Where do I find the IMEI number on an iPhone?

There are several ways: 1) Dial *#06# on the phone, 2) Go to Settings > General > About > scroll to IMEI, 3) Check the original box, 4) Look at the SIM card tray (on older models), or 5) Check the back of the device (iPhone 6 and earlier). Always verify the IMEI on the actual device matches what the seller provides.

Can I check if an iPhone is iCloud locked?

Our IMEI check indicates potential iCloud lock status. However, the best way to verify is to ask the seller to sign out of iCloud in front of you, then try to set up the device. If you see an Activation Lock screen, the device is locked and you should not purchase it.

What if the iPhone shows as stolen?

Do NOT buy the iPhone. Walk away immediately. Report the listing to the marketplace (Facebook, eBay, Craigslist) and consider reporting to local police. Never confront the seller directly about stolen property.

How accurate is the iPhone stolen check?

Our database contains 50+ million records from GSMA, major carriers, law enforcement, and insurance companies. We check all major sources, but no database is 100% complete. A 'clean' result means no records were found - always combine with other due diligence like meeting in public and testing the device.

Can someone change an iPhone's IMEI?

Changing an IMEI is illegal in most countries and extremely difficult on iPhones due to Apple's security. However, scammers may provide fake IMEI numbers. Always verify the IMEI displayed on the phone (dial *#06#) matches what the seller gives you and what's on the box.

What does 'blacklisted' mean for an iPhone?

A blacklisted iPhone has been reported to carriers as stolen, lost, or having unpaid bills. Blacklisted devices won't work on major carrier networks (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile). The phone is essentially a paperweight for calls and cellular data, though WiFi may still work.

Should I check before buying from a store?

Authorized Apple stores and certified pre-owned retailers already verify devices. However, for third-party stores, pawn shops, or independent sellers, always verify. Our service is used by many legitimate businesses to ensure they're not purchasing stolen inventory.

Is this service really free?

Yes! SafeOrStolen offers 2 free IMEI checks with no credit card required. This lets you verify before buying. Need more checks? Our affordable plans start at just a few dollars per month.

Apple Device Verification

Check if iPhone is Stolen - Free IMEI Verification

Before you buy that used iPhone from Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay - verify it's not reported stolen. Our free IMEI checker searches 50+ million records instantly.

Law Enforcement Backed

3-Second Results

50M+ Database

2 Free Checks

1.2M+

iPhones Stolen Annually (US)

3 sec

Verification Time

50M+

Devices in Database

Free

First 2 Checks

Trusted Verification

50+ Databases

3-Second Checks

256-bit SSL

99.2% Accuracy

SOC 2 Compliant

What is iPhone IMEI Verification?

Every iPhone has a unique 15-digit IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number that serves as its fingerprint. When an iPhone is reported stolen, this IMEI is added to global blacklist databases. Our verification service checks your iPhone's IMEI against these databases, including GSMA, carrier blacklists (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile), law enforcement records, and insurance claim databases. If the iPhone is stolen, it can be remotely locked via iCloud, blacklisted by carriers (making it unusable), or confiscated by police - leaving you with nothing.

Verified Data Sources50+ Databases

Federal Records

Insurance Bureau

Device Registry

Bicycle Registry

Firearms Database

Vehicle Records

How to Check if iPhone is Stolen

Verify any iphone in under 30 seconds

Find the iPhone's IMEI: Dial *#06# on the phone, go to Settings > General > About, or check the original box/SIM tray

Enter the 15-digit IMEI number into our free verification tool

Our system instantly searches 50+ million records across global databases

Get your results in 3 seconds - see if the iPhone is SAFE or STOLEN

Our verification checks multiple sources simultaneously: GSMA Device Registry, major US carrier blacklists, law enforcement databases, iCloud lock status indicators, and user-reported theft databases. We also check for outstanding finance (if the previous owner still owes money) and insurance claims.

Why Check Before Buying an iPhone?

iPhones are the #1 most stolen smartphone in America. In 2024, over 1.2 million iPhones were reported stolen in the US alone, with many ending up on secondhand marketplaces. Buying a stolen iPhone can have serious consequences:

Stolen iPhones can be remotely locked via Find My iPhone, making them useless

Carriers blacklist stolen devices - the iPhone won't work on any network

Police can confiscate stolen property, and you lose your money

You could face criminal charges for possession of stolen goods

No refunds or legal recourse when buying from private sellers

Activation Lock may prevent you from setting up the device

iCloud-locked iPhones are worthless without original owner's credentials

Stolen iPhones often have unpaid financing that transfers to you

Common Use Cases

Facebook Marketplace Buyers

Before meeting a seller, verify the iPhone's IMEI to ensure you're not buying stolen property.

eBay & Online Purchases

Ask sellers for the IMEI before bidding. Legitimate sellers will always provide it.

Pawn Shop Verification

Pawn shops use our service to verify iPhones before accepting them as collateral or purchasing.

"Saved me $800! The iPhone 14 Pro I was about to buy on Craigslist came back as stolen. The seller tried to pressure me into buying without checking. So glad I verified first."

Michael R.

SafeOrStolen User, Los Angeles

Frequently Asked Questions

SOC 2 Compliant

256-bit SSL

FasterCapital Accelerated

US-Based

10,000+ Users

All 50 States

Related Verification Tools

Don't Risk Buying a Stolen iPhone

Protect yourself with a free IMEI verification. It takes 3 seconds and could save you hundreds of dollars.