Where to find your serial number on your iPhone

Your iPhone's serial number is a unique identifier that Apple uses to track your device. You can find it in three places: on the physical device itself, in your iPhone Settings, or through your Apple Account. The easiest route for most people is Settings, since you do not need to locate the tiny print on the back of your phone or log into a web browser.

The serial number is different from your IMEI (the number that identifies your phone on cellular networks) and your UDID (a code used by developers). All three are printed or stored in the same locations, but they are not interchangeable. If you are looking up your phone for warranty purposes or to report it lost, you need the serial number specifically.

Key Takeaways

  • Your serial number appears in Settings under General > About, listed as "Serial Number" — this is the fastest way to find it.
  • The serial number is also printed on the back of your iPhone below the regulatory text, though the print is small and fades over time.
  • You can view your serial number through your Apple Account by signing into iCloud.com and checking your device list.
  • Apple Support and your carrier both use the serial number to look up warranty status, repair history, and set up lock information.

Finding your serial number in iPhone Settings

Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap General, then tap About. Scroll down until you see the line labeled Serial Number. The number next to it is your serial number — it is a mix of letters and numbers, usually 12 characters long. You can tap and hold the serial number to copy it, then paste it into an email, note, or document.

This method works on all iPhone models running iOS 5 and later. If you cannot find the About section, your iPhone may be running an older version of iOS, or you may have restricted access to Settings through parental controls. In that case, try one of the other methods below.

Finding your serial number on the physical iPhone

Turn your iPhone over and look at the back. Below the regulatory text (which includes the FCC ID and other small print), you will see your serial number printed directly on the case. The print is small and silver or white, depending on your iPhone color. On newer models, the serial number may be harder to read because the print fades faster.

If the serial number on the back is worn away or unreadable, do not assume it is gone — the number is still stored in your phone's software and will show up in Settings or through your Apple Account. You do not need to replace your phone or contact Apple just because the printed version is faded.

Finding your serial number through your Apple Account

Go to iCloud.com on any computer or web browser and sign in with your Apple ID and password. Click Find My (or Find My iPhone on older accounts). Your registered devices will appear on a map or in a list. Click on your iPhone, and a panel will open showing device details. Scroll down to find your serial number.

This method only works if you have already set up Find My on your iPhone and signed into iCloud with your Apple ID. If you have not done that, you will not see your device listed. You can also call Apple Support and provide your phone number or email address — they can look up your serial number in their system if you have purchased AppleCare or registered your device with Apple.

Why Apple and carriers ask for your serial number

Your serial number is how Apple and your carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) confirm that you own the phone and that it is not stolen or blacklisted. When you contact Apple Support about a repair or warranty claim, they will ask for your serial number to pull up your purchase date, warranty coverage, and repair history. Your carrier uses it to check whether your phone is may be able to access for upgrades or trade-in programs.

If you are selling your iPhone or giving it to someone else, you should remove it from your Apple Account before handing it over. This disconnects the serial number from your iCloud account and removes the set up lock, which prevents the new owner from using the phone without your password. You can do this in Settings by going to General > Transfer or Reset, then choosing Erase All Content and Settings.

What to do if you cannot find your serial number

If your iPhone is powered off and will not turn on, you cannot access Settings. In that case, check the back of the phone for the printed serial number. If that is also unreadable, you can contact Apple Support with your phone number or email address, and they can look it up based on your account history.

If you have lost your iPhone entirely, you do not need the serial number to report it lost — you can use Find My to mark it as lost, which locks it remotely and displays a message on the screen. However, if you are filing an insurance claim or a police report, the serial number will be useful information to include. Your carrier may also ask for it when you request a replacement phone.

Serial number versus other iPhone identifiers

Your iPhone has several different identification numbers, and it is straightforward to confuse them. The serial number is what Apple uses internally to track your device. The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is what your cellular carrier uses to identify your phone on their network — you can find it by dialing *#06# on your phone, or in Settings under General > About. The UDID (Unique Device Identifier) is used by app developers and is not something you will normally need to look up.

If someone asks you for your "device ID" or "phone ID," ask them to clarify which number they need. Apple Support and your carrier will usually specify "serial number" if that is what they want. If you are unsure, provide the serial number first — it is the most commonly requested identifier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find my serial number if my iPhone is locked with a passcode?

Yes. Go to Settings > General > About without entering your passcode — you can access this section even if your phone is locked. If you cannot get to Settings for any reason, check the back of your phone for the printed serial number, or sign into iCloud.com from another device to view your device list.

Is my serial number the same as my phone number?

No. Your phone number is assigned by your carrier and is used for calls and texts. Your serial number is assigned by Apple and is used to identify the physical device itself. They are completely different numbers and serve different purposes.

What should I do if someone asks for my serial number online?

Be cautious. Apple Support will never ask you for your serial number via email or text message — they will ask for it during a phone call or in a support chat where you have initiated contact. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Apple and asking for your serial number, do not provide it. Hang up or close the chat and call Apple directly at 1-800-MY-APPLE.

Can I change my iPhone's serial number?

No. Your serial number is hardcoded into your iPhone's hardware and cannot be changed through Settings, a factory reset, or any software update. If someone claims they can change your serial number, they are either mistaken or attempting fraud.

Do I need my serial number to back up my iPhone?

No. You can back up your iPhone to iCloud or to a computer using iTunes or Finder without providing your serial number. Your Apple ID is what ties your backup to your account, not your serial number. The serial number is only needed if you are contacting support or registering your device with Apple.