The three places Apple puts your serial number

Your iPhone's serial number is printed on the physical device itself, visible in your Settings app, and included on your original receipt or box. The easiest route depends on whether you have the phone in your hands right now. If you do, the fastest way is Settings > General > About, where you'll see a field labeled "Serial Number" — you can tap it to copy the full number. If you don't have the phone nearby, check the original box it came in (printed on the back) or your receipt from the carrier or retailer.

Apple uses the serial number to identify your specific device for warranty coverage, repair history, and support. It's different from your IMEI number (which carriers use) and your UDID (which developers use). You'll need the serial number if you contact Apple Support, register your device for warranty, or sell the phone and need to prove you own it.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, tap General, then About to see your serial number on the screen — this works on any iPhone model.
  • The serial number is also printed on the back of your original iPhone box and on your receipt from Apple or your carrier.
  • You can copy the serial number directly from the Settings screen by tapping the number field.
  • Apple uses your serial number to check warranty status, pull repair history, and verify ownership for support cases.

How to find it in Settings (works on all iPhone models)

Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap General, then scroll down and tap About. The first field on the About screen shows your serial number — it's a mix of letters and numbers, usually 12 characters long. Tap the serial number field and it will highlight; tap again and select Copy to paste it into an email, note, or document.

This method works on every iPhone model from iPhone 6S onward, and on current versions of iOS. If you're running an older version of iOS, the layout might be slightly different, but General > About is the standard location across all versions. The serial number never changes during the phone's life, even if you update iOS or reset the device.

Finding the serial number on the physical device

On most iPhones, the serial number is printed on the back of the phone in small text, usually near the bottom. On iPhone 13 and newer models, it's printed on the back glass. On older models (iPhone 12 and earlier), it's on the aluminum band around the edge. The text is small and can be hard to read without good light or a magnifying glass.

This method is useful if your phone won't turn on or if you need to verify the number without unlocking it. However, the printed number can wear away over time or become hard to read if the phone has been used heavily. If you can't read the physical number clearly, the Settings method is more reliable.

Checking your original box or receipt

The serial number is printed on the back of your iPhone box, usually in a barcode section near the bottom. It's also listed on your receipt from Apple, your carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.), or the retailer where you bought it. If you kept the box, this is often the clearest printed version of the number.

Your carrier may also have the serial number on file in your account. If you bought the phone through Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or another carrier, you can log into your account online or call customer service and ask them to read the serial number back to you. This is helpful if you've lost the box and your phone won't turn on.

Why Apple needs your serial number

Apple uses your serial number to look up your device's warranty status, check whether it's been repaired before, and verify that you own the phone if you contact support. When you call Apple Support or visit an Apple Store, they'll ask for your serial number to pull up your device history. If your phone was damaged and repaired under warranty, that repair is tied to your serial number.

The serial number is also used to check if your device is may be able to access for a recall or safety update. If Apple discovers a hardware defect affecting a batch of phones, they use serial numbers to identify which devices are affected. You'll need the serial number if you're selling the phone, trading it in, or transferring it to another person, because it proves you're the registered owner.

Serial number versus IMEI and other identifiers

Your iPhone has several different numbers, and it's straightforward to confuse them. The serial number is what Apple uses internally and is the one you'll need for Apple Support. The IMEI number (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is what your carrier uses to identify your phone on their network — you'll need this if you're switching carriers or reporting the phone as lost or stolen. The UDID (Unique Device Identifier) is used by app developers and is different from the serial number.

To find your IMEI, open Settings > General > About and look for the field labeled "IMEI" — it's listed right below the serial number. You can also dial *#06# on your iPhone's phone app and the IMEI will appear on the screen. Your carrier can also tell you your IMEI if you call them. For most everyday purposes, you'll only need the serial number, but it's useful to know where all three are located.

What to do if you can't find your serial number

If your phone won't turn on and you can't read the printed number, contact your carrier's customer service line. They have your serial number on file from when you bought the phone, and they can read it to you over the phone. You'll need to verify your identity with your account PIN or the phone number associated with your account.

If you bought the phone from Apple directly, you can also contact Apple Support with your name and the phone number you used to set up the device, and they can look up the serial number in their system. If you have the original box but can't read the printed number clearly, try taking a photo with good lighting and zooming in on the image — this often makes small printed text easier to read than looking at the physical box.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find my serial number if my iPhone is locked or disabled?

Yes. Check the back of the original box, your receipt, or your carrier's account. If you can't access any of those, contact your carrier's customer service — they have the serial number on file. You don't need to unlock the phone to retrieve it.

Is the serial number the same as the phone number?

No. Your phone number is what people call you on; your serial number is a unique identifier for the physical device itself. A phone can have many different phone numbers over its lifetime, but the serial number never changes.

What if the serial number on my box doesn't match the one in Settings?

This is rare but can happen if the phone was replaced under warranty or refurbished. Contact Apple Support with both numbers — they can explain the discrepancy and confirm which serial number is currently active on your device.

Do I need my serial number to sell my iPhone?

Most buyers will ask for it so they can verify the phone hasn't been reported as lost or stolen. Having the serial number ready makes the sale faster and gives the buyer confidence that the device is legitimate.

Can someone use my serial number to unlock my phone?

No. The serial number alone cannot unlock your iPhone. Your device is protected by your passcode and your Apple ID password. The serial number is just an identifier — it doesn't grant access to the phone's contents.