Locked out of your iPhone due to a broken screen but need the IMEI for Apple maintenance? You are in the right place. In this guide, you’ll find all the reliable ways to get IMEI number on iPhone if locked out or not. We’ll also show you how to remove iPhone restrictions like carrier lock using Passixer iPhone Unlocker, a software-based solution that lets you use a new SIM in about 1 hour without needing the IMEI number at all.
Overview of iPhone IMEI Number
Before we move on further, let’s just understand a few things about IMEI in brief.
What Is iPhone IMEI Number?
IMEI or to say the International Mobile Equipment Identity, is a 15-digit code assigned to your iPhone. This code is unique to every phone, including iPhone and you can consider it as the fingerprint of your iPhone. Since no two devices share the same IMEI, it acts as a permanent universal identifier.
From this number, you can basically find out:
- Whether the device is carrier-locked or unlocked.
- If the phone is reported stolen or lost.
- Warranty or insurance status.
- eSIM compatibility.
This is sensitive information. If someone gets your 15-digit IMEI, they can even report your iPhone as stolen and have it blacklisted. Then you would have to go through a long procedure to unblock the phone. So always handle this number carefully.
When Do We Need IMEI Number?
While you don’t need the IMEI every day, it becomes the most important thing sometimes. For example, you will need the number for in the following cases.
- Unlock your iPhone carrier lock and remove the SIM restriction when you want to use a local SIM in a foreign country.
- Bypass iCloud Activation Lock when Apple may ask for it as proof.
- Check whether an iPhone is stolen or blacklisted.
- For warranty, repairs and carrier support, where IMEI is used to confirm authenticity and repair status.
- In some countries, like Turkey, IMEI registration is mandatory to access the local networks.
How to Get IMEI Number on iPhone If Locked
Here are nine reliable ways to find the IMEI when you can’t unlock your iPhone.
Way 1. Via Packaging
Work with: Basically all iPhones that shipped with a box.
Find the iPhone’s original packaging. On the back or sometimes on the side of the box, you’ll see a printed sticker. The IMEI will be there and is usually printed along with the serial number, barcodes and other identifiers.
Way 2. Via SIM Tray
Work with: Older iPhones (3G, 4, 5, up until 13) that still had numbers etched.
Pop out the SIM tray with a paperclip. On one metal part, you’ll see the IMEI digits laser-etched clearly. It is marked as IMEI so you can identify it right away.
Way 3. Via the Back of the iPhone
Work with: iPhone 5/5c/5s/6/6 Plus and some earlier models like the original iPhone SE—1st Generation.
Turn the iPhone over and check the lower back side. These models have the IMEI physically engraved into the metal. Unless the engraving has been scratched off, you’ll see the full IMEI number printed there.
Way 4. Via Setup Screen
Work with: Any iPhone stuck at the “Hello” setup screen.
On the setup or activation screen, tap the “i” icon at the bottom-right. The IMEI + Serial number will then show up.
Way 5. Via iTunes/Finder
Work with: Almost all iPhones if you can plug them into a computer.
Step 1. Connect your iPhone to a Mac or Windows PC using a USB cable.
Step 2. Open Finder or iTunes on macOS.
Step 3. Once the iPhone appears, click on the small iPhone icon.
- In Finder, the device summary will appear. By default, you’ll see the Serial Number displayed. Click directly on the Serial Number field and it will cycle through different identifiers: UDID → IMEI → MEID → ICCID. Keep clicking until IMEI appears on the screen.
- On iTunes, go to the Summary tab. There, you’ll see the IMEI number listed. On dual-SIM iPhones, you will see both IMEI 1 and IMEI 2.
Way 6. Via account.apple.com
Work with: The locked iPhone is tied to your Apple ID.
- Log in to account.apple.com using the Apple ID credentials that are present on the locked iPhone.
- From there, go to the Devices section.
- Click on the locked iPhone.
- The IMEI will be listed along with the serial number and other details.
Way 7. Via Apple Account in Another Device
Work with: Another iPad/Mac/iPhone that is logged into the same Apple ID on the locked iPhone.
On another Apple device signed in with the locked iPhone’s Apple ID:
- Open Settings.
- Tap your name at the top.
- Scroll down to Devices.
- Select your iPhone. Then, the IMEI will pop up along with the other details of the device.
Way 8. Via Carrier Site
Work with: Carriers that expose it, such as Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. Note: Not all of carriers display IMEI online, so this method isn’t universal.
