Colin FosterBy Colin Foster

Updated November 2026

The imei number on Samsung tablet models is a 15-digit code that identifies the device’s cellular hardware. You can usually read it in the Settings app, dial a short code, or check the label on the box or back of the tablet. This guide walks through each method so you can pull up the number in a few minutes, whether the tablet is working, locked, or unable to power on.

Check the Settings App First

The fastest route is the About section of Settings. Most Samsung tablets list the IMEI here, though the exact menu names shift slightly between One UI versions.

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  1. Open Settings and scroll to About tablet (some models show About phone or Device information).
  2. Tap Status information or Status.
  3. Look for IMEI. On dual-SIM or LTE models, you may see two numbers: IMEI and IMEI2.

Wi-Fi-only Samsung tablets often show a different identifier here, sometimes labeled as a Wi-Fi MAC address. Only LTE or 5G models carry a true IMEI.

Use the Dialer Shortcut

If the tablet boots but the menus are hard to reach, you can type *#06# into the phone dialer. The IMEI appears on screen immediately, with no need to call anyone. This works on most Samsung tablets that include cellular service, and it does not require an active SIM.

Read the Physical Label or Box

When the software will not load, the number is often printed on hardware. Check these spots:

  • The retail box, usually on a barcode sticker near the bottom or side
  • The SIM tray ejector area or the inside of the SIM tray slot
  • The back cover or the area behind the battery, on older models with removable backs

Compare the number on the box to the one in Settings before relying on it. A mismatch can mean the device was swapped or the label was damaged.

Find It in the Samsung Account or Carrier Records

If the tablet is lost, stolen, or unresponsive, your records may hold the number. Check your original purchase receipt, your Samsung account order history, and your carrier account page if the tablet was activated with a data plan. Carriers can use the IMEI to block a device, so keep a copy somewhere safe.

Common Mistakes

  • Confusing the serial number with the IMEI. The serial number is separate and is not used for carrier blocking.
  • Typing the code with spaces or extra characters. Enter *#06# exactly as written.
  • Assuming every Samsung tablet has an IMEI. Wi-Fi-only models generally do not.
  • Photographing the number without storing it securely. Save it in a password manager or a note only you can access.

A small SIM ejector tool helps when you need to access the SIM tray to check the printed label on the device.

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A protective case with an accessible back panel makes it easier to read the label without removing the tablet from its cover.

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FAQ

Does every Samsung tablet have an IMEI number?

No. Only tablets with cellular connectivity, such as LTE or 5G models, have an IMEI. Wi-Fi-only tablets do not use one for network access.

Can I find the IMEI if the tablet won’t turn on?

Yes. Check the printed label on the box or the SIM tray area, and look in your Samsung account or carrier records for the number.

Why does my tablet show two IMEI numbers?

Some dual-SIM models list IMEI and IMEI2, one for each SIM slot. Record both if you need to report the device.

Conclusion

For most owners, Settings or the *#06# dialer shortcut will reveal the imei number on a Samsung tablet within a minute. When the software is unavailable, the printed label and your purchase records are reliable backups. Store the number somewhere safe before you need it.

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Colin Foster

About Colin Foster

Colin Foster is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our consumer tech how-to & troubleshooting guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.