Check a used phone
before you pay
Enter the IMEI to confirm it's a real number and see the exact model the phone should be. Free, no sign-up.
Dial *#06# on the phone to see its IMEI. We never store the number you enter.
- 248,000+ device codes
- Runs in your browser
- No account needed
How to find a phone's IMEI
Ask the seller to show you the IMEI on the phone itself, not just on the box. A box can belong to a different phone.
Any phone
Open the phone app and dial *#06#. The IMEI appears on screen. Phones with two SIMs show two IMEIs; either one works.
iPhone
Settings → General → About, then scroll to IMEI. Long-press the number to copy it.
Samsung & Android
Settings → About phone → IMEI. On Samsung, *#06# also shows it as a barcode.
What a fake or bad IMEI looks like
The number fails the check
Every real IMEI ends in a check digit calculated from the other 14. If ours says "not valid," the number was mistyped or made up.
The model doesn't match
The first 8 digits identify the exact model. If the seller's "iPhone 15 Pro" comes back as an iPhone 12, walk away.
Screen and box disagree
The IMEI from *#06# should match the box and the SIM tray (if printed). A mismatch can mean swapped parts or a stolen phone.
Before you hand over the money
- Check the IMEI here and make sure the model matches what you're being sold.
- Check the stolen-phone list for free at stolenphonechecker.org.
- Make sure the seller is signed out. On iPhone, Find My must be off; on Android, the Google account must be removed. Otherwise the phone can be locked after you buy it. How to check →
- Test the basics: screen, cameras, charging, Face ID or fingerprint, speakers, and a call with your own SIM. Full checklist →
Star Wireless offers free diagnostics on phones at 912 E 24th St. Bring it in and get it looked at before you buy.
Common questions
What is an IMEI number?
An IMEI is a 15-digit number that identifies one specific phone. The first 8 digits (called the TAC) identify the brand and model. Digits 9 to 14 are the phone's own serial number, and the last digit is a check digit that proves the number is correctly formed.
Can this check tell me if a phone is stolen?
Not yet. The free check confirms the IMEI is real and shows the model. To see whether a phone has been reported lost or stolen in the US, use the free CTIA Stolen Phone Checker. Our full history report (coming soon) will cover stolen status, carrier lock, iCloud and payment-plan status in one place.
Is it safe to share or enter an IMEI?
Yes. An IMEI alone can't be used to unlock or take over a phone, and sellers share it all the time so buyers can check the phone. Our free check runs entirely in your browser, and we never save the number.
The model isn't found. Is the phone fake?
Not necessarily. Our database covers phones released up to 2025, so the newest models may be missing. A valid IMEI with an unknown model isn't a red flag by itself, but make sure the model shown in the phone's Settings matches what the seller says.
What's the difference between IMEI and IMEISV?
An IMEISV is 16 digits: the first 14 digits of the IMEI plus a 2-digit software version. If you enter one, we convert it to the standard 15-digit IMEI for you.