Where to find the serial number on your device
The serial number is a unique identifier printed or engraved on your device itself, usually on a sticker or metal plate. The location depends on what you own — a laptop, phone, tablet, router, or printer each hide it in a different spot. The fastest way is to look at the physical device first, then check the software settings if you can't find it there.
For most devices, the serial number is on the back, bottom, or inside the battery compartment. On newer phones and tablets, it's often printed on the back cover or the SIM card tray. On laptops, check the bottom panel, the inside of the screen bezel, or under the keyboard. If your device has a removable battery, the number may be underneath it. Take a photo of the sticker with your phone so you have a copy if the original fades or wears off.
Key Takeaways
- The serial number is a physical sticker or engraving on your device, usually on the back, bottom, or inside a removable panel.
- If you cannot find the physical sticker, you can retrieve the serial number from your device's settings menu or system information.
- Write down or photograph the serial number and store it somewhere safe — you will need it for warranty claims, repairs, and theft reporting.
- The serial number is different from the IMEI (for phones) or MAC address (for network devices), though all three are useful to have on record.
How to find the serial number in your device's settings
If the physical sticker is missing, worn away, or hard to read, you can pull the serial number directly from your device's software. The path varies by operating system, but the information is always stored in the system settings.
On Windows: Open Settings, go to System, then About. Scroll down to find "Device name" and "System serial number." You can also right-click on "This PC" in File Explorer, select Properties, and look for the serial number there. On some older Windows machines, you may need to open Command Prompt and type wmic bios get serialnumber to see it.
On Mac: Click the Apple menu, select About This Mac, and look for "Serial Number" in the Overview tab. If you need the serial number for a specific component like the hard drive or battery, click System Report and navigate to the Hardware section.
On iPhone or iPad: Open Settings, tap General, then About. The serial number appears in the list as "Serial Number." You can also find it in the Finder on a connected Mac by selecting the device and clicking the General tab.
On Android: Open Settings, go to About Phone (or About Tablet), and look for "Serial Number" or "Device Serial Number." On some Android phones, you may need to tap Build Number several times to unlock Developer Options, where additional device identifiers appear.
Serial numbers for routers, printers, and other network devices
Network devices like routers and printers also have serial numbers, usually printed on a sticker on the back or bottom. For a router, the serial number is often on the same label as the WiFi password and default login credentials. For a printer, check the back panel or the inside of the access door where you load paper.
If you need the serial number for a network device and cannot access the physical sticker, you can sometimes find it through the device's web interface. Open a browser, type the router's IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar, log in with the default username and password, and look for System Information or Device Information. For printers, print a configuration page by holding down the power button or using the printer's menu — the serial number appears on that page.
Why you need to keep your serial number safe
Your serial number is proof of ownership and is required for several important situations. If your device is stolen, you can report the serial number to the police and your insurance company — it makes the device harder to sell and easier to trace. If your device breaks and is still under warranty, the manufacturer will ask for the serial number before processing a repair or replacement.
Keep a record of your serial number in a safe place separate from the device itself. Write it down in a notebook, store it in a password manager, or take a clear photo and save it to cloud storage. If you ever need to sell the device, the buyer may ask to verify the serial number to confirm it is not stolen. Having it documented also helps you remember the exact model and year of your device, which is useful when ordering replacement parts or looking up technical specifications.
Serial number versus IMEI, MAC address, and other identifiers
Your device may have several different identification numbers, and it is straightforward to confuse them. The serial number is the unique identifier for that specific physical device. The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit number specific to phones and tablets with cellular service — it identifies your device on the mobile network. The MAC address (Media Access Control address) is a 12-character code that identifies your device on a WiFi or Ethernet network.
For most purposes, the serial number is what you need. But if you are troubleshooting a network problem or reporting a phone as stolen to your carrier, you may be asked for the IMEI or MAC address instead. On a phone, you can find the IMEI by dialing *#06# — it will appear on the screen. The MAC address is in the same Settings menu where you find the serial number, usually under Network or WiFi settings.
What to do if the serial number is missing or unreadable
If the sticker is completely gone and the software settings do not show a serial number, the device may be counterfeit, heavily damaged, or have a corrupted system. Try the software method first on every operating system available to you — sometimes the number is stored even if the physical label is gone.
If the software method fails, contact the manufacturer directly with proof of purchase. Bring your receipt or order confirmation, and explain that the serial number is unreadable. The manufacturer may be able to look up the device by the date of purchase and other details. For warranty claims or repairs, they have other ways to verify ownership, though it will take longer. If you suspect the device is counterfeit, the manufacturer can usually tell you that as well based on the model number and purchase details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the serial number the same as the model number?
No. The model number identifies the type and version of your device — for example, "iPhone 14 Pro" or "Dell XPS 13." The serial number is unique to your specific device and is used to track that one unit. Both are useful to have, but they serve different purposes.
Can someone use my serial number to steal my device or my identity?
A serial number alone is not enough to steal your device or identity. It is a physical identifier, not a password or account credential. However, do not share it publicly online, because combined with other information (like your name or purchase date), it could help someone claim the device is theirs if it is lost or stolen. Keep it private unless you are providing it to a manufacturer, repair shop, or law enforcement.
What if I have multiple devices — do I need to track all their serial numbers?
Yes, especially if any of them are valuable or under warranty. Keep a list with the device type, model, purchase date, and serial number. Store it in a safe place like a password manager, a locked document, or a physical notebook kept at home. This makes it much faster to file a warranty claim or report a theft.
Can I look up a device's history using the serial number?
The manufacturer can look up basic information like the production date and warranty status using the serial number. You cannot look up the full ownership history or see if a device was previously reported stolen through a public database. If you are buying a used device, ask the seller for the serial number and contact the manufacturer to check the warranty status and confirm it has not been reported as lost or stolen.