IMEI vs. EID vs. ICCID: What They Are and Where to Find Them

Buying or troubleshooting an eSIM means running into three different numbers that all sound similar: IMEI, EID and ICCID. They identify three different things, and providers ask for the right one at different steps — here's what each one actually is and where to find it.

Key Takeaways

- IMEI (15 digits) identifies your physical device; EID (32 digits) identifies the embedded eSIM chip inside it; ICCID (18-22 digits) identifies one specific eSIM profile/plan installed on that chip (Apple Support, 2026).

- A device has exactly one IMEI and one EID for life, but can have multiple ICCIDs — a new one every time you install a new eSIM profile.

- You'll need the EID when a provider provisions your eSIM, and the ICCID if you ever contact support about a specific plan that's already installed.

What is an IMEI, and why does eSIM buying ask for it?

The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit number that identifies your physical phone, not any particular SIM or plan — every phone has exactly one, assigned at manufacture. Some eSIM providers ask for it before checkout purely to confirm your device model supports eSIM at all, since certain regional variants (like phones sold in mainland China or Hong Kong) don't. Find it by dialing *#06#, or in Settings > General > About on iPhone.

What is an EID, and why is it different from the IMEI?

The EID (eSIM ID) is a 32-digit number that identifies the physical eSIM chip embedded in your device — the eUICC hardware itself, not any plan running on it (Apple Support, 2026). Unlike the IMEI, a device keeps the same EID even if you factory reset it, and providers specifically need this number to provision certain eSIM profiles to your exact chip. Find it in the same place as the IMEI — Settings > General > About, scroll to "EID" — or dial *#06# and look past the IMEI for the longer 32-digit number.

What is an ICCID, and when would I actually need it?

The ICCID (Integrated Circuit Card Identifier) identifies one specific SIM or eSIM profile — the actual plan you installed, not the chip or the device. A single eSIM chip can hold multiple ICCIDs, one per installed profile, though only one is active at a time. You'll mostly need this number when contacting a provider's support team about a plan that's already installed and something's gone wrong — it's how they look up your exact plan instead of your device.

IMEI vs. EID vs. ICCID: the difference in one line each

The IMEI answers "which phone is this." The EID answers "which eSIM chip is this." The ICCID answers "which specific plan is currently loaded on that chip." Providers ask for the IMEI before you buy (compatibility check), the EID during installation (provisioning), and the ICCID after installation if you need support (identifying the plan).

How do I find all three on my iPhone?

Open Settings > General > About and scroll down — IMEI, EID and each installed line's ICCID are all listed there. You can also find IMEI and EID printed on the original packaging, or by dialing *#06# from the Phone app, which surfaces both numbers at once (Apple Support, 2026). For the full model-by-model compatibility picture, see our eSIM compatible phones guide or the iPhone-specific breakdown.

Frequently asked questions

Does my phone have more than one IMEI?

Dual-SIM phones with two physical SIM slots typically have two IMEIs, one per slot. A phone with one physical SIM slot plus eSIM support usually has one IMEI covering the whole device, since the eSIM isn't a separate physical radio.

Can I change my EID?

No — the EID is tied to the physical eUICC chip soldered into your device at manufacture. It doesn't change with a factory reset, a new eSIM profile, or a carrier switch.

Why does a provider need my EID before sending my QR code?

Some providers pre-provision your specific eSIM profile to your device's chip using the EID, rather than issuing a generic QR code — this is more common for postpaid or carrier-direct eSIMs than travel eSIM marketplaces, which usually just need a scan.

I have multiple ICCIDs listed in my settings — is that normal?

Yes. Every eSIM profile you've ever installed keeps its own ICCID, even ones you're no longer using. Only the one set as your active data line actually connects to a network.

Sources

• Apple, Find the serial number, EID, or IMEI on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, retrieved 2026-07-08, https://support.apple.com/en-us/108037