The fastest way to find your iPhone serial number
Your iPhone's serial number is printed on the back of the device, below the model name. Hold your phone up to the light and look at the small text on the lower back panel — the serial number is the string of letters and numbers that starts after "Serial No." or "SN". This is the quickest method and requires nothing but your phone and your eyes.
If the text is hard to read or your phone is in a case, you can find the same number in Settings without removing anything. Open Settings, tap General, then tap About. Scroll down until you see "Serial Number" listed with a string of characters next to it. This number matches exactly what is printed on the back.
You may also see the serial number on your original iPhone box, printed on a label on the outside. If you still have the box, this is another reliable place to check, though the Settings method works even if the box is long gone.
Key Takeaways
- Your iPhone serial number is printed on the back of the device in small text below the model name.
- You can also find it in Settings by opening General, then About, and scrolling to Serial Number.
- The serial number on the back of the phone, in Settings, and on the original box are all identical.
- You need the serial number to contact Apple Support, report a lost or stolen phone, or verify warranty coverage.
- The serial number is different from your IMEI or phone number and identifies your specific device.
Why you need your iPhone serial number
Apple Support uses your serial number to look up your device's warranty status, repair history, and whether it is may be able to access for service. When you contact them about a problem, they will ask for this number to pull up your account and device records. Having it ready speeds up the conversation.
If your iPhone is lost or stolen, you can provide the serial number to law enforcement and to Apple. Apple can flag the device in their system, which may prevent someone else from using it if they try to set it up with a different account. The serial number is also what you give to your insurance company if you file a claim.
Some retailers and repair shops also ask for the serial number before they work on your phone, to confirm the device is not stolen and to keep records of what was repaired.
Finding the serial number if you cannot access Settings
If your iPhone will not turn on or Settings is not working, the printed serial number on the back is your only option. Remove any case and look at the lower back panel in good light. The text is small, so a magnifying glass or the camera zoom on another phone can help you read it clearly.
If the back is too damaged to read, your original box is the next place to check. The serial number label on the box outside is printed large enough to read without magnification. If you no longer have the box and cannot read the back of the phone, you will need to contact Apple with your phone number or account information instead — they can look up the device that way.
Serial number versus IMEI and other device identifiers
Your iPhone has several different identification numbers, and it is straightforward to confuse them. The serial number is what we have covered above — a mix of letters and numbers unique to your specific phone. The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a different 15-digit number that identifies your phone on cellular networks. You can find your IMEI in Settings under General > About, or by dialing *#06# on the phone.
Your phone number is assigned by your carrier and can change if you switch carriers or plans. Your Apple ID is your account with Apple and is tied to your email address, not to the physical phone. When Apple Support asks for your serial number, they mean the one on the back of the device, not your phone number or IMEI, though they may ask for more than one identifier to confirm your account.
Keeping your serial number safe
Write down your serial number and store it somewhere you can find it later — a notes app, a document, or a photo. This is especially useful if your phone is lost or stolen, because you will need the number to report it and you will not have the phone to look it up.
Do not share your serial number with anyone unless they are Apple Support, your carrier, your insurance company, or law enforcement. Scammers sometimes ask for it as part of a fake support call. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Apple and asks for your serial number, hang up and call Apple directly using the number on their official website.
What to do if the serial number is worn or unreadable
If the text on the back of your phone has faded or worn away over time, Settings is your backup. Open Settings, tap General, then About, and the serial number will be displayed clearly on the screen. This digital version is just as valid as the printed one.
If both the back of the phone and Settings show nothing, or if you are trying to look up a phone you no longer own, contact Apple Support with your phone number or the email address associated with your Apple ID. They can search their records and confirm the serial number for you. Have your original receipt or proof of purchase ready if you have it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find my iPhone serial number if I forgot my Apple ID password?
Yes. The serial number is printed on the back of the phone and also appears in Settings under General > About, neither of which requires your Apple ID password. You only need your Apple ID password to make changes to your account or to set up a new device.
Is the serial number the same as the model number?
No. The model number (like A2846) identifies what version of iPhone you own — for example, iPhone 15 Pro. The serial number is unique to your individual phone. Both appear on the back of the device, but they are different strings of characters.
What if I see multiple numbers on the back of my iPhone?
The back of your iPhone shows the model name, the model number, the serial number, and regulatory information. The serial number is the one labeled "Serial No." or "SN" and is usually the longest string of mixed letters and numbers. If you are unsure which one is which, check Settings under General > About to see the serial number displayed with its label.
Do I need my serial number to trade in my iPhone?
Most trade-in programs ask for your serial number to verify the device and check its condition history. Having it ready when you start the trade-in process speeds things up. You can find it on the back of the phone or in Settings.
Can someone use my serial number to unlock my iPhone?
No. The serial number alone cannot unlock your phone or access your data. Someone would need your passcode, Face ID, or your Apple ID password to do that. The serial number is useful for identifying your device to Apple or authorities, but it is not a security credential.