In today’s digital world, your phone’s IMEI number (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is more than just a string of digits — it’s your phone’s fingerprint. Whether your phone is lost, stolen, or damaged, knowing how to retrieve the IMEI number without having access to the device is essential.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to find IMEI number without the phone, including various platforms and techniques. Whether you’re wondering how can I find IMEI number without phone or how to check IMEI number without phone, we’ve got you covered with step-by-step instructions.
Table of Contents
📌 What is an IMEI Number?
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique 15-digit number assigned to every mobile device. It helps network providers and law enforcement identify, track, or block devices when necessary.
You usually need your IMEI number to:
- Report a lost or stolen phone
- File insurance claims
- Unlock your device
- Check warranty status
- Track a device using third-party tools
🔍 Why You Might Need to Find Your IMEI Without the Phone
There are several common reasons why someone might need to retrieve their phone’s IMEI number without physically having the device:
- Your phone is lost or stolen
- It’s damaged or broken beyond repair
- You’ve sold the phone but need the IMEI for reference
- You’re trying to block or trace a lost device
- You need to provide the IMEI to your carrier or insurance company
Whatever the reason, don’t worry — there are multiple methods you can use.
✅ 1. Check the Original Packaging Box
One of the easiest ways to find your IMEI number without the phone is to check the original retail box it came in.
How to Do It:
- Locate the original packaging of your phone.
- Look for a barcode sticker on the side or back.
- You’ll often see information like:
- IMEI number
- Serial number (S/N)
- Model number
Tip: For dual SIM phones, two IMEI numbers will be printed (IMEI 1 and IMEI 2).
✅ 2. Retrieve IMEI Using Google (For Android Users)
If you own an Android phone and had previously signed into your Google account on it, you can retrieve the IMEI number via your Google account dashboard.
Steps:
- Go to: https://www.google.com/android/find
- Sign in using the same Google account used on your lost/damaged device.
- Click the information icon (ⓘ) next to the device name.
- You’ll see the IMEI number, model, and last known location.
This is one of the most effective ways if you’re wondering how to get IMEI number without phone Android.
✅ 3. Use Apple ID Account (For iPhone Users)
If you’re an iPhone user and asking how can I find IMEI number without phone, the answer lies in your Apple ID.
Steps:
- Visit: https://appleid.apple.com
- Log in with your Apple ID credentials.
- Scroll down to the Devices section.
- Click on the device in question.
- The IMEI number (and other details) will appear.
This works if the iPhone is registered to your Apple ID.
✅ 4. Check Your Mobile Carrier’s Portal
Most telecom carriers keep track of your device’s IMEI when you activate it. You might be able to retrieve it from your carrier’s online account portal.
How to Do It:
- Log into your carrier account (e.g., Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.).
- Go to My Devices or Device Details.
- Select your previous or current phone.
- The IMEI number may be listed under device specifications.
✅ 5. Look at Your Phone Bill or Receipt
When you purchased your device — whether online or in-store — the IMEI number is often included on the invoice or receipt.
Where to Check:
- Printed receipts from stores like Best Buy, Walmart, or carrier stores
- Email receipts from online orders (Amazon, carrier websites, etc.)
- Monthly bills or statements from your carrier
Search keywords in your email like:
- “IMEI”
- “Phone order”
- “Invoice”
This method works for both Android and iOS devices.
✅ 6. Contact Your Mobile Carrier’s Customer Support
If you can’t access your online account or billing history, you can call or chat with your carrier’s support team and request the IMEI number for your registered device.
Requirements:
- You’ll need to verify your identity (name, phone number, address, PIN, etc.)
- Explain why you need the IMEI
- They may email or text it to your registered email/number
✅ 7. Check iTunes Backup (For iPhone Users)
If you ever backed up your iPhone using iTunes, your IMEI number may be accessible through the iTunes dashboard.
Steps:
- Connect your computer to iTunes.
- Open iTunes > Preferences (Windows) or iTunes > Settings (Mac).
- Go to the Devices tab.
- Hover your mouse over the backup.
- A tooltip will appear showing the IMEI number.
This is especially useful if you’re trying to know IMEI number without phone iPhone.
✅ 8. Use Samsung Account (For Samsung Users)
If you’re a Samsung user, your Samsung account may list the IMEI for any connected device.
Steps:
- Visit: https://findmymobile.samsung.com
- Log in with your Samsung ID.
- Select your device.
- The IMEI and other device information should be visible.
✅ 9. Check With Insurance Company (If You Insured Your Phone)
If you’ve taken out insurance for your phone, your IMEI number is likely recorded with your insurer.
What to Do:
- Log in to your insurance provider’s portal
- Look under your insured devices
- The IMEI should be listed along with the phone’s make/model
Alternatively, contact their customer service to retrieve it.
✅ 10. Check Old Emails and Device Backups
You may have unknowingly saved the IMEI in old communications or backup tools.
Where to Look:
- Emails from manufacturers or carriers
- Sync tools like Samsung Smart Switch, Mi Cloud, or Huawei Cloud
- Cloud backup platforms like Google Drive or Dropbox (if you saved phone screenshots or documents)
Use keywords like “IMEI” in your email search bar.
🔄 Recap of Methods to Find IMEI Without the Phone
| Method | Suitable For | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| Phone box/packaging | Everyone | All |
| Google Dashboard | Android users | Android |
| Apple ID | Apple users | iPhone/iPad |
| Carrier Portal | Everyone | All |
| Phone Bill/Receipt | Everyone | All |
| Carrier Customer Support | Everyone | All |
| iTunes Backup | Apple users | iPhone |
| Samsung Account | Samsung users | Samsung phones |
| Insurance Provider | Insured users | All |
| Emails or Backup Tools | Everyone | All |
⚠️ Important Tips About IMEI Numbers
- Never share your IMEI number publicly. It can be misused for illegal tracking or fraud.
- Write it down and store it in a secure location (password manager or locked file).
- If your phone is lost or stolen, provide the IMEI to police and your carrier for blacklisting.
- You can check IMEI status on websites like IMEI.info or Swappa to see if it’s blacklisted or unlocked.
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I find my IMEI number if my phone is lost?
Yes. You can find it through your Google/Apple ID account, carrier account, packaging box, or previous receipts.
Q2. How can I find my IMEI number without phone for Android?
Use your Google Account > Android Find My Device or check the original phone box, carrier portal, or receipt.
Q3. How to know IMEI number without phone iPhone?
Log in to your Apple ID at appleid.apple.com, or check the original packaging, iTunes backup, or carrier.
Q4. Can the police track my phone using IMEI?
Yes, law enforcement can use the IMEI number to request location or blacklist your device through telecom providers.
Q5. Can I block my lost phone using the IMEI?
Yes. Contact your carrier with the IMEI to request the device be blacklisted, preventing it from being used on networks.
Q6. Are IMEI numbers unique?
Yes, each phone has a unique IMEI, and dual SIM phones have two IMEIs.
🧠 Final Thoughts – How to Find IMEI Number Without the Phone
Losing access to your phone can be stressful, but finding your IMEI number doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re dealing with a lost device, filing an insurance claim, or just need the number for tracking purposes, this guide has shown you exactly how to find IMEI number without the phone using practical and proven methods.
By leveraging your online accounts, receipts, backups, or customer service, you can recover your IMEI number quickly and securely — even if your device is no longer in your possession.
Pro Tip: Take 5 minutes today to save your current phone’s IMEI number somewhere safe — it could save you hours of frustration in the future.
He is a passionate blogger and tech-savvy guy who loves to discover the stuff related to technology and social media. Currently, he is pursuing his graduation from the University of Lahore.