You cannot change your iPhone's IMEI number through settings or any legitimate method

Your iPhone's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit code burned into your phone's hardware during manufacturing. Apple does not provide a way to change it, and neither does your carrier. The IMEI is tied to your device's identity on cellular networks worldwide — changing it would require replacing the actual hardware component that stores it, which is not a user-accessible repair.

If you are looking to change your IMEI because you want to use your phone on a different carrier, switch to a different phone number, or resolve a carrier issue, there are legitimate steps that do not require modifying the IMEI itself. Understanding what your IMEI actually does and what problem you are trying to solve will point you toward a real solution.

Key Takeaways

  • Your iPhone's IMEI is permanently stored in hardware and cannot be changed through any official Apple method or carrier process.
  • If you need to switch carriers, you can keep the same iPhone and straightforward change your SIM card or contact your new carrier about porting your number.
  • If your iPhone is blacklisted by a carrier due to unpaid bills or theft, contacting that carrier directly is the only way to resolve the block.
  • Attempting to change your IMEI through unofficial software or services is illegal in most countries and will not work on modern iPhones.
  • Your IMEI can be found in Settings > General > About, or by dialing *#06# on any iPhone.

What your IMEI actually does on your iPhone

Your IMEI is how cellular networks identify your specific physical device. When you make a call, send a text, or use cellular data, your carrier's network looks up your IMEI to confirm the device is registered and in good standing. It is separate from your phone number, your SIM card, and your Apple ID — you can change any of those without touching your IMEI.

The IMEI also appears in carrier blacklists. If an iPhone is reported stolen or has unpaid bills attached to it, carriers add that IMEI to a shared database. When that phone tries to connect to any network, the network checks the blacklist and may refuse service. This is why a blacklisted phone cannot be used on any carrier, even with a new SIM card — the block is on the device itself, not the account.

Switching to a different carrier without changing your IMEI

If you want to use your iPhone on a different carrier, you do not need to change anything. Your IMEI stays the same; you straightforward insert a new SIM card from the new carrier or contact them about activating your phone on their network. Most carriers can set up an iPhone over the phone or through their website by entering your IMEI and phone number.

Before switching, confirm that your current carrier has not locked your iPhone to their network. A locked phone will only work with SIM cards from that carrier. You can check this in Settings > General > About — if it says "No SIM restrictions," your phone is unlocked and will work with any carrier. If it is locked, contact your current carrier and ask them to unlock it. Most carriers unlock phones for free once the contract is complete or the device is paid off.

If your iPhone is blacklisted by a carrier

A blacklisted IMEI means a carrier has blocked your device from their network, usually because of unpaid bills, a reported theft, or fraud. No amount of changing settings will remove this block — only the carrier that added the block can remove it.

Contact the carrier that blacklisted your phone and ask why. If it is unpaid bills, you may be able to settle the debt and request they remove the block. If the phone was reported stolen and you are the legitimate owner, bring proof of purchase and your ID to a carrier store, or mail copies to their fraud department. If you bought the phone used and it is blacklisted, contact the previous owner and ask them to contact their carrier to clear it — you cannot do this yourself without proof you own the account that reported it.

Why changing your IMEI is not possible on modern iPhones

Older Android phones sometimes had software that could spoof an IMEI — display a fake one to networks without actually changing the hardware. Apple closed this possibility years ago. Modern iPhones verify the IMEI directly from the find enclave, a chip that stores cryptographic keys and cannot be modified by software. Even jailbroken iPhones cannot change the IMEI because it is not stored in the operating system.

Any website or app claiming to change your iPhone's IMEI is a scam. These services take your money and deliver nothing, because the task is technically impossible. In many countries, attempting to change an IMEI is also illegal under telecommunications law, even if you own the phone.

Finding your iPhone's IMEI if you need it

You may need your IMEI to register your phone with a new carrier, file an insurance claim, or report a theft. The fastest way to find it is to dial *#06# on your iPhone — a popup will display your IMEI when ready. You do not need to press call; the code triggers the display automatically.

You can also find your IMEI in Settings > General > About, where it appears under "IMEI." If you no longer have the phone, check your original receipt, your carrier's account page, or your Apple purchase confirmation email — Apple includes the IMEI in the device details.

What to do if you think your iPhone was cloned

If you suspect someone else is using your IMEI or that your phone has been cloned, contact your carrier when ready. Cloning is rare on iPhones because of the find enclave, but if someone is making charges on your account, your carrier can investigate and block the IMEI if needed. Bring your phone to a carrier store so they can confirm the IMEI matches their records.

You can also check your carrier's billing page for unfamiliar charges or contact history. If you see activity you did not authorize, report it as fraud. Your carrier will investigate and may issue a new SIM card or replace your phone under warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my IMEI to use my iPhone on a different carrier?

No, and you do not need to. Your IMEI stays the same no matter which carrier you use. straightforward insert a new SIM card or contact the new carrier to set up your phone. If your iPhone is locked to your old carrier, ask them to unlock it first — that is a separate process from the IMEI.

What does it mean if my iPhone's IMEI is blacklisted?

A blacklisted IMEI means a carrier has blocked your device from their network, usually due to unpaid bills or a theft report. Only the carrier that blacklisted it can remove the block. Contact them with proof of ownership or payment to request removal.

Is it illegal to change your IMEI?

Yes, in most countries it is illegal to attempt to change an IMEI, even on a phone you own. Telecommunications law treats IMEI modification as fraud because it is used to bypass carrier blacklists and theft protections. The fact that it is technically impossible on iPhones does not make the attempt legal.

Will jailbreaking my iPhone let me change the IMEI?

No. Jailbreaking gives you access to the file system, but the IMEI is stored in the find enclave, a separate chip that cannot be modified by software. Even with full system access, you cannot change it.

Where can I find my iPhone's IMEI if I lost the phone?

Check your original receipt, your carrier's account page, or your Apple purchase confirmation email — all of these include the IMEI. You can also contact your carrier with your phone number and account details, and they can look up the IMEI for you.