To find an iPhone X’s IMEI, open Settings > General > About and look for “IMEI.” The serial number appears on the same screen; if the phone cannot turn on, check its original packaging or the device record associated with your Apple Account.
Find Both Numbers in Settings
The quickest method works when the iPhone X starts and you can unlock it:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General, then About.
- Scroll down to find Serial Number and IMEI. The IMEI may be farther down the page than the serial number.
Tap and hold a displayed number to bring up the copy option, if available, then paste it into a trusted place where you need it. Take care not to confuse the IMEI with the MEID, EID, or other identifiers that may appear on some Apple devices. The iPhone X does not have an eSIM, so an EID is not the identifier to look for on this model.
The About screen also shows other identifying details, including the model name and software version. If you are checking a used phone, compare the information there with the device and its documentation; a matching number alone does not prove a phone’s ownership or condition.
What the IMEI and Serial Number Mean
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) identifies a mobile device for cellular-network purposes. It is generally a 15-digit number. A carrier may ask for it when checking compatibility, managing service, or handling a lost-device report. The number identifies the device, not the person using it, and it is distinct from a phone number or SIM-card number.
The serial number is a separate identifier used by Apple to distinguish a particular product. It can be useful when contacting Apple Support, checking device details, or matching a phone to a purchase record. It is not interchangeable with the IMEI, and its format can differ from one product or manufacturing period to another.
For either identifier, use the label shown on the iPhone rather than trying to infer one from the other. Do not publish these numbers unnecessarily: they are not passwords, but they are unique device information that is best shared only with a carrier, Apple Support, or another party that has a legitimate reason to request it.
If the iPhone X Will Not Turn On
If the display is broken, the phone will not boot, or you cannot reach Settings, try these alternatives:
- Check the original packaging. The retail box may have a barcode label listing the serial number and IMEI. Make sure the box actually belongs to the phone; packaging can be mixed up or separated from a device.
- Check your Apple Account device list. Sign in to your Apple Account on a trusted Apple device or visit the account page, then review the devices associated with the account. Available details can vary, and you may need to select the iPhone to see its identifiers.
- Use a computer previously connected to the phone. Finder on a Mac, or Apple Devices or iTunes on a Windows PC depending on the setup, may show device information when the iPhone is connected. Unlock it or approve the trust prompt if requested; a computer cannot necessarily retrieve details if the phone is unavailable or has not been trusted.
- Review a purchase or service record. A receipt or repair document may include an identifier, though not every seller or service provider records both numbers.
If the phone is damaged, do not open it just to search for an identifier. Use an account record, packaging, or an authorized support route instead. A device that cannot be powered on may need repair before its on-device information can be checked.
Check the SIM Tray and Packaging
Some iPhone models have an IMEI engraved on the SIM tray, but the iPhone X is not one of the models for which the tray is a dependable place to find it. Check Settings, packaging, or account and computer records instead. The exact markings can also depend on the device variant and market, so do not assume that a number visible on another iPhone model will be present on an iPhone X.
The packaging label is often useful, but treat it as a reference rather than proof that it matches the handset. If you have the phone, compare the label’s IMEI or serial number with Settings > General > About. If the phone is unavailable, confirm any discrepancy with the seller or support provider before relying on the box label.
When You May Need Each Identifier
Different requests call for different numbers. A mobile carrier commonly asks for the IMEI when checking a phone’s network compatibility or discussing service tied to the handset. Apple Support may ask for the serial number to identify the product, though support processes can request other details too. Follow the specific instructions from the organization contacting you rather than sending both numbers by default.
Before buying a second-hand iPhone X, you can ask the seller to show the About screen in person and compare its identifiers with the packaging or paperwork. An IMEI check from a carrier or other service may provide information about network eligibility, but results and coverage vary. It does not replace checking that the phone powers on, can be activated by its rightful owner, and is accurately described.
Common Problems and Privacy
If you cannot see an identifier, scroll farther down the About screen and check that you are looking at the iPhone X itself rather than another device in an account list. If the Settings app is inaccessible, try another source listed above. Do not use unofficial tools that ask you to install unknown software or provide account credentials just to look up a number.
Keep identifiers out of public photos, classified listings, and social posts unless there is a clear reason to show them. When contacting a carrier or support provider, use its official app, website, or phone channel. If an unfamiliar person asks for the IMEI or serial number, ask why it is needed and verify the request before sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the IMEI on an iPhone X?
Open Settings > General > About and scroll to the entry labeled “IMEI.” It is not the phone number or the serial number.
Where is the iPhone X serial number?
Find it near the top of Settings > General > About, labeled “Serial Number.” The IMEI is listed separately farther down.
Can I find the IMEI if my iPhone X is off?
Check the original box, your Apple Account device list, or a computer previously connected to the phone. Whether a computer can show the details depends on access and prior trust settings.
Is the IMEI printed on the iPhone X SIM tray?
The SIM tray is not a dependable location for the iPhone X’s IMEI. Use the About screen or another record associated with the device.
Are the IMEI and serial number the same?
No. The IMEI is a cellular-device identifier, while the serial number is a separate product identifier. Use whichever one the carrier or support provider specifically requests.
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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