Do you want to learn how to find IMEI number without a phone? If so, you came to the right place. As we move through the article, you will learn how to find IMEI number without phone, which can be extremely useful in case your phone is lost or stolen.
However, before we move forward, we need to make sure you know the basics. Do you even know what the IMEI number is? Don’t worry, we will start with that.
So are you ready to dig in? Let’s do this.
What is the IMEI Number
For us to be able to properly discuss methods of how to find IMEI number without phone, we need to make sure you all know what the IMEI number is.
IMEI stands for the International Mobile Equipment Identity. It is a 15-digit number that serves as an identification number. As such, it is no surprise that the IMEI is also known as the phone’s ID or MEID. That means that each phone on the planet has its own IMEI number.
The phone’s IMEI number is used for reporting lost or stolen phones and for retrieving the phone’s information, such as if it is locked or unlocked. The most common use of the IMEI numbers is in cases of Bring Your Own Phone deals, where users or customer supports check if the device may be used with their network.
Since 4G networks came to life back in 2015, GSM and CDMA devices became interchangeable. As such, you will often encounter the ESN number, which is CDMA devices’ IMEI number. However, there is often a lot of confusion regarding that as there are many who use the ESN number as a serial number. As such, it is best to focus on the IMEI or MEID.
How to Find IMEI Number Without Phone
If you are interested in learning how to find MEI number without phone, it probably means that you’ve either lost it or it was stolen. In either case, let us first express our condolences and say that we really hope our article will help you to get your phone back in its original condition.
Obtaining the IMEI number when a phone is in your possession is extremely simple, but doing so without the device is trickier. However, it is not impossible. The level of difficulty of attaining the IMEI number without phone, will depend on the specifics of your case.
That said, let’s take a look at the details regarding how to find IMEI number without phone.
Find IMEI Number On Phone Original Box
Phone’s original box is your best bet. If you have saved it, you can look at the back of it, where the IMEI is normally placed. Typically it is on a sticker that is labeled somewhere on the box. Oftentimes, there are some additional labels placed within the box as well.
However, unfortunately, many users throw away or misplace their phone’s original package, and thus do not have the above option available. If you are one of those, do not despair, as there are other options.
Find IMEI Number On Your Phone’s Contract
Did you sign any contract or other paperwork with your purchase? This is another place where you can check. Normally, the IMEI number is typed on the contract related to the phone or the plan you are using your phone with. Found it or did you throw those away as well? Do not worry, you are not alone. Many people throw away all the packaging and paperwork related to their phones.
Find IMEI Number On Google Dashboard for Androids
Google can be of great help. You can check your Google dashboard for Android IMEI. You need to sign in to your Google Account and open the Android Device Manager. Your phone’s IMEI should be displayed along with your registered Android device. As you’ve probably guessed, this option is only available if you’ve registered your phone with Google.
iTunes for iPhones
When it comes to iPhones, iTunes can be your savior. For this option to help, you must have had synced your lost/stolen iPhone with iTunes in the past. If you’ve done that, your iPhone’s IMEI will be visible in iTunes preferences. To access it, navigate to iTunes > preferences (for Mac users) or edit > preferences (for PC iTunes version). Next, click on the ‘device’ button. Then go to the Summary tab and click on the ‘Phone number’ twice. If you’ve followed the steps properly, your IMEI should be visible after the second click.
Apple Dashboard for iPhone
If you have your Apple ID credentials, you can use Apple’s dashboard with other devices to access your iPhone’s IMEI number. Here is how:
- Go over to the Apple website on any browser and log in using the Apple ID for the desired device.
- Once you are logged in, scroll down to the Device section and there you will see all the devices registered with your Apple account.
- Select the device of your interest and it will provide you with its information. The list should include the IMEI.
Microsoft for Windows Phones
If you are a Windows phone user and your device got lost or stolen, you may use your Microsoft account to access your phone’s IMEI number. To do so, follow the steps below:
- Login at “accounts.microsoft.com”. Make sure to login with the Microsoft account that you used to register your lost Windows Phone device.
- Navigate to the ‘Phones’ tab and select the device of your interest. Click on the link that says, “Find it, get support, and more…” adjacent to the device.
- Then scroll down to the Support section and under the “Hardware/System Info” you should be able to find the current OS version and the IMEI number of the device.
Contact Your Carrier
If you are so unlucky that none of the above methods worked for you, you still have the option of calling your carrier for assistance. Here you must keep in mind that the IMEI number is private and that they will not give it to you straight forward. As such, be prepared to jump through some hoops. You will need to prove your identity or ownership of the device.
However, with kindness and persistence, you should be able to obtain your device’s IMEI number from your carrier. The best way for that to be sorted out is to visit your carrier representative shop in person, where you will be able to present your ID card or another identification document promptly and thus get the IME number in return.
Many carriers these days also have special sign-in portals, where may already have created your account. By signing up/in to that account you may be able to access your device’s details, which in some cases may include your phone’s IMEI number.
Advice for IMEI Safe Keeping
Aside from using the IMEI number for stolen/lost device reporting and Bring Your Own Phone compatibility checking, it can be used for various purposes. If in the wrong hands, it can be used in malicious ways. As such, it is extremely important to keep your IMEI number private.
In the future, make sure to save your phone’s original boxing or write down the IMEI number somewhere save. SO that you can access it in case of emergency but not accessible to everyone.
On that note, you see that it can be risky sharing your phone’s IMEI with third-party unlocking services that are highly popular these days. If you decide to go down that route, make sure to do a proper background check on the site you plan on using. Make sure they have a proper review and a good reputation. It is best if you know someone who has used their services and had a positive experience.
Final Thoughts
We wish you good luck with retrieving your lost or, God forbid, stolen device. We really hope you will be able to use the information obtained herein to get the IMEI number of your missing phone. Make sure to try all of the options described above, one should work for you.
Once you have attained the IMEI number, call your local police and reporting stolen or missing. They often manage to locate those phones. Once (if you are lucky enough) you get your phone back, make sure to use its IMEI number to get it off the Blacklisted list in order to use it again.
Best of luck!