You dial *#06# expecting to see one IMEI number – but your phone displays two.

Is something wrong with the device? Is one of the numbers fake?

Usually, there is nothing to worry about. Two IMEI numbers are completely normal on smartphones that support two mobile connections.

Phone displaying two IMEI numbers

What Is an IMEI Number?

IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It is a unique 15-digit number used to identify a mobile device on cellular networks.

An IMEI check can reveal useful information about a phone, including:

  • Brand and model
  • Blacklist status
  • Original carrier
  • SIM-lock information
  • Selected warranty or activation details

The IMEI identifies the device – not your phone number, SIM card, or personal account.

Why Are There Two IMEI Numbers?

A phone normally has two IMEI numbers when it supports Dual SIM.

For example, it may use:

  • Two physical SIM cards
  • One physical SIM and one eSIM
  • Two active eSIM profiles

Each mobile connection needs its own identifier when connecting to a cellular network. Therefore, the phone displays:

  • IMEI 1 for the primary mobile connection
  • IMEI 2 for the secondary mobile connection

Both numbers belong to the same phone.

IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 explained for dual SIM phones

Should You Check Both IMEI Numbers?

Yes – especially when buying a used device.

Although both IMEIs identify the same phone, they are separate numbers in carrier databases. Checking only IMEI 1 may not give you the complete picture.

Before buying a dual-SIM phone:

  1. Dial *#06# to display both numbers.
  2. Compare them with the numbers shown in Settings.
  3. Run a separate check for IMEI 1 and IMEI 2.
  4. Confirm that both numbers identify the correct device.
  5. Review the blacklist status of each IMEI.

If one number is clean but the other is blocked or identifies a different device, ask the seller for an explanation before paying.

Where Can You Find IMEI 1 and IMEI 2?

The quickest method is to dial *#06#

You can also find the numbers in Settings:

  • On iPhone open Settings → General → About and scroll down to find the available IMEI numbers.
  • On Android open Settings → About phone. The exact menu name may vary depending on the manufacturer and Android version.

IMEI numbers may also appear on the original packaging or inside the SIM tray, depending on the phone model.

Is IMEI 2 Less Important?

No. IMEI 2 is not a temporary or less important number.

If you use only one SIM card, the second IMEI may rarely appear in everyday use. However, it becomes important when you activate a second SIM or eSIM.

That is why both numbers should be verified when checking a used phone.

The Bottom Line

Two IMEI numbers usually mean that your phone supports two mobile connections. It is a standard feature – not a sign that the device is fake or damaged.

For additional safety, check both identifiers separately. Enter IMEI 1 and IMEI 2 into the IMEI Checker and make sure both results match the phone in your hands.