Finding the serial number of your iPhone or iPad is crucial for various reasons, including checking warranty status, getting support from Apple, and identifying your device for insurance claims or inventory purposes. Here are several methods to locate the serial number, even if your device is not in your possession.
Directly on Your Device
The most straightforward way to find the serial number is directly on your iPhone or iPad:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap General.
- Select About.
- Here, you will see the Serial Number, and you can copy it by touching and holding over it.
Using Finder or iTunes
If you need to find the serial number using a computer, you can do so through Finder or iTunes:
- For macOS Catalina or later:
- Connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac.
- Open Finder and select your device from the sidebar.
- Click on the device name to see its serial number.
- For macOS Mojave or earlier:
- Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer.
- Open iTunes and select your device from the top menu.
- Click Preferences > Devices and hover over the backup to see the serial number.
On Apple’s Website
You can also find the serial number by logging into your Apple ID account:
- Go to appleid.apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID.
- Click on Devices and select your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch to view its serial number.
On Other Devices Linked to Your Apple ID
If you have another iOS device linked to the same Apple ID, you can find the serial number of a misplaced device:
- On another iPhone or iPad, go to Settings.
- Tap your name at the top and scroll down to select the misplaced device.
- You will see the serial number on the next screen.
From Backups
If you have a backup of your device, you can find the serial number from there:
- Connect another iPhone or iPad to your Mac.
- Open Finder and locate the device in the sidebar.
- Click Manage Backups from the General section, select the backup file, and hover over it to see the serial number.
On the Original Packaging
The serial number is also printed on the original packaging of your device:
- Check the barcode on the box for the serial number.
In Purchase Emails and Receipts
You can find the serial number in your purchase email or receipts:
- Look for the purchase email or receipt from Apple, which may include the serial number.
Physical Locations on Older Devices
For older devices, the serial number might be physically engraved:
- On iPhone 4S or earlier, the serial number is engraved in the SIM tray. On the original iPhone, it is etched on the back of the device.
Using Recovery Mode
If your device is frozen and doesn’t respond, you can put it in recovery mode to find the serial number:
- Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer and open iTunes.
- Put the device in recovery mode, and iTunes will display the serial number.
By using these methods, you can easily locate the serial number of your iPhone or iPad, even in situations where the device is not in your possession.