How to Check IMEI Number on Any Phone 2026

Q: Why does my phone show two IMEIs when I only have one SIM?

Dual SIM phone with one SIM inserted. Phone still has two IMEIs assigned (one per SIM slot) regardless of whether both slots are used. The two IMEIs are permanent hardware identifiers — they don't activate or deactivate based on SIM presence. Either IMEI can be used for verification purposes. For PTA registration, register the IMEI(s) you actually intend to use with Pakistani SIMs.

The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is your phone's unique 15-digit identifier — distinct from telephone number, distinct from model number, specific to individual device. Every phone has at least one IMEI (dual SIM phones have two). The IMEI is what PTA's DIRBS system, carriers, and stolen-phone registries reference. Finding your IMEI is the first step before PTA registration, verification, insurance claims, stolen-phone reporting, or any device-specific activity. This guide covers how to find IMEI on different phone types: universal code, settings menus, physical labels, original packaging — multiple methods since each may be unavailable in specific scenarios.

Universal method — the *#06# code

Works on virtually every phone:

How it works — this special code (asterisk, hash, zero, six, hash) triggers the phone's built-in IMEI display. Doesn't make a call; just shows the number.
How to dial — open phone (dialer) app. Type the characters *#06# exactly. Phone shows IMEI immediately. No need to press call/send.
What displays — typically shows IMEI as 15-digit number. May also show device serial number, SVN (Software Version Number), and other identifiers.
Dual SIM phones — displays both IMEIs. Labelled as IMEI1 and IMEI2, or shown sequentially. Both are valid and either can be used for checks/registration (though registering one may be sufficient for single-SIM use of the phone).
Locked phones — *#06# typically works even on locked phones (useful in emergency or verification scenarios where you don't have unlock credentials).
Brand differences — Samsung, iPhone, Huawei, Xiaomi, Vivo, OPPO, all major brands support the *#06# code. Universal standard.
Feature phones — basic feature phones also support *#06#. Same method as smartphones.
Older phones — even old Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola phones support the code. Standard across phone generations.
Write it down immediately — don't just view and dismiss. Note the IMEI somewhere accessible (notes app, physical notebook, email to yourself).
Screenshot trick — some phones let you screenshot the IMEI display screen. Specific phones may block screenshots of this sensitive info.

Finding IMEI through Settings menu

Phone-specific paths:

Android (general) — Settings > About Phone > Status Information or IMEI. Specific path varies by manufacturer.
Samsung — Settings > About Phone > Status > IMEI Information. Both IMEIs shown for dual SIM.
Xiaomi — Settings > About Phone > All Specifications. IMEI listed in technical details.
Huawei — Settings > System & Updates > About Phone > Status > IMEI. Specific path varies by EMUI version.
OPPO/Vivo — Settings > About Phone > Status. IMEI in device information section.
iPhone — Settings > General > About. Scroll to IMEI. Single number shown (iPhones with eSIM may show one physical IMEI and one eSIM IMEI).
iPad — same path as iPhone. Cellular-enabled iPads have IMEI; WiFi-only don't.
Google Pixel — Settings > About Phone > IMEI. Straightforward Android implementation.
Why use Settings vs *#06# — Settings method may show additional info (specific model details, regulatory labels, software versions). *#06# is faster for just the IMEI.
Permission considerations — Settings access may require unlock; *#06# typically doesn't.

Physical methods for finding IMEI

When phone access isn't possible:

SIM tray label — many phones print IMEI on the SIM tray (the plastic tray holding SIM cards). Eject the tray with the tool that came with the phone or a paperclip.
Behind battery (older phones) — removable-battery phones often have IMEI sticker under the battery. Power off, remove battery, check for label.
Phone box barcode — original packaging shows IMEI on side or back. Important: keep boxes of valuable phones for this reason alone.
Purchase receipt — authorised retailer receipts often include IMEI for warranty purposes. Check old receipts if you have them.
Warranty card — some phones come with warranty documentation showing IMEI for registration purposes.
Phone case label — some manufacturers include IMEI label on phone's physical body (typically on back near regulatory labels). Look in small print areas.
Authorised service centre records — if phone was serviced at authorised centre, they may have your IMEI in records.
Carrier records — Pakistani carriers may have IMEI associated with your active SIM account (particularly for post-paid or specific registered accounts).
Cloud backups — Google or Apple accounts may have device info including IMEI from linked devices.
For stolen phones — without physical access, previous records (photos of the IMEI, receipts, box labels) are your only evidence. Hence importance of documenting IMEI before loss.

