Beyond blocking a stolen phone of your own, your IMEI matters just as much when you’re on the other side of a used-phone purchase — checking a seller’s IMEI before you buy can save you from paying for a device that’s already blacklisted.
Quick answer
Dial *#06# from any phone on any network — your 15-digit IMEI appears instantly.
Before buying a used phone
Ask the seller to dial *#06# in front of you, then check the number isn’t already blacklisted before handing over payment — a blocked IMEI means the phone won’t register on any network in the GCC, regardless of who’s holding it or which SIM is inserted.
Alternative ways to find it
- Settings: iPhone: Settings → General → About. Android: Settings → About Phone
- Box: printed on the original packaging
- SIM tray: sometimes printed on the tray sticker
Why it matters beyond theft
- Warranty claims: required by Samsung, Apple, and Huawei
- Insurance: phone insurance policies require IMEI registration
- Cross-network blocking: operators share blacklisted IMEIs, so a blocked device stays blocked across GCC networks, not just the one that reported it
Save it now
Write it down or screenshot it before you ever need it — if your phone is later lost or stolen, provide it to your operator to have the device blocked.
IMEI is a GSMA-standard identifier used across all GCC networks; verified August 2026.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1
Dial *#06#
IMEI appears on screen instantly. Works on all phones.
- 2
Save it
Screenshot or write down the 15-digit number.
- 3
Store safely
Email to yourself or keep in a secure note.
Alternative Methods
Dial *#06# from your phone dialer.
Settings > About Phone
Troubleshooting
Code not working
Check Settings > About Phone instead.
Two numbers shown
Dual SIM — save both IMEIs.
Look Up More USSD Codes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is checking IMEI free?
Yes, *#06# is free on every network.
Is the IMEI the same on every network?
Yes — it's tied to the physical device, not the SIM, so it's identical everywhere.
What if it's a dual-SIM phone?
Two IMEIs will show, one per SIM slot — save both.
Can a blacklisted IMEI be unblocked?
Only by the operator or authority that blocked it, typically once ownership or theft status is resolved — never by the phone itself.