIM Lock Status: Locked/Unlocked
SIM Lock Carrier: Ιn case it’s SIM Locked
Outstanding Financial Balance: Unpaid Bills/Pending Installment Plan
Blacklist Status: CLEAN/Blacklisted/Blocked
Blacklisted as: STOLEN/LOST/REPLACED/FRAUD
Blacklisted by: Carrier (in case it’s Blacklisted)
Blacklisted in: Country (in case it’s Blacklisted)
Blacklisted Date
Get all this IMEI info in a flashImagine being able to have all this IMEI info before you buy a used iPhone. Actually, you can have a complete report like the one above as well as instructions on whether the purchase is worth it in seconds.
Where is the IMEI number on iPhone?
There are several ways to find the IMEI of an iPhone. Let’s start with the easiest.
1. Dial *#06#
A box with your IMEI number inside will appear immediately. Just like that.
2. Go to iPhone Settings
Just go to Settings> General> About and scroll down until you see the iPhone IMEI number.
3. Use iTunes
There are two ways to find your IMEI through iTunes.
i) With the iPhone
- Plug the iPhone into a PC
- Open iTunes
- Select your iPhone
- Select the ”Summary” tab
- Click on the ”Phone Number
- The 15-digit number you see is the IMEI number
i) Without the iPhone
- Use the latest iTunes version
- Go to an iDevice backup
- Open preferences in iTunes
- Windows: Go to Edit > Preferences
- Mac: Go to iTunes > Preferences
- Select the “Devices” tab.
- Hover the mouse over the backup iPhone
- It will display the IMEI number
4. On the backside of various iPhone models
You can find the IMEI number engraved on the back of some iPhone models. As it turned out, it was extremely easy to falsify, so Apple has abandoned this tactic.
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone 6
- iPhone 5S
- iPhone 5C
- iPhone 5
5. On the SIM Tray of various iPhone models
You can also find the IMEI number engraved on the SIM Tray of most iPhone models. It’s also easy to get forged.
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iiPhone 11
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XS
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone 4s
- iPhone 4
- iPhone 3Gs
- iPhone 3G
6. On the box of purchase
The original packaging of an iPhone always has the IMEI number written somewhere. Usually, in the back. Once again, it can be fake.
7. When iCloud Locked
To be absolutely sure of the IMEI number of an iCloud Locked iPhone, tap on the i icon as soon as you turn on the iPhone.
What can you do with the IMEI of an iPhone?
1. You can actually check a used iPhone before you buy it
It would be better to force the seller to send you a short video showing the IMEI in ALL ways, so you can be 100% sure that what you see is what you get
2. Find out the best way to unlock your iPhone with money-back guarantee
Your device may have more problems than you think. Above all, however, it must be compatible with the iPhone unlock service you choose.
3. Remove your iPhone from the blacklist
Yes, the iPhone IMEI is also essential in any unblacklist service.
4. iCloud Unlock
The only real iCloud Unlock service is based solely on the IMEI and the info it provides.
