Where to find your iPhone serial number in Settings

The fastest way to find your iPhone serial number is through the Settings app on the phone itself. Open Settings, tap General, then tap About. Scroll down until you see "Serial Number" — it will be a string of letters and numbers, usually 12 characters long. You can tap and hold the serial number to copy it if you need to paste it elsewhere.

This method works on all iPhone models running iOS 10 or later. The serial number shown here is the same one printed on your device, so you do not need to look anywhere else once you have it in Settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Your iPhone serial number appears in Settings > General > About, and you can copy it directly from there.
  • The serial number is also printed on the back of your iPhone, on the SIM tray, and on the original box — all three match.
  • Apple Support and your carrier both use the serial number to look up warranty status, repair history, and account details.
  • If your phone will not turn on, check the back of the device or the SIM tray, since you cannot access Settings.

Finding the serial number on the physical device

If your iPhone will not power on or you cannot access Settings, you can find the serial number printed directly on the device. Look at the back of your iPhone — the serial number is engraved there along with other information like the model and FCC ID. The text is small but readable without tools.

On iPhones with removable SIM trays (iPhone XS and earlier, plus iPhone 11 and later), you can also find the serial number printed on the SIM tray itself. Use the SIM ejector tool that came with your phone, or a straightened paperclip, to pop out the tray on the side of the device. The serial number will be printed on the metal tray.

Checking the original box and receipt

The serial number is also printed on the original box your iPhone came in, usually on a label on the bottom or back. If you still have the box, this is a quick way to find the number without touching the phone. The serial number on the box matches the one on the device and in Settings.

Your receipt or invoice from Apple or your carrier may also list the serial number, especially if you purchased the phone in-store or online. Check your email for order confirmations if you bought it from Apple directly — these emails often include the serial number in the order details.

Using Apple's Find My iPhone to locate your serial number

If you have access to another Apple device or a computer, you can find your iPhone's serial number through iCloud. Go to iCloud.com, sign in with your Apple ID, and open Find My. Select your iPhone from the list of devices. Click the information icon next to the device name, and a panel will open showing the serial number along with the model, storage capacity, and phone number.

This method is useful if your iPhone is lost or damaged and you cannot access the Settings app. You will need to remember your Apple ID password to sign in to iCloud.

Why Apple and carriers ask for your serial number

The serial number is a unique identifier for your specific iPhone. Apple Support uses it to look up your device's warranty status, repair history, and whether it has been reported as lost or stolen. Your carrier uses the serial number to verify that the phone is compatible with their network and to manage your account.

When you contact Apple Support or your carrier with a problem, having your serial number ready speeds up the process. They can pull up your device information in seconds rather than asking you to describe the phone or verify your account through other means. If you are selling or trading in your iPhone, the buyer or trade-in program will ask for the serial number to confirm the device's history and condition.

What to do if you cannot find your serial number

If your iPhone is broken, lost, or will not turn on, and you cannot find the serial number on the device or box, contact Apple Support or your carrier directly. They can look up the serial number using your Apple ID, phone number, or account information. Have your proof of purchase ready — a receipt, invoice, or order confirmation — so they can verify you own the device.

If you bought the phone secondhand and do not have the original box or receipt, you can still find the serial number on the back of the device or by turning it on and checking Settings. If the phone will not turn on and you cannot read the back clearly, Apple Support can help you identify the device using other information like the IMEI number, which is also printed on the back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the serial number the same as the IMEI?

No. The serial number is a unique identifier for your physical iPhone, while the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a number used by carriers to identify the phone on their network. Both are printed on the back of your device, but they are different numbers. Apple uses the serial number; your carrier uses the IMEI.

Can someone use my serial number to unlock my iPhone?

No. The serial number alone cannot unlock your iPhone or access your data. set up Lock, which ties your device to your Apple ID, is what protects your phone. Someone would need your Apple ID password to bypass set up Lock, not just the serial number. Sharing your serial number with Apple Support or a repair shop is safe.

What if the serial number on my device does not match the box?

This is unusual and may indicate the device was replaced or refurbished. Contact Apple Support with both serial numbers and your proof of purchase. They can look up the history of both devices and explain why they differ. This sometimes happens if your phone was replaced under warranty.

Do I need my serial number to set up a new iPhone?

No. You do not need the serial number to set up a new iPhone. You will need your Apple ID and password to sign in and restore your data. The serial number is only needed if you are contacting support, checking warranty status, or trading in the device.