Knowing how to find your device’s serial number is essential if you’re trying to check warranty information, troubleshoot a technical issue, or simply register your device. In this guide, I will walk you through several ways to find the serial number of your iPhone and iPad.
- What does the serial number of an Apple product mean?
- How to find the serial number of an iPhone or iPad
What does the serial number of an Apple product mean?
Apple assigns a unique alphanumeric code, known as a serial number, to every iPhone or iPad it collects. This code serves as a unique identifier and can be found in various places on the device.
Knowing the serial number has a number of benefits, including tracking warranty information, reporting lost or stolen devices, and facilitating repair or replacement requests. However, you must understand the meaning of this code before attempting to access it.
The Importance of the iPhone Serial Number
The serial number on an iPhone is important information that can be used in a variety of situations. Here are some of the reasons why a serial number matters:
- If your iPhone requires repair or replacement, you must provide the serial number to Apple or an authorized service provider.
- The serial number is also used to activate the iPhone Activation Lock feature.
- If you are selling or giving away your device, the new owner may need a serial number to verify its authenticity.
- When you contact Apple Support for assistance with your iPhone, the representative may ask for a serial number to verify that the device is eligible for support.
Now that you understand the meaning of a serial number, let’s dive deeper into the process of finding the serial number on your iPhone.
How to find the serial number of an iPhone or iPad
Finding the serial number of your iPhone is very easy. Just follow the methods below!
- Use the Settings app on iPhone
- Viewing the serial number through the Apple website
- View the serial number on the iPhone purchase box
- Email upon purchase
- With AppleCare+ or iPhone Upgrade Program receipt
- Using another Apple device
- Check the serial number using a computer backup
- Check serial number in recovery mode
- Check the serial number engraved on the device
1. Use the Settings App on iPhone
- Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Click “General”→ “About”.
- Next to the serial number is a unique code for your device.
In addition, you can press and hold the unique serial number to copy it.
2. View the serial number on the Apple website.
The steps below are performed on an iPhone. However, you can also use a Mac or PC to access the Apple website as the steps are very similar.
- Open any browser. I am using Chrome browser.
- Go to the Apple ID website.
- Select Sign in.
- Enter your Apple ID and password to sign in.
- Click the down arrow next to Apple ID.
- Select Devices from the drop down list.
- Now select your iPhone to check its serial number.
3. View the serial number on the iPhone purchase box.
Finding the unique code on your iPhone’s original box is an easy way to check its serial number. The back of the box is engraved with the device’s serial number, which you can use to verify its authenticity or access Apple’s various support and warranty services.
4. Email upon purchase
If you bought your iPhone or iPad online, you can find your device’s serial number on the purchase email itself.
- Launch the Mail app.
- Find the purchase email you received when you bought your iPhone or iPad.
- Open the receipt in this letter.
- Find the serial number in the purchase information section.
5. With AppleCare+ or iPhone Upgrade Program receipt.
If you have AppleCare+ or are using the iPhone Upgrade Program, you can find your iPhone or iPad’s serial number on your receipt or confirmation email.
6. Using another Apple device
To check the serial number of a specific Apple device, you can also use another Apple device associated with the same Apple ID. Just follow the instructions below to do so.
Here I used another iPhone.
- Go to settings.
- Click on your name icon.
- Scroll down and select your device.
Now, next to the serial number, you can check the distinctive serial number assigned to your device.
7. Check the serial number using a computer backup.
You can check the serial number of your iPhone or iPad if you have previously backed it up on the same Mac. Just connect your device to your Mac and follow the instructions below.
- Open Finder.
- Find your iPhone or iPad under Places.
- Select “Manage Backups”under the “Backups”section of the “General”tab.
- Select a device name under Devices.
- Hover your mouse over the device name.
- Now you can see the serial number with other data in the gray box.
8. Check Serial Number in Recovery Mode
If you want to check your iPhone’s serial number, you can use a USB-C to Lightning cable to connect your device to your Mac and enable recovery mode. This will show a unique code for your device, which will be displayed next to the serial number label located below the device name.
9. Check the serial number engraved on the device.
Although newer iPhones don’t have this feature, if you have an iPhone 4S or older, you can find the serial number on the SIM tray. The serial number is also engraved on the back of the original iPhone.
FAQ
To check if the iPhone is original, you can look at the packaging, check the appearance, check the software, check the IMEI number, and use the Apple support app.
Finding the UDID number on your iPhone is a simple task, but if you run into any problems, I recommend reading our article on how to find the UDID of an iPhone or iPad for a comprehensive guide.
UDID and serial number are two different things. A UDID is a unique 40-character alphanumeric code used by developers to identify an individual iPhone or iPad. The serial number, on the other hand, is a single string of numbers and letters that identifies a specific iPhone model.
Conclusion…
Knowing the serial number of your device is useful not only for troubleshooting and repair, but also for important tasks such as warranty registration and insurance claims. By finding your device’s serial number, you can be sure that you have all the information you need to service and protect your iPhone or iPad.