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 your iPhone and iPad serial number.

What does an Apple product serial number mean?

Apple assigns a unique alphanumeric code, known as a serial number, to every iPhone or iPad you collect. This code acts 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 what this code means before trying to access it.

The importance of the iPhone serial number

The serial number on the iPhone is important information that can be used in a variety of situations. Here are some reasons why the serial number is important:

  • 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 sell or give 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 what serial number means, let’s dive deeper into the process of finding the serial number on your iPhone.

How to find your iPhone or iPad serial number

It is very easy to find your iPhone serial number. Just follow the methods below!

  1. Use the Settings app on your iPhone
  2. View the serial number through the Apple website
  3. Show the serial number on the iPhone purchase box
  4. Email upon purchase
  5. With AppleCare+ or an iPhone Upgrade Program receipt
  6. using another Apple device
  7. Verify the serial number using a backup of your computer
  8. Check the serial number in recovery mode
  9. Check the serial number engraved on the device

1. Use the Settings app on your iPhone

  1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Click “General” → “About”.
  3. Next to the serial number is a unique code for your device.

    Use the Settings app on your iPhone to find your serial number

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.

  1. Open any browser.
    I am using Chrome browser.
  2. head to Apple ID website.
  3. Select Sign in.
  4. Enter your Apple ID and password to sign in.
  5. Click the down arrow next to your Apple ID.
  6. Select devices from the dropdown list.

    Locate

  7. Now select your iPhone to check its serial number.

    View the serial number through the Apple website

3. View the serial number on the iPhone purchase box.

Finding the unique code on the original box of your iPhone 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 warranty and support services.

Show the serial number on the iPhone purchase box

4. Email upon purchase

If you purchased an iPhone or iPad online, you can find your device’s serial number in the purchase email itself.

  1. Launch the Mail app.
  2. Find the purchase email you received when you purchased your iPhone or iPad.
  3. Open the receipt in this letter.
  4. Find the serial number in the Purchase Information section.

5. With receipt of AppleCare+ or iPhone Upgrade Program.

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. Use 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.

  1. Go to settings.
  2. Click on your name icon.
  3. Scroll down and select your device.

    Use another Apple device to find your iPhone serial number

Now, next to the serial number, you can check which unique serial number is assigned to your device.

7. Verify 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. Simply connect your device to your Mac and follow the instructions below.

  1. Open Finder.
  2. Find your iPhone or iPad under Places.
  3. Select Manage Backups under the Backups section of the General tab.

    Verify the serial number using a backup of your computer

  4. Select the device name under Devices.
  5. Move your mouse over the device name.
  6. You can now see the serial number along with the other data in the gray box.

8. Check the 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 display a unique code for your device, which will be displayed next to the serial number label below the device name.

9. Check the serial number engraved on the device.

Although newer iPhones do not have this feature, if you have an iPhone 4S or earlier, you can find the serial number on the SIM card tray. The serial number is also engraved on the back of the original iPhone.

Instructions

How to check iPhone authenticity?

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.

How do you find the UDID number on an iPhone?

Finding the UDID on your iPhone is a simple task, but if you encounter any problems, I recommend reading our article on how to find the UDID of your iPhone or iPad for a comprehensive guide.

Are the UDID and Serial Number the Same on iPhone?

UDID and serial number are two different things. UDID is a unique 40-character alphanumeric code that developers use to identify an individual iPhone or iPad. On the other hand, a serial number is a single string of numbers and letters that identifies a specific iPhone model.

Conclusion…

Knowing your device’s serial number is useful not only for troubleshooting and repair, but also for important tasks like warranty registration and insurance claims. By finding your device’s serial number, you can ensure that you have all the information you need to service and protect your iPhone or iPad.

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