Your iPhone's serial number is printed on the back of the phone, in Settings under About, or on your original receipt and box
The serial number is a unique identifier assigned to your specific iPhone at the factory. It looks like a string of letters and numbers — for example, F2NN1B86Q05M. You will need it if you contact Apple Support, file an insurance claim, report a lost or stolen phone, or sell the device. It is different from your phone number, your Apple ID, or your IMEI number, though all three are useful to have on hand.
The fastest way to find it depends on whether your phone is working and whether you have the original packaging. If your phone is on and unlocked, Settings is quickest. If the phone is damaged or won't turn on, the back of the device or the original box will have it printed. If you no longer have the phone, your receipt or Apple account will show it.
Key Takeaways
- The serial number appears on the back of your iPhone below the regulatory text, in Settings under General > About, and on your original receipt and packaging.
- You will need the serial number to contact Apple Support, report a lost or stolen phone, or file a warranty or insurance claim.
- The serial number is different from your IMEI number, phone number, and Apple ID — all four are separate identifiers.
- If your phone is lost, stolen, or broken, check your original box, receipt, or Apple account instead of trying to access the phone itself.
Finding the serial number in Settings on a working iPhone
Open the Settings app and tap General. Scroll down and tap About. The serial number appears in the list — it is labeled "Serial Number" and is usually near the top, above the IMEI and ICCID numbers. You can tap and hold the serial number to copy it, then paste it into an email or document if you need to share it with Apple Support or an insurance company.
This method works on any iPhone model running any recent version of iOS. The location in Settings has not changed for many years, so even if your phone is older, you will find it in the same place.
Finding the serial number printed on the back of your iPhone
Look at the back of your iPhone, below the camera and above the regulatory text at the very bottom. The serial number is printed there in small text. On newer iPhones (iPhone XS and later), it is engraved directly into the aluminum or stainless steel back. On older models, it may be printed on a label. You may need a flashlight or magnifying glass to read it clearly, especially if the text is small or the lighting is poor.
This method works even if your phone is locked, damaged, or will not turn on. If the back is cracked or the text is worn away, move to the next method.
Finding the serial number on your original iPhone box or receipt
The serial number is printed on the outside of the original iPhone box, usually on a label on the bottom or back. It is also listed on your receipt from the carrier or retailer where you bought the phone. If you bought it from Apple directly, log into your Apple account online, go to your purchase history, and the serial number will appear next to the device.
Keep your original box and receipt in a safe place. They are useful not only for finding the serial number, but also for proof of purchase if you need to make a warranty claim or sell the phone later.
Finding the serial number through your Apple account
Go to appleid.apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID. Click Devices in the left menu. Select your iPhone from the list. The serial number appears on the device details page. This method works even if you no longer have the phone, as long as it was registered to your Apple ID at some point.
If you have multiple devices registered to your account, make sure you are looking at the correct one. The device name (for example, "Sarah's iPhone 14") appears at the top of the details page.
Why you need the serial number and when to use it
Apple Support uses the serial number to look up your device's warranty status, repair history, and any recalls that may explore to your phone. If you contact them about a technical problem, they will ask for it. Insurance companies need it to process claims for lost, stolen, or damaged phones. If you report your phone as lost or stolen to your carrier, they will ask for the serial number to block the device on their network.
When you sell or give away your iPhone, provide the serial number to the new owner so they can register it to their own Apple ID. If you trade in your phone to Apple or a carrier, they will scan or record the serial number as part of the process.
The difference between serial number, IMEI, and ICCID
Your iPhone has three separate numbers that identify it. The serial number is unique to your specific phone and is what Apple uses internally. The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is used by cellular carriers to identify the phone on their network — this is what gets blocked if you report the phone as stolen. The ICCID is the identifier for your SIM card, not the phone itself, and changes if you swap SIM cards.
All three appear in Settings under General > About. For most everyday purposes, you only need the serial number. But if a carrier asks for your IMEI or a support agent asks for your ICCID, you now know where to find them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can't read the serial number on the back of my iPhone?
Try using your phone's flashlight or a bright lamp to improve the lighting. If the text is still hard to read, use Settings instead — that method works even if the back is worn or damaged. If you no longer have the phone, check your original box, receipt, or Apple account.
Is the serial number the same as my phone number?
No. Your phone number is assigned by your carrier and can change if you switch carriers or get a new plan. Your serial number is permanent and unique to that specific iPhone. They serve completely different purposes.
Can someone use my serial number to unlock or track my iPhone?
The serial number alone cannot unlock your phone or track its location. However, it is still worth keeping private because it can be used to impersonate you when contacting Apple Support or to file fraudulent insurance claims. Do not post it on social media or share it with people you do not trust.
Do I need the serial number to set up a new iPhone?
No. You need your Apple ID and password to set up a new iPhone and restore your data. The serial number is not part of the setup process. You only need it if you are contacting support, filing a claim, or registering the device with a third party.
What should I do with my serial number if I sell my iPhone?
Write it down and give it to the buyer so they can register the phone to their own Apple ID. Keep a copy for your records in case there are any disputes later. Do not leave it on the device itself — erase the phone completely before handing it over.