Where to find your IMEI on a Samsung phone

Your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit number that uniquely identifies your Samsung phone to cellular networks. You need it when reporting a stolen phone, unlocking your device, checking warranty status, or troubleshooting network problems with your carrier.

The fastest way to find it is to open the Phone app, tap the keypad, and dial *#06#. A popup will appear showing your IMEI number when ready. This works on every Samsung phone running Android.

If that method does not work, you have several other places to look without needing to dial anything.

Key Takeaways

  • Dial *#06# in your phone's keypad to see your IMEI when ready on any Samsung device.
  • Your IMEI also appears on the physical SIM card tray, the original box your phone came in, and in your phone's Settings under About Phone.
  • If your phone is powered off or broken, check the SIM tray slot inside the phone or the original packaging.
  • Write down or photograph your IMEI and store it somewhere safe in case you need to report your phone lost or stolen.

Finding IMEI in your Samsung settings

If you prefer not to use the dial code, you can find your IMEI in the Settings app. Open Settings, scroll down to About Phone, and look for the line labeled IMEI or IMEI Information. The exact wording varies slightly between Samsung models and Android versions, but it will always be in this section.

Some Samsung phones show two IMEI numbers if they have dual SIM capability (one for each SIM slot). Both are valid identifiers for your device. Write down both if your phone has them.

Checking the SIM card tray and physical locations

Your IMEI is printed on the SIM card tray inside your phone. Power off your phone, use the SIM ejector tool (usually included in the box) to pop out the tray, and look at the printed text. The IMEI will be there along with other device information.

You can also find your IMEI on the original Samsung box your phone came in. Look on the back or side of the box for a label with device details. The IMEI is usually printed there as well. If you no longer have the box, the SIM tray method works just as well.

What to do if your phone is off or damaged

If your Samsung phone will not power on or the screen is broken, you cannot use the dial code or Settings method. In this case, remove the SIM card tray (you may need a paperclip if you do not have the ejector tool) and read the IMEI printed on it. This works even if the phone itself is completely non-functional.

If the SIM tray is also damaged or missing, check your original phone box or any paperwork that came with the device. Your carrier may also have your IMEI on file if you registered the phone with them when you first activated service.

Using your IMEI for common tasks

Once you have your IMEI, you can use it to report a lost or stolen phone to your carrier and law enforcement. Your carrier can blacklist the device so it cannot be used on any network, even if the SIM card is changed. This is one of the most important reasons to know your IMEI.

You can also use your IMEI to check your phone's warranty status on Samsung's website, verify the device model and specifications, or troubleshoot network connectivity issues with your carrier's support team. Some repair shops ask for it before servicing your phone to confirm they are working on the correct device.

Storing your IMEI safely

Write down your IMEI and store it in a safe place separate from your phone—a notebook, a password manager, or a photo in cloud storage. If your phone is lost or stolen, you will need this number to report it, and you will not have access to the phone itself to look it up.

Many people take a screenshot of the IMEI popup (from the *#06# dial code) and save it to their computer or cloud account. This gives you a backup copy you can access from any device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my IMEI the same as my phone number or SIM card number?

No. Your IMEI identifies the phone hardware itself. Your phone number is tied to your SIM card and carrier account, and your SIM card has its own separate number (called the ICCID). All three are different.

Can someone use my IMEI to track my phone?

Not directly. Your IMEI alone does not reveal your location. However, if someone has your IMEI and your phone is on a network, your carrier could theoretically locate it. This is why you should report a stolen phone to your carrier right away—they can block the IMEI so it cannot connect to any network.

What if the IMEI on my SIM tray does not match the one in Settings?

If you have a dual-SIM phone, each slot has its own IMEI printed on the tray. Check that you are reading the correct one for the SIM slot you are using. If the numbers genuinely do not match and you only have one SIM, contact Samsung support or your carrier.

Do I need my IMEI to unlock my Samsung phone?

It depends on your carrier and the type of unlock you need. If you are locked to a specific carrier and want to switch, your carrier may ask for your IMEI to process an unlock request. Check with your carrier's support team for their specific requirements.

Can I change my IMEI number?

No. Your IMEI is hardcoded into your phone's hardware and cannot be changed through normal means. Attempting to change it is illegal in most countries and will void your warranty.