How to Find the IMEI on an iPad: Easy Steps to Locate It Quickly

If you need your iPad’s IMEI, you are probably doing something practical, like activating a cellular plan, checking warranty status, reporting a lost device, or confirming whether your iPad supports mobile data. The good news is that finding it takes only a minute or two, and you do not need any special tools.

In this guide, I’ll show you the fastest ways to find the IMEI on an iPad, whether your device is powered on, locked, or even not turning on at all. I’ll also cover a few edge cases, such as iPads without cellular capability, since not every iPad has an IMEI. By the end, you’ll know exactly where to look and what to do if the number is not showing up in Settings. The process is simple, and you can follow it step by step without any technical background.

Summary

For most users, the quickest way to find the IMEI on an iPad is:

• Open Settings
• Tap General
• Tap About
• Scroll to IMEI

If your iPad has cellular service, the IMEI will appear there. If it is a Wi-Fi only iPad, there is no IMEI, because only cellular models have one.

Tutorial – How to Find the IMEI on an iPad

The main method below works for most iPads that are powered on and accessible. It will show you where Apple keeps the device identifiers in iPadOS and what to expect on the screen.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPad

From the Home Screen, tap Settings to open the main system menu.

After you open it, you should see a list of options such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and General. This is the control center for your iPad, and the IMEI is stored a few taps inside.

Step 2: Tap General

Inside Settings, select General.

This takes you to the area where Apple stores system information, software updates, storage settings, and device details. On the screen, you should now see options like About, Software Update, and AirDrop.

Step 3: Tap About

Next, tap About at the top of the General menu.

The About page is where Apple lists important hardware and software information about your iPad. This is the page where you will find the serial number and, on cellular models, the IMEI as well.

Step 4: Scroll down until you see IMEI

On the About screen, scroll down the list of device details until you find IMEI.

If your iPad supports cellular, you should see a 15-digit number labeled IMEI. In some cases, you may also see MEID or ICCID, depending on the model and SIM setup. If you only see the serial number and no IMEI, your iPad is likely a Wi-Fi only model.

Step 5: Copy or write down the IMEI

Once you find the number, copy it or write it down exactly as shown.

This number is often required for carrier activation, support checks, insurance claims, and lost-device reports. If you need to share it, double-check every digit, because one wrong number can cause problems.

Alternative Methods or Edge Cases

If the standard Settings method does not work, try one of these alternatives.

• Check the back of the iPad box

  • Apple often prints the IMEI on the original retail box label for cellular iPads.
  • Look near the barcode section where the serial number and model details are listed.

• Use the SIM tray or device markings on older models

  • Some older iPads or packaging labels may include IMEI information.
  • This is less common on newer models, so the box or Settings app is usually easier.

• Connect the iPad to a Mac or PC

  • On a Mac, open Finder and select your iPad.
  • On Windows or older macOS versions, open iTunes and click the device icon.
  • In the device summary, you may see the serial number. Clicking or tapping the identifier can sometimes cycle through additional details, including IMEI on supported models.

• Check Apple ID device details

  • If the iPad is signed in with your Apple ID, go to your Apple account device list.
  • This may show the serial number, though IMEI is not always displayed there.

• Use the original purchase paperwork or carrier records

  • If the iPad came from a mobile carrier, the IMEI may appear on your receipt, plan documents, or account page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the IMEI on an iPad?

The IMEI is a unique identifier for cellular devices. It helps carriers and Apple identify a specific iPad on mobile networks.

Do all iPads have an IMEI?

No. Only iPads with cellular capability have an IMEI. Wi-Fi only iPads do not use mobile networks, so they do not have one.

Is the IMEI the same as the serial number?

No. The serial number identifies the device for Apple support and warranty purposes. The IMEI identifies the cellular hardware for mobile networks and carriers.

Why can’t I find the IMEI in Settings?

If your iPad is Wi-Fi only, there will be no IMEI. If it is a cellular model and the number still does not appear, update iPadOS or check the SIM tray area or Finder/iTunes.

Can I find the IMEI if my iPad is turned off?

Yes, sometimes. You can often find it on the original box, on purchase records, or in your carrier account. If the iPad powers on later, the Settings method is the easiest.

Is it safe to share my IMEI?

Only share it with trusted parties like your carrier, Apple Support, or a verified insurance provider. Avoid posting it publicly, since it is device-specific information.

Tips

• Make sure you are looking at a cellular model. If your iPad only uses Wi-Fi, there is no IMEI to find.
• Write the IMEI exactly as shown. Do not add spaces or leave out digits when copying it.
• Take a screenshot of the About page. This can help if you need the IMEI later and do not want to search again.
• Keep the box in a safe place. The original packaging can be a backup source for device identifiers.
• Use the IMEI for carrier tasks, not Apple ID sign-ins. Apple account login uses your Apple ID, not the IMEI.

Troubleshooting

• The IMEI does not appear in Settings

  • Your iPad may be Wi-Fi-only, meaning it has no IMEI. Check the model number on the box or Apple’s model lookup page to confirm.

• You only see a serial number

  • That usually means the device is not a cellular model, or you are not viewing the correct device details page. Go back to Settings > General > About and scroll carefully.

• Your iPad will not turn on

  • Check the original box, the purchase receipt, or your carrier account. If the device was activated on a mobile plan, the IMEI may also be stored in the carrier’s records.

• Finder or iTunes does not show the IMEI

  • Update your computer software, reconnect the iPad, and unlock the device if possible. Sometimes the identifier details are hidden until the iPad is trusted by the computer.

• You are not sure whether the iPad is cellular

  • Look for a SIM tray on the side of the device, or check the model number on Apple’s website. Cellular iPads usually have support for a SIM or eSIM.

Conclusion

Finding the IMEI on an iPad is usually simple. For most people, it only takes a few taps in Settings under General and About.

If your iPad is cellular, the IMEI will be listed there. If it is Wi-Fi only, you will not see one, and that is completely normal. Use the alternatives above if the device is off, unavailable, or not showing the number in Settings.