Find iPhone Serial Number: 5 Quick Ways

Your iPhone’s serial number is a unique code that identifies your exact device. You need it for warranty checks, trade-in quotes, insurance claims, and Apple support. This guide shows you five reliable ways to find it, whether your phone is on, off, or even broken.

What You’ll Need

• Your iPhone (or access to a computer or another device)
• Your Apple ID and password (for some methods)
• Your original iPhone box or receipt (as a backup)

Step-by-Step

Method 1: In Settings (Fastest)

1. Unlock your iPhone and open the Settings app (the gray gear icon).
2. Tap your name at the very top of the screen to open your Apple ID page.
3. Scroll down and tap About.
4. Look for the Serial Number row. Tap the number once to copy it, or tap and hold to select and copy it.

Method 2: From the Home Screen or Lock Screen

1. On iPhones with Face ID, this works only if you have a computer or another phone handy. On older iPhones with a Home button, it’s easier.
2. If your iPhone is working, go to Settings > General > About and scroll to the bottom. You’ll see the serial number there as well.
3. For a quicker glance, on iPhones with a Home button (iPhone 8 and earlier), you can also see the serial number printed on the SIM tray slot (you may need a magnifying glass).

Method 3: On the Back or SIM Tray (Older Models)

1. If you have an iPhone 5, iPhone 6, or iPhone 7 series, the serial number is engraved on the back of the device, near the bottom.
2. For iPhone X and later, the serial number is not on the back. Instead, remove the SIM card tray using the SIM eject tool (or a paperclip).
3. Look at the SIM tray itself – the serial number is printed on the underside of the tray, in very small text. You may need a magnifying glass or a photo with zoom.

Method 4: Using a Computer (Finder or iTunes)

1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
2. On a Mac running macOS Catalina or later, open Finder. On a PC or older Mac, open iTunes.
3. Click your iPhone’s name in the sidebar (Finder) or the device icon near the top-left (iTunes).
4. Look for the Serial Number in the device summary panel. Click on it – it will cycle through other identifiers like UDID, but the serial number is the first one shown.

Method 5: From the Original Box or Receipt

1. Find the original iPhone box. The serial number is printed on the barcode label on the side of the box.
2. It also appears on the receipt or invoice from your carrier or Apple Store.
3. If you no longer have the box, check your email for the purchase confirmation – Apple and carriers usually include the serial number there.

Bonus: If Your iPhone Won’t Turn On

1. If the screen is dead but the phone is still recognized by a computer, use Method 4 above.
2. If the phone is completely dead and not recognized, your last resort is the SIM tray (if your model has one) or the original box.

Common Mistakes

• Confusing the IMEI with the serial number. The IMEI is a 15-digit number used for network identification; the serial number is alphanumeric and longer. They are not interchangeable.
• Looking for a serial number on the back of newer iPhones. Only older models (up to iPhone 7) have it engraved. Newer models only have the IMEI on the back.
• Reading the FCC ID or model number instead. The model number (like A2487) is not the serial number. The FCC ID is printed on the back and is also not the serial.
• Assuming the SIM tray serial is the same as the device’s. It is, but only if the tray is the original one. If you’ve replaced the SIM tray, the number may not match your phone.

Tips

• Copy, don’t type. When you find the serial number, copy it to your clipboard. It’s long and easy to mistype.
• Take a photo. If you’re using the SIM tray or box, take a close-up photo with another device and zoom in.
• Check your Apple ID account. Sign in to appleid.apple.com on a web browser, go to Devices, and select your iPhone. The serial number is listed there, even if the phone is lost or broken.
• Use the Settings search. On your iPhone, swipe down on the Home screen and type “Serial” – it will show a shortcut to the About page.

Troubleshooting

• Settings shows “Serial Number” but it’s grayed out or blank. This usually happens if the device is managed by a company or school (MDM). Contact your IT administrator – they can retrieve it.
• Your computer doesn’t recognize the iPhone. Try a different USB cable or port. If it still doesn’t show, restart the computer and try again. On Windows, make sure you have the latest iTunes or Apple Devices app installed.
• You can’t find the SIM tray. The SIM tray is on the right side (or left on some older models) of the phone. Use the eject tool that came in the box, or a small paperclip. Do not force it – it should slide out easily.
• The serial number on the box doesn’t match the phone. This can happen if the phone was refurbished or the box is from a different unit. The number on the phone itself (or in Settings) is the authoritative one.
• You’ve tried everything and still can’t find it. If the phone is off and you don’t have the box, you can still find the serial number in your iCloud account (if you signed in). Go to iCloud.com, sign in, and click Find iPhone – it may show the serial. If that fails, contact Apple Support with proof of purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the serial number the same as the IMEI?

No. The IMEI is a 15-digit number used by cellular networks. The serial number is a longer alphanumeric code. They are different and serve different purposes.

Can I find my iPhone’s serial number without turning it on?

Yes. Check the SIM tray (on models that have one), the original box, or your Apple ID account page. If the phone is recognized by a computer, you can also find it via Finder or iTunes.

Why does my iPhone show “Serial Number” but I can’t copy it?

In some restricted modes (like when the phone is in recovery mode), the serial may be visible but not selectable. Use a computer or the SIM tray instead.

Does the serial number change if I reset my iPhone?

No. The serial number is hardware-based and permanently assigned at the factory. Resetting the software does not change it.

Can I use the serial number to check if my iPhone is stolen?

No. The serial number alone cannot tell you if a device is stolen. You can check if the device is still linked to an Apple ID by trying to activate it, but for a legitimate check, use Apple’s official activation lock status page with the IMEI.

What do I do if my serial number starts with “F” or “C”?

These letters indicate the device was refurbished (F) or a customer service replacement (C). This is normal and doesn’t affect how you find the number.

Related

• Fix Firefox Using a Lot of Memory: 7 Proven Steps
• How to Use Catch Button in iMessage
• Live Transcripts in Voice Memos on iPhone (iOS 18)