How to Check IMEI Code on Locked Phone

Want to activate your smartphone but can't find the IMEI code? If you know the location, this 15-character code is easy to find, even when the phone screen is locked. Today's TipsMake will show you how to check the IMEI code of your Android phone or iPhone when the screen is locked, as well as how to determine the IMEI code on a phone locked to a specific carrier.

On a locked phone

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Check the back of the phone. If the screen is unresponsive or you don't know the password, look at the back of your phone to find the IMEI number (depending on the model). With iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, or iPhone 5, the IMEI code is usually located on the back of the phone. Some Android phones also have IMEI numbers printed on the back.

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Check above or below the battery. On some Android phones with removable batteries, the IMEI code is printed on the bottom. You can even find the IMEI code under the battery cover.

Power off the phone, remove the back cover, take out the battery and check if there is an IMEI code in this area.

This method does not work with phones with built-in batteries.

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Remove the SIM tray. Most phones are usually engraved with the IMEI number on the SIM tray. To get the SIM tray and find the IMEI number, you need:

Use a SIM picker (also called a SIM stick) or a straight paper clip.

Find the hole in the SIM tray.

Gently insert the SIM ejector or paper clip into the hole in the tray and push it in.

When you remove the SIM ejector or paper clip, the SIM tray pops out.

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Look on the phone packaging. If you can't find the IMEI code on your phone, you can check the phone's box when you bought it (if you have one). Usually the IMEI code will be printed on the outside of the box or in the owner's manual.

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Call the network operator. Sometimes the mobile service provider will give the user access to an online portal containing IMEI information. If you explain the current situation, it is more likely that the carrier will support determining the IMEI number over the phone.

On carrier-locked iPhone

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Dial *#06# on the phone. Just open the Phone app on your home screen and enter this special code into the dial pad. After a few seconds, a screen with IMEI code will appear.

If the IMEI cannot be found this way, continue with the method below.

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Open the Settings app. This app has a gray gear icon and is in the apps list.

Tap the General option located in the third group of settings.

Click About . This is the first option at the top of the menu.

Scroll down to find the IMEI number. This code will be next to the "IMEI" entry.

On Android locked to carrier

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Dial *#06# on the phone. Just open the Phone app on your phone's home screen, dial this special code using the dial pad, and then press the Call button. After a few seconds, a screen containing the IMEI code will appear.

If the IMEI cannot be found this way, continue with the method below.

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