Knowing how to check IMEI on Android is an essential skill for every smartphone owner. The International Mobile Equipment Identity is a unique digital fingerprint assigned to your device, critical for verification, insurance claims, and network registration. This guide provides multiple reliable methods to locate this number without relying on third-party applications.
Dialing the Standard Code
The most universal method to check IMEI on Android involves using a specific code entered directly into the dialer. This process bypasses the operating system entirely, ensuring the number is displayed even if the device cannot boot into the main interface.
To use this method, open the Phone application and enter *#06# . The screen will immediately pop up a notification displaying the 15-digit IMEI number. Once you have noted or copied the code, you can simply press the back button or clear the dialer. This technique works across nearly all mobile networks and device models, making it the fastest solution for retrieving the identifier.
Checking via Device Settings
Finding IMEI in About Phone
For users who prefer navigating through menus, the Settings app provides a structured location for device information. The path typically leads through the "About Phone" section, where hardware details are stored by the manufacturer.
Follow these steps to locate the identifier through settings:
Open the Settings application on your Android device.
Scroll down and tap on "About Phone" or "About Device."
Tap on "Status" or "IMEI Information."
The number will be listed under the "IMEI" heading, often accompanied by labels such as "MEID" or "ESN" for CDMA devices.
Alternative Path Through SIM Card Settings
On many Samsung and stock Android interfaces, the IMEI is nested within the SIM card management menu. This path is particularly useful if the About Phone section is not immediately visible or if the device is experiencing software glitches.
Navigate to Settings, then look for "Connections" or "Network & Internet," followed by "SIM Card Manager" or "SIM Settings." Tap on the active SIM card, and the IMEI number will be displayed at the top of the screen alongside the SIM status.
Retrieving IMEI from the Original Packaging
If the device is unavailable or the software is unresponsive, the IMEI is physically printed on the retail packaging. Every legitimate smartphone sold in authorized markets carries this identifier on the box to comply with regulatory requirements.
Locate the barcode section on the back of the box. Beneath the barcode, you will find a clear label containing multiple lines of text. The IMEI is usually presented in a grid format, often in small print next to a barcode. You might see two numbers; in most cases, the first 15 digits represent the primary IMEI for the main slot.
Verifying IMEI Through Google Dashboard
For users signed into a Google account, the Find My Device service acts as a digital backup for checking hardware identifiers. This method is secure and requires only a web browser and login credentials.
Visit the Google Find My Device website and log in with the associated account. Once the map loads, click on the device name usually located in the sidebar or at the bottom of the screen. A detailed information panel will slide out, displaying the device name, Android version, and the IMEI number. This is a reliable option for remotely verifying the identity of a lost or stolen phone.
Checking IMEI on a Locked or Dead Phone
One of the distinct advantages of the IMEI is its accessibility regardless of the phone's software state. Whether the screen is cracked, the battery is dead, or the device is locked by a forgotten password, the code remains retrievable.
