Samsung Galaxy Note 5: Find IMEI & Serial Number

To find the IMEI and serial number on a Samsung Galaxy Note 5, the quickest method is to dial *#06# on the phone’s keypad — the IMEI and serial number will appear on the screen instantly. You can also find both numbers in the phone’s Settings under About phone > Status, or printed on the original box label and the back of the device (the IMEI is on the back, the serial number is on the box). This article explains every method in detail, including how to read the numbers when the phone is off, broken, or locked.

Why You Might Need the IMEI and Serial Number

The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit number that identifies your phone on cellular networks. The serial number (often abbreviated as S/N) is a separate identifier used by the manufacturer for warranty, repairs, and inventory. You may need these numbers to:

• Check if the phone is reported stolen or blacklisted (using an IMEI checker).
• File an insurance claim or warranty service request.
• Unlock the phone for use on another carrier.
• Report the phone as lost or stolen to your carrier.
• Verify the phone’s authenticity when buying a used device.

Method 1: Dial *#06# (Fastest)

This is the simplest way to see both numbers without navigating menus.

1. Open the phone dialer app (the app you use to make calls).
2. Type *#06# (asterisk, hash, zero, six, hash).
3. The IMEI number(s) and the serial number will appear on the screen automatically. No call is placed.

If the phone has a dual SIM version, you’ll see two IMEI numbers (one for each SIM slot). The serial number is usually labeled S/N or Serial. Write them down or take a screenshot.

Method 2: Via Settings Menu

If you prefer not to use the dialer, or if the dialer isn’t working, use the Settings app.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon).
2. Scroll down and tap About phone (or About device on some versions).
3. Tap Status.
4. You’ll see IMEI and Serial number listed here. On some firmware versions, the serial number is under About phone > Status > Serial number.

If you have a dual SIM model, you may see two IMEI entries (IMEI 1 and IMEI 2). The serial number is the same for both SIM slots.

Method 3: Look at the Phone’s Back and Box

If the phone won’t turn on, or if you don’t have access to the menus, you can find the numbers physically.

• Back of the phone: The IMEI is printed in tiny text near the bottom of the back panel (below the camera module). You may need a magnifying glass and good lighting to read it. The serial number is not printed on the back.
• Original box: The box label has a barcode and lists both the IMEI and the serial number (S/N). It’s usually on the side or bottom of the box.
• Battery compartment: The Note 5 has a non-removable battery, so you cannot remove the back cover to find a label inside. The back panel is glued shut, and removing it can damage the phone.

Method 4: Using Samsung’s Find My Mobile (If the Phone is Lost)

If you’ve lost your Note 5 or it’s stolen, you can still retrieve the IMEI and serial number if you have a Samsung account and had enabled Find My Mobile before the phone went missing.

1. Go to findmymobile.samsung.com on any device.
2. Log in with the same Samsung account that was on the phone.
3. Select the lost device from the list.
4. The IMEI and serial number are shown in the device details section.

This method only works if the phone is registered to your Samsung account and the service was active.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

• IMEI vs. MEID vs. ESN: On some carriers (like Verizon), the Note 5 might show a MEID or ESN instead of an IMEI. These are all unique identifiers; the IMEI is the global standard, while MEID is used in North America. You can convert MEID to IMEI using online tools, but it’s not necessary for most purposes.
• IMEI can be changed? In most countries, changing the IMEI is illegal, and doing so can make the phone unusable. Never attempt to alter it.
• Serial number vs. Model number: The model number (e.g., SM-N920A for AT&T, SM-N920T for T-Mobile) is different from the serial number. The model tells you the variant, while the serial is unique to your unit.
• What if IMEI shows “null” or “unknown”? This usually indicates a software issue or a corrupted baseband. Try restarting the phone, or if the problem persists, it may need service.

How to Use the IMEI to Check the Phone’s Status

Once you have the IMEI, you can use it to check if the phone is blacklisted (reported stolen) or if it’s still under warranty. Several free online IMEI checkers exist, but be cautious: some sites may ask for payment for detailed reports. For a basic blacklist check, you can contact your carrier directly. For warranty status, Samsung’s official support page allows you to enter the IMEI to see warranty coverage. Always use reputable sources and never share your IMEI publicly, as it can be used for fraud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find the IMEI without the phone?

Yes, if you have the original box, the IMEI and serial number are printed on the label. You can also find them through your Samsung account on Find My Mobile, or on your carrier’s account page if you registered the device. If you have none of these, you may need to contact your carrier with proof of purchase.

Is the IMEI the same as the serial number?

No. The IMEI is a 15-digit number that identifies the phone on cellular networks. The serial number is a shorter alphanumeric code that identifies the physical device for manufacturing and warranty purposes. They are different and both are unique to your phone.

What if I have a dual SIM Note 5? How many IMEIs will I see?

Dual SIM models have two IMEI numbers, one for each SIM slot. You’ll see them listed as IMEI 1 and IMEI 2. Both are needed if you use both SIM slots. The serial number remains the same.

Does *#06# work if the phone is locked?

Yes, *#06# works even if the phone is locked with a PIN, pattern, or password. However, it won’t work if the phone is completely powered off or if the screen is broken and you can’t access the dialer. In those cases, use the physical methods.

Can I find the IMEI using a computer if the phone is connected via USB?

Yes, if you have Samsung USB drivers installed, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to type adb devices and then adb shell getprop ro.imei (or adb shell getprop ro.serialno for the serial). This requires enabling Developer Options and USB debugging on the phone beforehand, so it’s only useful if you already had those enabled.

Why does my IMEI show as 0 or unknown?

This is usually a software glitch or a sign of a damaged baseband. Try restarting the phone, or if it persists, you may need to reflash the firmware or take it to a service center. It’s not something you can fix by simply re-entering the number.

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