Samsung Galaxy J7: How to Find IMEI & Serial Number

To find the IMEI and serial number on a Samsung Galaxy J7, dial *#06# on the phone’s keypad—the numbers appear instantly on screen. You can also find them in Settings > About Phone > Status, or printed on the box and under the battery. Here’s every method explained, plus why these numbers matter and what to do if they’re missing.

Why the IMEI and Serial Number Matter

The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit number that identifies your phone on cellular networks. Carriers use it to lock or unlock devices, police use it to track stolen phones, and you’ll need it when filing an insurance claim or checking if a used phone is blacklisted. The serial number (SN) is a separate identifier—usually alphanumeric—that Samsung uses for warranty claims and repairs. Both are tied to your specific device, not your SIM card, so they stay the same even if you change carriers.

Method 1: Dial *#06# (Fastest)

1. Open the Phone app (the icon you use to make calls).
2. Type *#06# exactly as shown. You don’t need to press call—the screen will pop up automatically.
3. A dialog box appears showing the IMEI, IMEI SV, and sometimes the serial number. Write them down or screenshot the screen.

This works on virtually all Samsung phones, including the J7 series (J7, J7 Prime, J7 Perx, J7 V, etc.). If nothing happens, make sure you’re in the dialer, not a third-party texting app.

Method 2: Check Settings (No Dialer Needed)

1. Open Settings (the gear icon).
2. Scroll down and tap About Phone (sometimes called “About Device”).
3. Tap Status or Status Information.
4. You’ll see IMEI and Serial Number listed. On some J7 models, the serial number is under “About Phone” > “Status” while the IMEI appears directly on the “About Phone” screen.

If you have a dual-SIM J7, you’ll see two IMEI numbers—one for each SIM slot. Both are important if you ever need to unlock the phone.

Method 3: Look at the Physical Labels

Every Galaxy J7 ships with a sticker that shows the IMEI and serial number. Check these places:

• Under the battery: If your J7 has a removable back (most J7 models do), turn off the phone, pop off the back cover, and remove the battery. The label is inside the phone cavity.
• On the original box: The side or bottom of the retail box has a barcode with the IMEI, serial number, and model number (e.g., SM-J700F).
• On the back of the phone: Some carrier versions have a tiny label near the camera or bottom edge—use a magnifying glass if needed.

If you bought the phone used and the sticker is gone, the dialer or Settings methods are your best bet.

What If the Screen Is Broken or the Phone Won’t Turn On?

You can’t dial *#06# or open Settings if the display is dead or the battery won’t charge. In that case:

• Check the box and any paperwork from the carrier—most include the IMEI.
• Remove the back cover and battery (if possible) to read the label inside.
• Log into your Samsung account (if you set one up) at findmymobile.samsung.com—it shows the IMEI of registered devices.
• Call your carrier with your account info; they can look up the IMEI associated with your line.

If you’re trying to report a lost or stolen phone, the IMEI is critical. Without it, carriers and police can’t block the device.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

“The IMEI is the same as the serial number.” No. The IMEI is 15 digits, always numeric, and globally standardized. The serial number is alphanumeric, varies in length, and is assigned by Samsung. They’re different identifiers.

“I can change my IMEI to hide my identity.” In many countries, altering an IMEI is illegal. Don’t try it—it can brick your phone and void your warranty.

“The IMEI appears in the notification bar after dialing *#06#.” Actually, it appears as a pop-up dialog, not in the notification bar. On some Android versions, you may need to tap “OK” to dismiss it.

“If I reset my phone, the IMEI changes.” No. Factory resets don’t affect the IMEI or serial number—they’re hardware IDs burned into the phone’s firmware.

“My J7 shows ‘IMEI: Unknown’ in Settings.” This usually means the phone’s EFS partition (which stores the IMEI) is corrupted, often from a bad ROM flash or root attempt. You’ll likely have no cellular signal. This is a serious issue that may require professional repair or re-flashing the stock firmware.

Comparing the J7 to Other Samsung Phones

The J7 series (launched 2015–2018) uses the same IMEI/SN discovery methods as other Samsung phones. Newer Galaxy A and S series phones have non-removable batteries, so the under-battery label is gone—you’ll rely on Settings, dialer, or the box. The J7’s removable battery is actually an advantage here: you can always find the IMEI even if the software is broken. The serial number format also changed over time; older J7 models have an 11-character SN, while newer ones might have a different length, but the location is the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find my J7’s IMEI without the phone?

Yes, if you have the original box, the IMEI is on the barcode label. You can also check your Samsung account (if you registered the device) or your carrier’s account portal. Some carriers list the IMEI on your monthly bill or online account.

What do I do if the IMEI is not printed under the battery?

Some carrier-specific J7 variants (like the Verizon J7 V) have a non-removable battery, so there’s no label underneath. In that case, use the dialer code or Settings. If those fail, contact Samsung support with your proof of purchase—they can look up the IMEI from the serial number.

Is the IMEI the same as the MEID?

No. MEID is a 14-digit number used by CDMA networks (like Sprint or Verizon in the US). The J7 is a GSM phone (works on AT&T, T-Mobile, and international carriers), so it uses IMEI. Some CDMA phones show both, but the J7 will only show IMEI.

How do I check if my J7 is blacklisted using the IMEI?

You can use a free online IMEI checker (like IMEI.info or carrier-specific tools). Enter the 15-digit number, and it will tell you if the phone is reported lost or stolen. This is essential when buying a used J7.

Will the *#06# code work on a J7 with a custom ROM?

Usually yes, because the dialer code is handled by the phone’s baseband, not the Android ROM. However, if the custom ROM is poorly built, the code might not work. In that case, check the box or use a third-party app like “IMEI & SN” from the Play Store (which reads the system files).

Can I find the serial number using a computer?

Yes. Connect your J7 to a PC with USB debugging enabled, then use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and type adb devices followed by adb shell getprop ro.serialno. This prints the serial number. This works even if the screen is locked, as long as you’ve authorized the computer.

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