How to Locate IMEI without a Phone

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When your mobile phone gets lost or stolen, you may need its IMEI number to file a police report or to prove the phone's really yours. There are many places to find this number, including its packaging and from your cell phone provider. The IMEI is really the phone's serial number, and it can't be changed without specialized equipment, even if someone replaces the SIM card. Your cellular provider can add the IMEI number to an international blacklist to block anyone else from activating the phone, and may even be able to use it to track down the phone's location.

Packaging and Receipts

Locate the original box or packaging for the phone, and then look for the IMEI number on a sticker attached to the outside. The IMEI number is comprised of 15 digits, and may not be labeled. It usually appears near a bar code. Locate the original contract or receipt for the phone if you can't find the packaging. The IMEI number should be listed.

From Your Cellular Provider

Check your printed monthly bill or online account statement. Many service providers list the IMEI number on the statement itself. If you don't find it here, contact customer support at the company that provides your cellular service. In most cases, the IMEI number is already in their database, and the company can suspend service to the phone if it's lost or stolen.

Android Phones

If you have an Android phone that you synced with Google, you can find your IMEI number on your Google Dashboard website (link in Resources). Sign in using the same account you used the sync the phone, and then click "Android" to display a list of all registered devices. Googles displays the IMEI number of each device.

Apple iPhones

If you have an iPhone that you synced with iTunes, you can find the IMEI number on your computer. Launch iTunes and select "Preferences" from the Edit or iTunes menu. Select the "Devices" tab and then hover your mouse over the listing for your iPhone. The IMEI number appears in a pop-up box.