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10 Tech How-To

iPhone iPad iOS 10: Find IMEI & Serial Number

Guide 10-31976 · Updated · Step by step

To find the IMEI and serial number on an iPhone or iPad running iOS 10, go to Settings > General > About and scroll down — both numbers are listed there. If the device is not powered on, you can find the IMEI printed on the SIM tray (iPhone) or the back of the device (iPad), and the serial number is also visible in iTunes or on the original packaging.

Why You Need the IMEI and Serial Number

The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit number that identifies your iPhone on cellular networks. It is used to unlock the phone, check carrier status, report theft, and verify warranty eligibility. The serial number is a longer alphanumeric code that Apple uses to track the specific unit — it tells you the manufacturing date, model, and configuration. You will need both when contacting Apple Support, filing an insurance claim, or selling the device.

Method 1: On the Device (iOS 10 Settings)

This is the fastest way when the phone or tablet is working normally. The steps are identical on iPhone and iPad running iOS 10:

  1. Unlock the device and tap Settings (the gray gear icon).
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap About at the top of the list.
  4. Scroll down to find IMEI and Serial Number.

On some models, the IMEI is listed as IMEI and on others as MEID (for CDMA carriers) or both. The serial number is always labeled Serial Number. Tap and hold the number to copy it, or tap it to bring up a copy option.

Method 2: Without Powering On (SIM Tray and Back)

If the screen is broken or the battery is dead, you can still find the IMEI physically. On most iPhone models (iPhone 5 through iPhone 11), the IMEI is engraved on the SIM card tray. Remove the tray with a paperclip or SIM eject tool and look for the tiny print. On iPad models with cellular (Wi-Fi + Cellular), the IMEI is printed on the back cover near the bottom. The serial number is not printed on the outside of most devices — you will need the original box or a computer for that.

Method 3: Using iTunes (Now Finder on macOS)

If you have a computer, you can find both numbers without touching the device:

  1. Connect the iPhone or iPad to your computer with a USB cable.
  2. Open iTunes (on Windows or older macOS) or Finder (on macOS Catalina and later).
  3. Click the device icon that appears in the top-left corner (iTunes) or in the sidebar (Finder).
  4. The serial number appears in the Summary tab. Click the word Serial Number to cycle through other identifiers — it will change to show IMEI, MEID, and more.

This method works even if the device is stuck on the Apple logo, as long as it is recognized by the computer.

Method 4: Original Packaging or Apple ID Website

The original box has a barcode label on the side that lists the serial number and IMEI (for cellular models). If you no longer have the box, sign in to appleid.apple.com on any browser, go to Devices, and click the device — the serial number and IMEI are shown there. This requires that the device was previously signed into your Apple ID.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

  • IMEI not shown in Settings: On Wi-Fi-only iPads, there is no IMEI because they have no cellular radio. Only the serial number appears.
  • IMEI vs. MEID: Some carriers use MEID (Mobile Equipment Identifier) which is essentially the same number in a different format. If you see MEID, that is the number to give your carrier.
  • Serial number is not the IMEI: They are completely different. The serial number is about the manufacturing batch, the IMEI is about the cellular identity.
  • “Find My iPhone” shows the IMEI? No, Find My iPhone shows the serial number only. The IMEI is not available there.

Safety and Privacy Considerations

Your IMEI and serial number are sensitive identifiers. Do not post them publicly on forums or social media — a malicious person could use them to attempt to unlock or clone your device, or to file fraudulent insurance claims. Apple Support will ask for these numbers, but only through official channels. When selling a device, it is safe to share the serial number with the buyer to verify authenticity, but avoid sharing the IMEI until the sale is finalized. Always erase the device (Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings) before handing it over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find the IMEI without turning on the iPhone?

Yes. Check the SIM tray (iPhone 5 through 11), the back of the iPad, or the original box. If you have a computer, connect the device to iTunes — it will show the IMEI even if the screen is locked or broken.

Is the serial number the same as the IMEI?

No. The serial number is a unique factory code that identifies the exact unit (model, color, storage). The IMEI is a 15-digit number that identifies the device on cellular networks. They are different and serve different purposes.

Why does my iPad not show an IMEI?

If your iPad is Wi-Fi only, it does not have a cellular modem, so it has no IMEI. Only Wi-Fi + Cellular models have an IMEI. You will still see a serial number in Settings.

How do I check if my iPhone is still under warranty using the serial number?

Go to checkcoverage.apple.com (Apple’s official warranty check page), enter the serial number, and it will show the warranty status and eligibility for support. This works for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other Apple products.

What if the Settings app is missing or the device is disabled?

Connect the device to a computer and open iTunes. If the device is recognized, the serial number and IMEI appear in the Summary tab. If not, use the physical methods (SIM tray, back, or box).

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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