Brand intelligence

Apple

Full specifications, carrier lock status and IMEI tools for Apple devices.

About Apple IMEI checks

Apple manufactures iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, Apple TV, AirPods, and HomePod. iPhones and cellular iPads carry a unique 15-digit IMEI; Wi-Fi-only iPads, Apple Watch (some models), and Macs are identified by serial number instead. Apple devices are deeply integrated with iCloud Activation Lock and AppleCare — making the IMEI/serial check the single most important step before buying any used Apple device.

To find the IMEI on an iPhone or cellular iPad: dial *#06# on the keypad, or open Settings → General → About → IMEI. The serial number is in the same About screen on every Apple device. The IMEI is also laser-etched on the SIM tray of most iPhones (and US iPhone 14/15/16 models — which are eSIM-only — have it on the back near the bottom edge).

Before paying for a second-hand iPhone or iPad, run three checks: iCloud Activation Lock status (the device must be fully signed out by the previous owner — otherwise it's an expensive paperweight), AppleCare and warranty coverage, and lost & stolen blacklist status. Together these take about a minute and protect against the most common Apple resale scams.

If you bought an iPhone or iPad that's still iCloud-locked to a previous owner who can't be reached, our iCloud Unlock service can permanently remove the Activation Lock at the server level — no jailbreak, no software, with a money-back guarantee.

Devices

313 models

Tools for Apple

iPhone & iPad Warranty Check Check AppleCare coverage and warranty status. → iCloud & FMI Check Verify Find My iPhone / FMI lock status. → Apple SIM Lock Status Check if the iPhone is carrier-locked. → Apple Coverage Check Full AppleCare and service eligibility report. → iCloud Unlock Professional iCloud lock removal service. → iPhone IMEI Check Full IMEI check specifically for iPhone models. →

Unlock service

Unlock Apple

Carrier unlocks for Apple are handled by our partner DirectUnlocks. Check your IMEI with them for price and turnaround.

Unlock Apple →

Some links on this page are partner links. If you unlock through one of them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we recommend or what you pay.

iCloud services

iCloud & FMI Check Check FMI and lock status by IMEI — free → iCloud Unlock Service Permanent removal — money-back guarantee →

Apple IMEI & warranty FAQ

How do I find the IMEI on my iPhone?

Dial *#06# on the keypad — the IMEI displays immediately without making a call. You can also find it in Settings > General > About > IMEI. On most iPhone models the IMEI is laser-etched on the SIM tray; US iPhone 14, 15, and 16 models are eSIM-only and have the IMEI on the back near the bottom edge instead. The IMEI is also printed on the original retail box near the barcode.

What is iCloud Activation Lock and why does it matter?

Activation Lock is the security feature that ties an iPhone or iPad to the original owner's Apple ID. If a previous owner has not signed out of iCloud before selling the device, the new owner cannot get past the activation screen — Apple Support cannot bypass it for you. Always check Activation Lock status by IMEI before paying for any second-hand Apple device.

How long is the standard Apple warranty?

Apple provides a one-year limited manufacturer warranty in most markets, two years in the European Union and several other jurisdictions where consumer law requires it. AppleCare+ extends this to two or three years and adds accidental damage cover. Run the IMEI through our warranty check to see exactly how much coverage remains on a specific device.

Can a stolen iPhone be unlocked?

No legitimate unlock service can clear an iPhone that has been reported lost or stolen and added to the GSMA blacklist by the original carrier or owner. Always run the IMEI through our lost & stolen database before purchasing any second-hand iPhone — a blacklisted IMEI cannot connect to most cellular networks worldwide, regardless of SIM swaps or factory resets.

What is the difference between IMEI and Apple serial number?

The IMEI is the global 15-digit identifier issued by the GSMA, used for cellular registration and carrier blacklisting. The Apple serial number is a separate 10- or 12-character alphanumeric code used by Apple for warranty, AppleCare, and repair tracking. Both identify the same device but serve different systems — our IMEI checker handles iPhones and cellular iPads; our serial check handles Wi-Fi-only iPads, Apple Watch, and Mac.

Are refurbished iPhones safe to buy?

Apple-certified refurbished iPhones come with a full one-year warranty and have passed Apple's functional testing. Third-party refurbished iPhones vary widely in quality and warranty coverage. Regardless of source, always verify the IMEI for Activation Lock, blacklist status, and AppleCare coverage before completing the purchase — a refurbisher cannot guarantee the original owner has signed out of iCloud.

Why does my US iPhone have no SIM tray?

iPhone 14, 15, and 16 models sold in the United States are eSIM-only and have no physical SIM tray. The IMEI is printed on the back of the phone near the bottom edge instead. International variants of the same models retain a physical nano-SIM tray with the IMEI laser-etched on it.

Apple guides

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Apple Carrier Check

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Jun 4, 2026