Your serial number is in Settings, on the box, or on the back of your phone

The fastest way to find your iPhone's serial number is to open Settings, tap General, then tap About. Scroll down until you see the line labeled Serial Number — it's a string of letters and numbers, usually 11 or 12 characters long. Write it down or take a screenshot if you need it for a warranty claim, repair, or to report a lost phone.

If your phone won't turn on or Settings won't open, you have two other places to look. The serial number is printed on the original box your iPhone came in, on a white sticker on the back. It's also engraved on the physical phone itself — on older models it's on the back, and on newer iPhones (11 and later) it's on the bottom edge near the SIM card slot.

You can also find it through your Apple ID account online. Go to appleid.apple.com, sign in, click Devices, select your iPhone, and the serial number will be listed there. This method works even if you don't have the phone with you.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, tap General, then About, and scroll to find Serial Number — this is the quickest method if your phone works.
  • The serial number is printed on your original iPhone box and engraved on the phone itself, so you can find it without turning the device on.
  • You can view your serial number through your Apple ID account at appleid.apple.com under the Devices section.
  • Keep your serial number handy for warranty claims, repairs, or if you need to report your phone lost or stolen to your carrier.

Why you need your serial number

Your serial number is how Apple and your carrier identify your specific phone. If you need to send your iPhone in for repair under warranty, Apple will ask for this number to pull up your device history and coverage. If your phone is lost or stolen, your carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or another provider) uses the serial number to blacklist the device so it can't be activated on another account.

Insurance companies also ask for the serial number when you file a claim. If you're selling your iPhone, the buyer may want to verify the serial number matches what's on the box to confirm it's not stolen or refurbished without disclosure.

The difference between serial number, IMEI, and ICCID

Your iPhone actually has three different identification numbers, and they serve different purposes. The serial number is what Apple uses to track your device. The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is what your carrier uses — it's a 15-digit number that identifies your phone on cellular networks. The ICCID is tied to your SIM card, not your phone itself, so it changes if you swap SIM cards.

You'll find all three in the same Settings > General > About screen. The serial number is listed first. The IMEI appears as "IMEI" or sometimes split into "IMEI 1" and "IMEI 2" if your phone supports dual SIM. The ICCID is usually at the bottom and is labeled "ICCID" or "Integrated Circuit Card Identifier."

For most situations — warranty, repair, or reporting a lost phone — you only need the serial number. Your carrier will ask for the IMEI if you're reporting the phone stolen and want it blocked from cellular networks.

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

If your phone is broken and won't turn on, and you no longer have the original box, your Apple ID account is your backup. Sign into appleid.apple.com from any computer or another device, go to Devices, and your iPhone will be listed with its serial number. You don't need the phone itself to access this information.

If you've forgotten your Apple ID password, you can still contact Apple Support directly. Have your phone number and the email address associated with your account ready. Apple can verify your identity and provide the serial number without you needing to access Settings or your account.

Keeping your serial number safe

Your serial number is not sensitive information in the way a password is — it's printed on the outside of your phone and on the box it came in. You don't need to hide it. However, it's worth writing it down or taking a screenshot and storing it somewhere you can find it later, separate from the phone itself. If your iPhone is lost or stolen, you'll need this number quickly, and you won't have the phone to look it up.

Some people keep a photo of their iPhone's About screen in cloud storage (Google Photos, iCloud, OneDrive) so they can access it from any device. Others write it in a notes app or a document. The goal is straightforward: make sure you can find it without the phone.

How to check if a used iPhone's serial number is legitimate

If you're buying a used iPhone, you can verify the serial number to make sure the phone isn't stolen or blacklisted. Ask the seller to show you the Settings > General > About screen with the serial number visible. Then go to checkcoverage.apple.com, enter the serial number, and Apple will tell you the device's warranty status and whether it's may be able to access for service.

This check won't tell you if the phone is stolen, but it will confirm the serial number is real and registered with Apple. If the seller won't show you the serial number or it doesn't match the box, that's a red flag. You can also ask your carrier to check whether the IMEI is blacklisted before you complete the purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone use my serial number to unlock my iPhone?

No. Your 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 just an identifier — it's not a security credential.

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 physical device. They're completely separate.

What if two iPhones have the same serial number?

That shouldn't happen. Every iPhone has a unique serial number assigned at the factory. If you see the same serial number on two different phones, one of them is counterfeit or has been tampered with. Contact Apple Support if you suspect this.

Do I need my serial number to set up a new iPhone?

No. You only need your Apple ID and password to set up a new iPhone and restore your data. The serial number is useful for warranty and repair purposes, but it's not required during setup.

Can I find my serial number if I've already sold my iPhone?

Yes, if you still have access to your Apple ID account. Sign into appleid.apple.com, go to Devices, and your old iPhone will be listed there with its serial number — even after you've sold it. You can also check your original purchase receipt or the box if you kept it.