The fastest way: Settings on your phone

Open Settings, then tap General, then About. Scroll down until you see the field labeled Serial Number. That 12-character code is your iPhone's serial number. Write it down or take a screenshot — you'll need it if you contact Apple Support, file an insurance claim, or report your phone lost or stolen.

This method works on any iPhone running iOS 5 or later. The serial number stays the same for the life of your phone and doesn't change if you update iOS, restore from backup, or factory reset the device.

Key Takeaways

  • Your serial number appears in Settings > General > About on any iPhone, and is the fastest way to find it without opening the box.
  • The serial number is a 12-character code unique to your phone and never changes, even after updates or factory resets.
  • You can also find the serial number on the original box, on your Apple receipt, or in your Apple ID account under Devices.
  • Apple Support, your carrier, and insurance companies all use the serial number to verify ownership and process claims.

Finding it on the box or receipt

If you still have the original iPhone box, the serial number is printed on a white sticker on the back. It's also listed on your Apple receipt or invoice — look for the line item that says "Serial Number" or "SN". If you bought the phone from a carrier like Verizon or AT&T, call their customer service and give them your phone number; they can look up the serial number in their system.

Keep the box or a photo of the receipt in a safe place. If your phone is lost, stolen, or stops working, you won't have access to Settings anymore, and the box or receipt becomes your proof of ownership.

Checking your Apple ID account

Sign in to iCloud.com or open the Apple ID app on any device. Go to Devices or My Devices, find your iPhone in the list, and tap it. The serial number appears on the device details page. This method works even if you no longer have the phone or the original box.

Your Apple ID account keeps a record of every device you've ever signed into, so you can look up the serial number of an old iPhone you sold or gave away. This is useful if you need to verify you owned a device for warranty or insurance purposes.

Why you might need the serial number

Apple Support uses the serial number to look up your phone's warranty status, repair history, and whether it's may be able to access for recalls or free repairs. If you contact them about a hardware problem, they'll ask for it immediately. Insurance companies like AppleCare+ and third-party carriers also use it to verify the phone you're claiming matches the one you insured.

If your iPhone is lost or stolen, the serial number helps your carrier and law enforcement identify it if it's recovered. Some carriers can remotely disable a phone using its serial number, though this is less common than it was in earlier years.

The difference between serial number and IMEI

Your iPhone has two separate identification codes: the serial number (12 characters, found in Settings) and the IMEI (15 digits, used by cellular networks). The serial number identifies the physical device to Apple. The IMEI identifies it to your carrier and cellular networks worldwide.

You'll find the IMEI in the same Settings > General > About menu, listed as "IMEI" or sometimes as "IMEI 1" and "IMEI 2" on dual-SIM models. If you need to report your phone stolen to your carrier, give them the IMEI. If you're contacting Apple, use the serial number.

What to do if you can't access Settings

If your iPhone won't turn on or you've forgotten the passcode, you can't reach Settings. In that case, check the original box first — the serial number is printed there. If you don't have the box, sign into your Apple ID account on a computer or another device and look it up under Devices. Your carrier can also look it up if you call customer service with proof of identity.

If the phone is locked with a passcode you don't know and you don't have the box or access to your Apple ID, you'll need to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store with proof of purchase. They can verify ownership and help you regain access or reset the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone use my serial number to unlock or track my phone?

The serial number alone cannot unlock your phone or track its location — it's not a security credential. However, combined with other information like your Apple ID, it could help someone contact Apple Support and claim to be you. Keep your serial number private the same way you'd keep your phone number private, and never share it with someone who contacts you unsolicited.

Does the serial number change if I factory reset my iPhone?

No. The serial number is burned into the phone's hardware and never changes, no matter how many times you reset it, update iOS, or restore from backup. It's tied to the physical device itself, not the software.

What if two iPhones have the same serial number?

This should never happen — Apple assigns a unique serial number to every device it manufactures. If you find two iPhones with identical serial numbers, one is counterfeit. Contact Apple Support with photos and the serial number in question.

Can I look up someone else's iPhone using their serial number?

No. Apple does not publish a public database of serial numbers, and you cannot look up ownership or location information using only a serial number. Apple Support can only access device information if you sign in with the associated Apple ID.