Some carriers let you view the IMEI of your device from your online account. For example:
- Log in to your T-Mobile account.
- Go to the Devices section.
- Select your iPhone. The IMEI will be listed there.
Way 9. Via Bill or Invoice
Work with: All iPhones, if original purchase documents are available.
Many carriers and authorized sellers print the IMEI number on the purchase bill or invoice. Check the paperwork that came with your iPhone at the time of purchase and you’ll often find the 15-digit IMEI there.
How to Find IMEI Number on iPhone If Unlocked
If your iPhone is unlocked, you can easily view its IMEI via the inbuilt apps like Phone and Settings. Additionally, you can use Passixer to unlock your iPhone without passcode and then follow the ways to check your iPhone IMEI.
Way 1. Through Dialer
Pull up the Phone app and dial *#06#. The IMEI will instantly appear on the screen.
Way 2. Through Settings
- Go to Settings > General > About.
- Scroll down to the Serial Number section. Tap on it and the IMEI will show.
If the device has more than one IMEI (like on dual-SIM models), you’ll see additional ones listed there too.
How to Unlock iPhone Without IMEI
An IMEI number can commonly help remove two main types of locks on an iPhone: the carrier lock and the Activation Lock. The problem is that services claiming to unlock with IMEI are rarely reliable and offers a low success rate. So, instead of wasting time there, here’s how to remove these locks without relying on IMEI.
Case 1. Unlock iPhone SIM Lock Without IMEI
Passixer iPhone Unlocker, an all-in-one iOS unlock tool, has a dedicated SIM lock removal feature. It can take off the SIM lock from your iPhone within 30–40 minutes and it does not require your IMEI number or the carrier help. During the SIM lock removal, Passixer will also keep your phone data intact.
Moreover, you can use Passixer to unlock your iPhone from carrier like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and other carriers worldwide. In all, whether you want to switch to a better network plan from another provider, use an international SIM card, unlocking your second-hand iPhone carrier, Passixer comes to help.
Steps to Use Passixer for SIM Unlock:
Install Passixer on your computer, launch it and apply the simple procedures down here:
Run Passixer and click Remove SIM Lock
Open Passixer iPhone Unlocker on the computer and select Remove SIM Lock.
Allow Passixer to Detect Your iPhone
Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to the computer and hit Start.
Jailbreak Your iPhone Safely
Follow the on-screen jailbreak guide after clicking iOS Jailbreak Tutorial. Once done, hit Next.
Start Removing SIM Lock from Your iPhone
Confirm your device details. Then, click Start SIM Lock Removal.
Change Wi-Fi Settings by Following the Shown Steps
Now, on your iPhone: Remove SIM card and delete all saved Wi-Fi networks. Turn Wi-Fi off completely and insert the SIM back.
Enjoy Any SIM on Your iPhone
When you see SIM Lock Removed Successfully, unplug your iPhone. Now, it will work with the new SIM.
Case 2. Unlock iPhone Activation Lock Without IMEI
Now, here’s the way to deal with iCloud Activation Lock without IMEI required when using online unlocking services. You can use Passixer iPhone Unlocker even when the iPhone is iCloud-locked. It lets you use the phone again without needing the original Apple ID or password.
After unlocking, you can sign in App Store with a new Apple ID to download apps, stream shows, browse the web over Wi-Fi and use all the usual features like media, music and photos as before.
Steps to Bypass Activation Lock with Passixer:
Use Passixer’s Bypass iCloud Activation Lock Feature
Launch Passixer iPhone Unlocker on your Mac or Windows computer and pick “Bypass iCloud Activation Lock” from the main menu.
Connect Your iPhone to Passixer
Link your iPhone to the computer via USB. The tool will detect your device and what iOS it’s running.
Click iOS Jailbreak Tutorial and Follow the Steps
Follow the jailbreak guide that appears on screen. Once the jailbreak finishes, hit Next.
Start Bypassing iCloud Lock
Click Start and then Passixer will take over and remove Activation Lock.
iCloud Bypass Is Done
Wait until you see a confirmation. Now you’re past the lock and you can set your iPhone up with WiFi and use it again.
Final Words
Well, that’s a wrap. Finding the IMEI number on an iPhone has never been the hardest part—even if the phone is locked or lost, there are plenty of ways to get it.
And when it comes to carrier lock or Activation Lock on iPhone, you don’t even need the IMEI. Passixer iPhone Unlocker can remove those restrictions in just 30–40 minutes, letting you use your iPhone freely again.