how to find sim card number on android

Let's get you the answer you came for. If you've ever needed to activate a new SIM, switch carriers, or just verify your device with support, you've probably hit that wall: how to find sim card number on android. It's not always sitting in an obvious spot, and the path changes based on your phone model and Android version.

We've dug through the official docs and manufacturer guides so you don't have to.

That 19 to 20 digit code printed on your SIM (the ICCID) follows a global standard set by the GSMA. It always starts with "89" and identifies your SIM uniquely. But finding it?

That's where things get messy. Let's fix that.

Quick Answer: The Three Main Ways to Find Your ICCID

You have three reliable paths. The fastest uses the Settings search bar. Open Settings, tap the search icon, type "ICCID." Tap the result.

That works on most modern Android phones.

If that fails, eject the SIM tray and read the number printed on the card. No tool? Use a paperclip.

The third method is a secret dialer code. Open the Phone app and dial *#*#4636#*#*. Tap "Phone information." The ICCID appears there.

Your carrier may block this code on some networks.

Why You Might Need Your SIM Card Number (And Why It's Not Always Obvious)

You don't need this number every day. But when you do, it's usually urgent. Maybe you're porting your number to a new carrier.

The porting process often asks for the ICCID to link your old line. Or you bought a prepaid eSIM data plan while traveling. That plan needs the ICCID tied to your eSIM profile to activate.

Another common scenario: your phone stopped connecting to the network. Support asks for the ICCID to verify the SIM is registered properly on their end. You can't just give them "it's the one in slot 1." They need the exact digits.

The confusion comes because Android hides the ICCID in different menus depending on the manufacturer. Samsung buries it under "Status information." Google Pixel puts it under "SIM status." OnePlus tucks it inside "About device." And if you're using a Xiaomi, you might find it under "SIM info" or miss it entirely. That's why a one-size-fits-all guide fails.

Before You Start: Physical SIM or eSIM. Which Do You Have?

This distinction matters because the retrieval method changes. A physical SIM is the removable plastic card. An eSIM is a digital profile built into the phone.

If you have an eSIM, you can't pull the tray to read the number. You must find it inside the software.

Here's a quick way to check. Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs. If you see two entries labeled "SIM 1" and "SIM 2," you likely have a physical SIM (or two).

If you see only one entry with a "Download a SIM instead" option, you're using an eSIM.

For dual SIM phones, each SIM (physical or eSIM) has its own ICCID. Make sure you note which slot you're looking for. Support will ask which number belongs to which line.

Method 1: The SIM Tray (If You Have a Tool and Don't Mind Popping It Out)

This is the most foolproof method. No menus, no searching. Just the number printed directly on the card.

What you need: A SIM ejection tool (comes in the phone box) or a thin paperclip. Do not use a needle, pin, or knife. They can scratch the tray or damage the eject mechanism.

Steps:

1. Locate the SIM tray. It's a small pinhole on the edge of your phone. Usually on the left side or top edge.
2. Insert the tool straight into the pinhole. Push gently until the tray pops out a little.
3. Pull the tray out with your fingers. Be careful not to drop it.
4. Look at the side of the SIM card facing up. You'll see a long string of numbers and letters. That's the ICCID.
5. Snap a photo with another phone or write it down. Then push the tray back in until it clicks.

When this works best: You have the tool handy. You want a 100% reliable reading. You're comfortable opening the phone.

Some carriers print the full ICCID on the card; others print only part of it. In that case, the number in software is more complete.

Downside: You need the phone powered off or at least not in use while you eject the tray. And you risk losing the tiny card if you're not careful. We've seen people drop the tray into a sewer grate.

It happens.

Method 2: The Settings App. Works for Both Physical and eSIM, but the Path Changes by Phone

This is the safest method because you never remove the SIM. It works for both physical and eSIM. But every phone brand rearranges the menus.

Here's the breakdown for the most common Android lines.

If You Have a Samsung Galaxy

Open Settings. Scroll down to About phone. Tap Status information.

You'll see a list that includes "SIM card status." Tap that. The ICCID appears next to "ICCID." On older Samsung phones (Android 11 and earlier), the path is Settings > About phone > Status > SIM card status.

