How to Get IMEI Number from Locked iPhone [2026 Full Guide]

"Hello, I want to get the IMEI number on my old iPhone. However, I forgot the screen lock passcode to unlock the iPhone and now I can't do anything to get the IMEI number. Does anyone know how to get IMEI on iPhone if locked?"

Getting locked out of your device is stressful enough, but needing your IMEI number while the screen is inaccessible can feel like an impossible puzzle. You might need this unique 15-digit hardware identifier to contact your carrier, verify warranty status, or process a repair request.

Fortunately, Apple designed several physical and software bypasses specifically for this exact situation. You do not need to enter your passcode or access the home screen to get IMEI number from locked iPhone. By checking specific physical parts of the device or utilizing secondary Apple services, you can retrieve this number in seconds.

Solutions to Get IMEI on Locked iPhone If Locked

There are 5 proven methods to find the IMEI number on your locked iPhone. Just follow the steps here.

Solution 1. Check SIM Card Tray (For iPhone 6s or Later)

For almost all modern Apple smartphones, starting from the iPhone 6s through the latest iPhone 17 series, the fastest way to find your IMEI is physically printed on the hardware itself. Apple engraves this tiny number directly onto the SIM card tray.

Solution 2. Check the Back of Your Phone

If your locked iPhone is iPhone 8 or earlier iPhone versions, you might not even need to remove the SIM tray to find your hardware details. Apple used to laser-engrave the 15-digit identifier directly onto the exterior casing of the smartphone. This makes it incredibly easy to retrieve the number even if the phone is completely dead or permanently disabled.

Solution 3. Check the Original Package

If the SIM tray is missing or your iPhone is SIM locked, you can still find the identifier if you kept the original materials. Every Apple device ships with strict inventory tracking labels on its packaging. The original box contains a barcode sticker that lists all the specific hardware numbers associated with that exact unit.

Solution 4. Check IMEI Number on iTunes/Finder

If your phone is disabled but you have previously trusted your personal computer, you can extract the hardware information through a direct cable connection. Because the computer already has authorization, it can read the device's logic board data even if the screen remains locked. This method works seamlessly on both Windows PCs and Mac computers.

• Step 1. Connect iPhone to computer.
• Step 2. Launch iTunes on your Windows PC, or Finder for macOS Catalina 10.15 or later.
• Step 3. Click on the little device icon, and select the Summary option.
• Step 4. Click Phone Number. IMEI number of your iPhone will appear.
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Solution 5. Tap the "i" Icon on the Lock Screen

If your device is stuck on the "iPhone Unavailable" screen, the Activation Lock screen, or the initial "Hello" setup menu, the software provides a direct shortcut. Apple includes an information button on these lock screens precisely for support and identification purposes. Tapping this button forces the screen to display hardware identifiers without any authentication.

• Step 1. Wake up the screen of your locked device by pressing the power button.
• Step 2. Locate the small "i" icon enclosed in a circle, usually found in the bottom right corner of the screen.
• Step 3. Tap the icon, and a new window will pop up displaying your IMEI, MEID, and basic regulatory information.
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What Information Can Users Get From IMEI Number?

An IMEI number reveals key details about a mobile device, including:

• Device Manufacturer and Model: Identifies the brand and model of the phone.
• Country of Origin: Indicates where the device was made.
• Network Compatibility: Shows support for 3G, 4G, or 5G networks.
• Device Status: Whether the phone is stolen, lost, or blacklisted.
• Warranty and Service Info: Confirms warranty status or repair history.
• Device Tracking: Helps law enforcement locate lost or stolen phones.

What to Do Next: Unlocking Your Disabled iPhone [Hot]

Finding your IMEI is a great first step for support, but it does not solve the underlying problem of being locked out of your device. If you are stuck on the passcode screen, facing an "iPhone Unavailable" message, or dealing with a broken display, you still need a way to regain access to your system. When standard Apple recovery methods fail or you forget your Apple Account, utilizing a dedicated desktop utility like TunesKit iPhone Unlocker is the most efficient way to rescue your hardware.

TunesKit iPhone Unlocker is a comprehensive iOS unlocking that can help users to remove screen lock, unlock Apple Account, bypass MDM restrictions, and unlock Screen Time. With the help of this almighty tool, you will not need to enter any passcode to access your iOS device.

Step 1Connect iPhone to the Computer

Ensure that TunesKit iPhone Unlocker is installed on your computer. Connect your iPhone to the Computer and launch TunesKit iPhone Unlocker. Then, select the Unlock iOS Screen option.

Step 2Put iPhone into Recovery Mode

Then, you will need to put your iPhone into Recovery mode. If you don't know how to make it, you can follow the onscreen instructions to put your iPhone into Recovery mode or DFU mode, and hit on the Next button for further steps.

Step 3Download Firmware Package

Here in this phase, TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will download the firmware package to unlock your iPhone. Before downloading, please check the onscreen information and correct it manually if there is anything wrong. Click on the Download button to start downloading.

Step 4Unlock iPhone to Get IMEI Code without Passcode

Click the Unlock button. TunesKit iPhone Unlocker will start to unlock your iPhone. When your iPhone is unlocked, you can set it up again and go to Settings to check the IMEI code.

Conclusion

Retrieving the IMEI from a locked device is a straightforward process once you know exactly where to look. Whether you physically check the SIM tray, utilize the lock screen information shortcut, or refer back to your original packaging, you can easily gather the hardware details you need in minutes.

Once you have documented your identifier, you can confidently proceed with repairing the device or relying on a dedicated solution like TunesKit iPhone Unlocker to safely bypass the lock screen and regain full control of your smartphone.