How to Find and Verify Your IMEI Number (iPhone & Android)

Your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is your phone's unique 15-digit identity number — like a CNIC for your handset. You need it to check PTA approval status, register a phone with PTA, report a stolen phone, or verify a used phone before buying. Here is what it is and every way to find it.

What Is an IMEI Number?

An IMEI is a 15-digit number assigned to every mobile device at manufacturing. No two phones share the same IMEI. Networks, PTA, and police use it to identify, register, and block devices. Dual-SIM phones have two IMEIs — one for each SIM slot — and in Pakistan both must be registered with PTA.

Method 1: Dial *#06# (Fastest, works on every phone)

1. Open the phone's dialer app.
2. Type *#06# — no need to press call.
3. Your IMEI number(s) appear instantly on screen.

This works on iPhone, Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo, Tecno, Infinix — every brand. Yeh sab se asaan tareeqa hai.

Method 2: iPhone Settings

1. Open Settings → General → About.
2. Scroll down to find the IMEI (and IMEI2 on dual-SIM models).
3. Tap and hold to copy it.

Method 3: Android Settings

1. Open Settings → About phone → Status (on Samsung: Settings → About phone → IMEI information).
2. Your IMEI(s) are listed there.

Method 4: The Original Box

The retail box has a sticker with the IMEI printed next to a barcode — along with the model and serial number. When buying used, match the box IMEI with the phone's *#06# IMEI. If they don't match, the box belongs to a different phone.

Method 5: SIM Tray (iPhones)

On many iPhone models, the IMEI is engraved in tiny print on the SIM tray. You can also find it on the back of older iPhones (iPhone 6 and earlier).

Method 6: Google / Apple Account

Lost the phone? Find its IMEI remotely:

• Android: Google's Find My Device page shows the registered device's IMEI.
• iPhone: sign in at appleid.apple.com → Devices → select the iPhone to see its IMEI.

How to Verify an IMEI When Buying Used

1. Match all three: the *#06# IMEI, the Settings IMEI, and the box sticker IMEI should all be identical. Mismatches suggest IMEI tampering.
2. Check PTA status: send the IMEI to 8484 by SMS — the reply also confirms the brand and model PTA has on record for that IMEI. If PTA says "Samsung J5" but you are holding a Google Pixel, that is a CPID/tampered device. See CPID vs PTA approval.
3. Dual-SIM: verify both IMEIs, not just the first.

IMEI Safety: What NOT to Do

• Never post your IMEI publicly — not on Facebook marketplace listings, not in WhatsApp groups. A stolen IMEI can be cloned onto other devices, and you could face problems proving ownership.
• Never pay a stranger to "register" your IMEI — use only official PTA/FBR channels.
• If your phone is stolen, report the IMEI to the police and PTA so the device can be blocked.