Finding the maker of your device or software
The company that built what you're using is usually listed somewhere obvious — but where depends on what you're looking at. For hardware like phones, laptops, or routers, the manufacturer's name is printed on the device itself. For software and apps, the maker's name appears in settings, the app store listing, or the "About" menu. Knowing who built something matters when you need support, want to check for updates, or need to understand what data it collects.
This guide walks you through finding the builder for the most common things people use: computers, phones, apps, websites, and routers. Each has a different place to look, and we'll show you exactly where.
Key Takeaways
- Device manufacturers print their name on the physical hardware itself, usually on the back or bottom.
- Software makers are listed in the app store where you downloaded it, or in the program's settings or "About" section.
- Websites show their owner's information through a WHOIS lookup, which reveals who registered the domain name.
- Your internet router's maker is printed on the device, and the manufacturer's support site is usually printed on a sticker underneath.
- If you can't find the maker through normal channels, the device's serial number or model number can help you search the manufacturer's website directly.
Finding the maker of a computer or laptop
The manufacturer's name is printed on the outside of the device. On Windows laptops, look on the lid, the bottom, or the bezel around the screen — you'll see Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus, or another brand name. On Mac computers, the word "Apple" is printed on the lid. On Chromebooks, the manufacturer's name appears on the lid or bottom.
Once you know the brand, you can visit that company's website to find support, download drivers, or check for software updates. The website address is usually straightforward: dell.com, hp.com, lenovo.com, apple.com. If you're not sure which site to visit, search the brand name plus "support" in your web browser.
If the name has worn off or you can't see it clearly, you can find the manufacturer through your operating system. On Windows, right-click the Start button, select "System," and look for "Manufacturer" or "System Manufacturer." On Mac, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, select "About This Mac," and the manufacturer information appears at the top.
Finding the maker of a smartphone or tablet
The brand name is printed on the back of the device. Android phones show Samsung, Google Pixel, Motorola, OnePlus, or another manufacturer. iPhones show "iPhone" and "Apple" on the back. Tablets follow the same pattern — iPad shows Apple, Samsung tablets show Samsung, and so on.
You can also find the manufacturer in your device's settings. On Android, open Settings, scroll to "About phone," and look for "Manufacturer" or "Device name." On iPhone, open Settings, tap "General," then "About," and the model name appears at the top. This also shows you the exact model number, which is useful if you need to search for specific support or replacement parts.
Once you know the maker, visit their official website to find support pages, software updates, and warranty information. Be careful to use the official site — search the brand name plus "official website" if you're not sure you have the right one.
Finding the maker of an app or software program
For apps on your phone, open the app store where you downloaded it. On iPhone, open the App Store app, search for the app by name, and tap it — the developer's name appears under the app title. On Android, open Google Play, search for the app, and the developer name is listed near the top of the page. You can tap the developer name to see all their other apps and find their website or support contact.
For software on your computer, open the program and look for an "About" menu. On Windows programs, this is usually under the "Help" menu at the top. On Mac programs, click the program name in the menu bar at the top and select "About [Program Name]." The developer's name and version number appear in a small window. Some programs also show this information in Settings or Preferences.
If you can't find an "About" section, right-click the program's icon or shortcut and select "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac). A details window opens showing the publisher or developer name. You can also search the program's name plus "developer" or "publisher" in your web browser to find their official website.
Finding the maker of a website
Websites don't always display who owns them on the page itself. To find the owner, you need to look up the domain registration information using a WHOIS lookup tool. Visit whois.com or whois.net in your web browser, type the website address (for example, google.com) into the search box, and click search. The results show the registrant name, organization, and sometimes contact information.
Some website owners hide their information behind a privacy service, so the WHOIS results may show a privacy company's name instead of the actual owner. In that case, look for an "About Us" or "Contact" page on the website itself — most legitimate websites display this information somewhere. You can also search the website name plus "owner" or "company" in your web browser.
If the website is a business, the owner information may also appear in the footer at the bottom of the page, often in small text. Look for a copyright notice or company name at the very bottom of the page.
Finding the maker of your internet router
The router's manufacturer name is printed on the front or back of the device. Common brands include Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys, Asus, and Arris. Flip the router over or look at the back panel — you'll see the brand name and usually a model number as well.
Under the router, there's often a sticker with the default network name (SSID) and password, along with the manufacturer's website address. Visit that website to find support, download firmware updates, or access the router's settings page. You can also search the brand name plus "router support" to find the manufacturer's help pages.
If you need to log into your router's settings to change the password or troubleshoot a connection, the manufacturer's website has instructions for your specific model. The model number on the device helps you find the exact manual and support pages you need.
Using model and serial numbers to find the maker
If the manufacturer's name has worn off or isn't visible, the model number or serial number can help you identify the maker. The model number is usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the device. Search that model number in your web browser — the manufacturer's website usually appears in the first few results.
The serial number is a unique identifier for that specific device. It's also printed on a sticker, usually near the model number. If you need warranty service or technical support, you'll need the serial number, so take a photo of it or write it down in a safe place.
For computers, you can also find the model number through your system settings without looking at the device. On Windows, open Settings, go to "System," and look for "System Model" or "Device Name." On Mac, open "About This Mac" from the Apple menu and look for "Model Identifier" or "Model Name."
What to do if you still can't find the maker
If you've checked the device itself, the settings, and searched the model number without success, try a reverse image search. Take a clear photo of the device or app icon and upload it to Google Images or another reverse image search tool. This often shows you what the device is and who makes it.
You can also post a photo of the device on tech forums like Reddit's r/techsupport or r/whatisthisthing. People there are usually quick to identify devices and point you toward the manufacturer's support pages. Include the model number and any text printed on the device in your post.
If the device is very old or obscure, the manufacturer may no longer be in business. In that case, search for archived support pages or user manuals on the Internet Archive (archive.org). You can also search the model number plus "manual" or "support" to find third-party sites that host old documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the maker of a device I bought used or secondhand?
The manufacturer's name is still printed on the device itself, even if it's used. Look on the back, bottom, or front panel for the brand name. If the label has worn off, search the model number (also printed on the device) in your web browser, and the manufacturer's website should appear in the results.
What if the manufacturer's website doesn't work or the company is out of business?
Search for the model number plus "manual" or "support" to find archived documentation or third-party support sites. The Internet Archive (archive.org) often has old manufacturer websites saved. You can also try contacting the company through social media or search for successor companies that may have taken over support for that product line.
Can I find out who made an app if I deleted it from my phone?
Yes. On iPhone, open the App Store, tap your profile icon, and select "Purchased" — deleted apps still appear there with the developer name. On Android, open Google Play, tap your profile icon, select "Manage my apps & games," and tap "Manage" — you can search for the app and see the developer name even if it's uninstalled.
Is the WHOIS information for a website always accurate?
Not always. Many website owners use privacy protection services that hide their real name and show the privacy service's information instead. Some businesses also register domains under a company name that's different from their public brand name. If WHOIS doesn't give you what you need, look for an "About Us" or "Contact" page on the website itself.
Why does my device show a different manufacturer in settings than what's printed on it?
This sometimes happens with devices sold under different brand names in different regions, or devices made by one company but sold under another company's label. The name printed on the device is usually the seller or distributor, while the settings may show the actual manufacturer. Both are correct — use whichever one helps you find the support you need.