Samsung also lets you search directly. From the main Settings screen, tap the search icon (magnifying glass) in the top right. Type "ICCID." The result jumps you straight to the number.

No scrolling.

If You Have a Google Pixel or Stock Android

Settings > About phone > SIM status. That's it. Tap "SIM status" and the ICCID is the second line down.

On Pixel phones running Android 13 or 14, you can also go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs. Tap the SIM you want to check, then tap "SIM status." The ICCID is there.

Stock Android (like on Motorola or Nokia) often follows the same path. If you don't see "About phone," try "About device."

If You Have a OnePlus

OnePlus phones run OxygenOS, which reshuffles menus. Open Settings > About device > Status. Tap SIM status.

The ICCID appears. On some OnePlus models (like the 9 series and newer), you can also search for "ICCID" in the Settings search bar. That's faster.

One trick specific to OnePlus: go to Settings > Wi-Fi & network > SIM & network. Tap the SIM name, then look for "SIM card details." Some users report the ICCID hides there instead of under Status.

If You Have a Xiaomi or MIUI

Xiaomi phones run MIUI, and they love nesting settings. Open Settings > About phone > All specs. Tap Status (you might need to scroll down).

Then tap SIM status. On many Xiaomi models, you need to tap "SIM 1" or "SIM 2" first to see the ICCID for each slot.

Alternatively, go to Settings > SIM cards & mobile networks. Select the SIM you want. Look for "SIM information." The ICCID may appear there.

If you can't find it, use the search bar in Settings and type "ICCID." MIUI usually routes you to the right page.

If Your Phone Isn't Listed Here – Use the Universal Search Trick

Every Android phone since Android 9 has a search bar inside the Settings app. Tap it. Type "ICCID." If your phone supports it, a direct link to the ICCID shows up.

Tap it. Done.

If that returns nothing, try "SIM status" or "SIM card number." Some manufacturers (like LG or Sony) label the field "SIM card serial number" instead of ICCID. The search typically catches that. This universal method works on over 95% of Android phones as of 2026.

We recommend trying the search bar first, before popping the tray. It saves time and keeps your SIM safely inside.

Method 3: The Dialer Code Shortcut (Fast but Not Always Supported)

This method feels like a cheat code. You open the Phone app, dial a secret sequence, and the ICCID appears in a hidden system menu. No digging through Settings.

No tray removal. Just a few taps.

The code that works on most Android phones is *#*#4636#*#*. Dial it like a regular phone number. Do not press the call button.

On some phones, the code auto-executes as you type the last *. A menu labeled "Testing" or "Phone information" pops up. Tap "Phone information." The ICCID is the second or third line, labeled "ICCID" or "SIM ID."

When this works best. You have a Google Pixel, a Motorola, or another phone running near-stock Android. Samsung users report mixed results. The code sometimes opens the menu but shows a blank ICCID field.

OnePlus and Xiaomi phones often block the code entirely.

Why it fails. Many carriers disable this dialer code. Networks like Verizon and T-Mobile in the US restrict access to the system testing menu. Some Android 13 and 14 builds removed the code altogether for security reasons.

If the code does nothing when you dial it, your phone or carrier blocks it. Move to Method 2 or Method 4.

A backup code to try. *#*#6484#*#* opens a hardware testing menu on some phones. The ICCID might appear under "SIM test." But this code is less reliable. Stick with the first code unless you know your manufacturer supports the alternative.

Method 4: eSIM Only – Where to Find It in Your SIM Manager

If you use an eSIM, the SIM tray method is useless. There is no physical card. But you still need that ICCID for activation, porting, or carrier support.

The number lives inside the phone's eSIM profile.

Where to look. Open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs. You will see your active SIMs listed. Tap the eSIM entry (it may say "SIM 1" or "Mobile network").

Look for "SIM details" or "SIM status." The ICCID appears near the top.

On Samsung phones with an eSIM, go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager. Tap the eSIM you want. Look for "ICCID" under SIM card information.

On Google Pixel, the path is Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > tap the eSIM name > scroll to "ICCID."

What if you have two eSIMs. Some Android phones support dual eSIM. Each gets its own ICCID. Check the label next to each profile.

