Have you ever wanted to purchase a second-hand iPhone or report your lost/stolen device to the authorities and wondered how to check the IMEI number of your device? The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is a unique number that identifies your iPhone from millions of others. In this blog post, we will learn how to check the IMEI number on your iPhone.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To check your iPhone’s IMEI number, you will need a few things:
- Your iPhone (or the one that you plan to buy/lease)
- Access to your iPhone’s settings
- An active internet connection
What Requires Your Focus?
Before you proceed to check your iPhone’s IMEI number, it is important to ensure that you have focused on the following:
- Make sure that your iPhone is turned on and connected to the internet.
- Also, ensure that you do not purchase a stolen iPhone by checking its IMEI number before buying.
Different Methods to Check A IMEI Number on iPhone
Method 1: Via iPhone Settings
The first and easiest method to check your iPhone’s IMEI number is via the settings menu. Please follow the below steps to do so:
- Click on the ‘Settings’ app on your iPhone’s home screen and then select ‘General.’
- Select ‘About’.
- Scroll down to the ‘IMEI’ section that displays your iPhone’s IMEI number.
Pros:
- No external apps or tools are needed to check your iPhone’s IMEI number.
- This method is the easiest and quickest way to check your phone’s IMEI number using your iPhone settings.
Cons:
- This method may not work if the iPhone is not with you while reporting it lost/stolen.
Method 2: Via iTunes
This method requires iTunes installed on your computer or Mac.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer or Mac.
- Open iTunes and click on the iPhone icon that appears next to the media options.
- Click on the ‘Summary’ tab and scroll down to the ‘Phone Number’ section that displays your iPhone’s IMEI number.
Pros:
- This method works, even if you do not have access to your iPhone.
- The method is quick and easy to perform once iTunes is installed.
Cons:
- The method requires iTunes to be installed on a computer or Mac.
- The method may fail if the iPhone is not authorized on the computer/Mac.
Method 3: Via Phone Dialer
This method requires the phone dialer app on your iPhone.
- Launch the phone dialer app on your iPhone.
- Dial the string “*#06#” using the keypad.
- Your iPhone will display the IMEI number in the pop-up message.
Pros:
- This method is quick and easy to perform.
- It requires no installation of external apps or tools.
Cons:
- This method may not work if your iPhone’s phone dialer app is malfunctioning.
- The method may not work if the iPhone is lost/stolen without access to the device.
Why Can’t I Check My iPhone’s IMEI Number?
Here are some reasons why you may not be able to check your iPhone’s IMEI number:
- Your iPhone may be turned off.
- Your iPhone may be disconnected from the internet.
- Your iPhone’s settings may have been password or SIM card-locked.
- Your iPhone may have been reported as lost/stolen, and hence the IMEI number is blocked.
To fix this, ensure that your iPhone is turned on with a good internet connection and no password/SIM lock.
Implications and Recommendations
Checking your iPhone’s IMEI number plays a crucial role in safeguarding your device from theft or scam. Always take the time to check for the device’s IMEI number when buying a used or leased iPhone from a source other than Apple. Additionally, always ensure that you report stolen or lost devices to your service provider or local authorities with your phone’s IMEI number.
FAQs About Checking An iPhone’s IMEI Number
Q: Is it safe to give my iPhone’s IMEI number to others?
A: Yes, it is relatively safe to give your iPhone’s IMEI number to a buyer/seller, service provider or law enforcement agencies to verify ownership.
Q: Can I have multiple IMEI numbers for one iPhone?
A: No, the IMEI number is unique to each mobile phone device, including iPhones.
Q: What do I do if my iPhone’s IMEI number is blocked?
A: If your iPhone’s IMEI number is blocked, contact your service provider or law enforcement authorities and provide them with the relevant documents and details to prove ownership of the device.
Q: How do I locate the IMEI number if my iPhone is lost?
A: You can locate your iPhone’s IMEI number by accessing your iCloud account or checking your purchase invoice from Apple.
Q: Is checking the IMEI number on my iPhone really necessary?
A: Yes, checking your iPhone’s IMEI number is necessary to ensure that you purchase a legitimate iPhone from a reliable source or to report your device’s loss/theft to the authorities.
In Conclusion
Checking your iPhone’s IMEI number is essential to safeguard your device from scams or theft. In this blog post, we’ve discussed several practical ways to check your iPhone’s IMEI number using different methods like through settings, via iTunes and phone dialer. If you suspect that your iPhone is lost or stolen, always report it with your phone’s IMEI number to the relevant authorities or service provider and avoid buying used iPhones without verifying their IMEI number. Stay safe and take care of your iPhone!
