How to Find Your Serial Number on Your iPhone
Every iPhone has a unique serial number — a string of letters and numbers that identifies your specific device. You'll need it for warranty checks, AppleCare registration, insurance claims, trade-ins, and contacting Apple Support. The good news: there are several ways to find it, and at least one method will work no matter what situation you're in.
Why Your iPhone Serial Number Matters
Your serial number is tied to your device's manufacture date, model configuration, and warranty status. It's different from your IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity), which identifies your phone on cellular networks. Both are important, but for most Apple-related support and verification tasks, the serial number is what you'll need first.
Method 1: Find It in Settings (The Easiest Way) 📱
If your iPhone is powered on and accessible, this is the fastest route:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap General
- Tap About
- Scroll down to Serial Number
You can tap and hold the serial number to copy it to your clipboard — useful if you're filling out a warranty form or support ticket.
Method 2: Check the Physical Device
On older iPhone models, Apple printed the serial number directly on the hardware:
- iPhone 6s and earlier: The serial number appears on the back of the device
- SIM card tray: On some models, the serial number is etched into the SIM tray itself
On iPhone 7 and later, Apple removed the serial number from the back of the device, so physical inspection won't help you on more recent models.
Method 3: Find It Through iTunes or Finder
If your iPhone screen is broken, disabled, or the device won't turn on, you can still retrieve the serial number using a computer:
On a Mac running macOS Catalina or later:
- Connect your iPhone via USB
- Open Finder
- Select your iPhone in the sidebar under "Locations"
- Click on the device name — the serial number appears in the summary panel
On a Mac running macOS Mojave or earlier, or on Windows:
- Connect your iPhone via USB
- Open iTunes
- Click the iPhone icon near the top left
- Click Summary — the serial number is listed there
You can click the serial number in iTunes or Finder to toggle between the serial number, UDID, and ECID.
Method 4: Check the Original Packaging
If you kept the box your iPhone came in, the serial number is printed on a label on the outside — usually on the back or bottom of the box. This is especially useful if the phone itself is inaccessible or you're verifying a second-hand purchase before even turning the device on.
Method 5: Use Apple's Website
If you've previously registered your device or signed in with your Apple ID, you can view device details online:
- Go to appleid.apple.com
- Sign in with your Apple ID
- Scroll to the Devices section
- Select your iPhone — the serial number is listed in the device details
This works as long as the iPhone has been associated with your Apple ID at some point.
Method 6: Check Your Apple Receipt or Order Confirmation
If you bought your iPhone directly from Apple — in-store or online — your purchase receipt or order confirmation email typically includes the serial number. This is a useful fallback if the device is lost or damaged.
Comparing Your Options at a Glance
| Method | Device Needed? | Works If Screen Broken? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Settings → General → About | Yes, powered on | No | Fastest method |
| Physical device inspection | Yes | Yes (if visible) | iPhone 6s and earlier only |
| iTunes / Finder | Yes, via USB | Yes | Requires computer |
| Original box | No | Yes | Requires packaging |
| Apple ID website | No | Yes | Requires prior Apple ID link |
| Purchase receipt | No | Yes | Apple purchases only |
A Few Things Worth Knowing 🔍
Serial number vs. IMEI: If a support rep or carrier asks for your IMEI, that's a different number — also found in Settings → General → About, just a few lines below the serial number.
Refurbished and replaced devices: If Apple has replaced your iPhone through a repair or exchange program, the serial number on the device will differ from what's on the original box. The device's current serial number is what matters for support purposes.
Second-hand purchases: Before buying a used iPhone, you can enter the serial number at checkcoverage.apple.com to verify warranty status and confirm the device hasn't been reported lost or stolen. A seller who won't share the serial number before a sale is a red flag worth paying attention to.
Screen time and restrictions: In rare cases, if a device is heavily locked down with Screen Time restrictions, the About page may still be accessible — restrictions typically don't block that specific path.
Which Method Is Right for Your Situation
The path that makes the most sense depends on whether your device is functional, whether you have access to the original packaging, and whether the iPhone is already linked to an Apple ID. A working iPhone in your hand makes Settings the obvious choice. A cracked screen, a locked device, or a pre-purchase verification all point toward different methods — and the variables in your specific situation are the deciding factor in which one will actually work for you.