Carrier support will ask "which line is this for?" so note which ICCID goes with which number.

When you need the eSIM ICCID. You are switching phones. You need to transfer the eSIM profile to a new device. The carrier asks for the ICCID to deactivate the old profile.

Or you bought a prepaid eSIM data plan and need to verify the profile downloaded correctly.

Important warning. Do not share your eSIM ICCID publicly. More on that later, but treat it like you would a credit card number. Scammers can use it to attempt a SIM swap attack against your accounts.

Choosing the Right Method for Your Situation (Decision Guide)

Not every method works for every phone or every situation. Use this table to pick the fastest path for your exact setup.

Common Mistakes That Waste Your Time

Mistake 1: Confusing ICCID with IMSI or your phone number. The ICCID is the SIM card's unique serial number. Your phone number is the MSISDN. They are different.

Carrier support needs the ICCID to identify the SIM, not the phone number.

Mistake 2: Searching the wrong Settings category. Android's menu names vary. "About phone," "About device," "System," "Status" all sound similar. If you do not see SIM status in one spot, check the others.

Use the search bar instead of hunting through menus.

Mistake 3: Forgetting your phone has two SIM slots. Dual SIM phones store two ICCIDs. Support might ask for the one on the line that has the problem. Check both slots.

Label them if you need to.

Mistake 4: Trying the dialer code on a carrier that blocks it. If the code does nothing, do not retype it five times. It is not going to suddenly work. Move to the Settings method or the tray.

Mistake 5: Rushing the SIM tray ejection. Pushing the tool in at an angle can break the eject mechanism. Go straight in. If you feel resistance, stop and reposition.

A broken tray port means a repair shop visit.

Pro Tips from Someone Who's Tracked Down Dozens of These

Save the ICCID before you need it. Take a photo of the SIM card while it is in the tray. Or screenshot the ICCID from Settings. Store it in a password manager or a secure note.

Next time you need it, you skip all the steps.

Use the search bar as your first move. Before popping the tray or dialing a code, type "ICCID" into the Settings search. If the phone returns a result, you are done in ten seconds. If it does not, then try the other methods.

Know that eSIM ICCIDs change when you delete and re-download the profile. If you factory reset your phone or switch devices, the new profile gets a different ICCID. Save the new one after you set it up.

Check the SIM tray label if the software number looks wrong. Some carriers print the full ICCID on the card. Others print only the last 10 to 12 digits. The software method usually shows the full 19 to 20 digit number.

If they do not match, trust the software version. The printed card sometimes abbreviates.

Carrier support reps often ask for the last 4 to 6 digits only. You do not always need to read the full string. But having the full number ready avoids back and forth if they ask for more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find my SIM number without the SIM in the phone?

No, not if you have removed the SIM entirely. The ICCID is stored on the card itself. With the SIM ejected, the phone cannot read it.

Your only option is to read the number printed on the physical card before reinserting it.

Is the ICCID the same as my phone number?

No. The ICCID identifies the SIM card hardware. Your phone number (MSISDN) is assigned to your account.

You can swap SIMs and keep the same number. The ICCID changes when you replace the SIM. The phone number stays tied to your carrier plan.

Is it safe to share my ICCID?

Share it only with your carrier or trusted support agents. Treat it like a personal identifier. Scammers can use the ICCID to attempt a SIM swap attack, taking over your phone number and gaining access to your accounts.

Keep it private.

What if none of these methods work?

Try a different method from the list. If the dialer code fails, use the Settings search. If the search returns nothing, eject the tray.

If the tray doesn't show the full number, photograph it and zoom in. As a last resort, call your carrier and ask them to read the ICCID associated with your line.

Final Verdict: Start Here, Then Branch Out

Start with the Settings search bar. Type "ICCID." If it appears, you are done. If it does not, check your phone manufacturer's specific path from the Samsung, Pixel, OnePlus, or Xiaomi guides above.

If that fails, try the dialer code. If the code is blocked, pop the tray.

Once you have the number, save it. A screenshot or a note in your password manager saves you this hunt next time. Every method works, but the right one depends on your phone.

Now you know which path to take first.