What is an IMEI number?
Every smartphone has its own IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number, sometimes referred to as an Electronic Serial Number (ESN). Carriers like Vodacom / MTN and manufacturers use this unique code to identify each device they sell. Since this number is permanently tied to a device, carriers can use the IMEI to blacklist a device that’s been reported lost or stolen, preventing it from being activated on their network.
Now. How to find the IMEI number on your iPhone?
If you have an old iPhone (Phone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5S, iPhone 5, iPhone SE, iPhone 5C) you can have a look at the back of your iPhone for the IMEI number.
On newer iPhones, Apple no longer prints the IMEI on the back. This includes the iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR.
If you have one of the above iPhone models then you can then just head over to your iPhone’s “Settings” and follow the steps below:
For all iPhones, the IMEI can always be found in the Settings app (Settings > General > About > IMEI), or in iTunes (connect the iPhone to computer > open iTunes > locate your device > Summary > Serial number).
Please have a look at the picture below.