Step-by-step IMEI finding

Try the universal code first
Open phone (dialer) app. Dial *#06# (asterisk, hash, zero, six, hash). IMEI displays immediately.
Note the 15 digits
Write down the IMEI exactly. Dual SIM phones show two; note both. Some phones show additional info; the 15-digit IMEI is what you need.
Alternative: Settings method
If for some reason *#06# doesn't work, navigate to Settings > About Phone (Android) or Settings > General > About (iPhone).
Find IMEI in Settings
Scroll through device information. IMEI typically labelled clearly. May be under 'Status' or specific sub-menu.
Physical methods if device inaccessible
Check SIM tray label, phone box barcode, original purchase receipt, behind battery for removable-battery phones.
Verify the number
Confirm 15-digit format. Confirm matches across sources if multiple available. Discrepancies may indicate phone modification.
Document properly
Save IMEI in: notes app on phone, email to yourself, physical notebook, device documentation folder. Multiple backups prevent loss.
Photograph IMEI display
Screenshot the *#06# response or photograph physical labels. Visual evidence supports claims if the phone is later stolen or lost.
Verify with PTA system
Send IMEI to 8484 or check DIRBS portal. Confirms the number is valid format and shows current registration status.
Use IMEI for needed purpose
PTA registration, stolen-phone reporting, insurance claim, warranty service — the IMEI enables specific identification of your device.

IMEI finding — common questions

Why does my phone show two IMEIs when I only have one SIM?

Can someone find my phone using the IMEI if it is stolen?

Partial capability. With your documented IMEI, you can: report to police for FIR documentation, report to PTA for DIRBS blocking (prevents the stolen phone from operating on Pakistani networks), report to carrier for their investigation. Actual physical tracking by IMEI requires investigative resources only law enforcement has. Don't expect to personally recover stolen phones using IMEI alone. The primary protection: blocking the phone so it can't be used with Pakistani SIMs.

Can the IMEI of my phone be changed or fake?

Technically yes but illegal. Specialised equipment can modify some phone IMEIs (particularly older models). Modern phones have hardware protections against IMEI modification. IMEI tampering is illegal under Pakistani law. Counterfeit phones may have fake or duplicated IMEIs that won't pass DIRBS verification. If your phone's IMEI doesn't verify with DIRBS or shows inconsistencies, investigate — may indicate counterfeit or modified device.

Is IMEI the same as serial number?

No — different identifiers. IMEI is standardised globally and tied to cellular operation. Serial number is manufacturer-specific internal identifier. Both unique to the device but different purposes. PTA registration and Pakistani telecom framework uses IMEI. Manufacturer service uses both. Some phones use different specific identifiers (MEID, etc.) for legacy networks. For Pakistani purposes, IMEI is the relevant identifier.

Why might *#06# not work on a specific phone?

Few specific scenarios. Phone software modifications (custom ROMs) may disable standard service codes. Phones designed for specific markets may have different codes. Damaged phones may not respond normally. Phones in specific lock states may restrict code access. Alternative: use Settings method or physical label verification. If multiple methods fail, the phone may have underlying issues warranting service centre evaluation.

Do tablets, smartwatches, and other devices have IMEIs?

Cellular-enabled devices do. Phones, cellular-enabled tablets, cellular smartwatches, specific modems and routers — all have IMEIs. WiFi-only tablets and non-cellular devices typically don't (they use MAC addresses and other identifiers instead). Some IoT devices have IMEIs for cellular connectivity. PTA registration applies to cellular devices using Pakistani networks; WiFi-only devices don't need DIRBS registration.

Closing note on IMEI as device identity

The IMEI is your device's identity for Pakistani regulatory and carrier purposes. Knowing where to find it, documenting it before needing it, and using it for appropriate verification purposes supports informed phone ownership.

For Pakistani consumers particularly: document IMEIs of all your household phones in a secure location (perhaps secure notes app or household documents folder). If a phone is ever stolen or lost, this documentation becomes essential for blocking, reporting, and potential recovery actions.

IMEI finding methods, phone-specific paths, and verification approaches described above reflect Pakistani phone market and current phone software as of early 2026. Specific interfaces evolve with phone software updates but core methods remain stable across generations.