Serial numbers are printed or engraved on your device itself, usually on the back or bottom, and also stored in your device's settings

The easiest place to find your serial number depends on what device you own and whether you can physically access it. Most devices print the number directly on a label or engraving on the case. If you cannot access the physical device or the label is worn away, you can pull the serial number from your device's settings menu in seconds.

You will need your serial number when you contact a manufacturer for warranty service, report a device as lost or stolen, or verify ownership to a repair shop. Keeping a record of it — written down or photographed — saves time later.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the back, bottom, or battery compartment of your device first — the serial number is usually printed on a label there.
  • If the physical label is missing or unreadable, you can find the serial number in your device's settings without any tools.
  • Take a photo of the serial number label or write it down and store it somewhere safe, separate from the device itself.
  • Different device types store the serial number in different settings menus, but the process takes less than a minute on any device.

How to find the serial number on phones and tablets

On the physical device: Look on the back of the phone or tablet, usually near the bottom. Some devices have the serial number printed on a label; others have it engraved directly into the case. On older phones with removable batteries, the number may be under the battery or on the inside of the back cover. If you see a barcode with numbers printed below it, the serial number is usually the longer string of digits, not the barcode itself.

In settings on iPhone: Open Settings, tap General, then tap About. Scroll down to find Serial Number. You will also see IMEI and ICCID numbers on this screen — the serial number is the one labeled "Serial Number".

In settings on Android: Open Settings, scroll to About Phone (or About Device), and look for Serial Number. On some Android phones, it is under Settings > System > About Phone. If you do not see it in the main About section, try Settings > Device Information.

How to find the serial number on computers and laptops

On the physical device: Check the bottom of the laptop or the back of the desktop tower. Most manufacturers print a label with the serial number, model number, and other information. On some laptops, the serial number is on the underside of the keyboard or inside the battery compartment. If your computer is in a case or stand, remove it first — the label may be hidden underneath.

On Windows: Open Settings, go to System, then select About. Look for "Device name" and scroll down to find "System serial number" or "Serial number". Alternatively, open Command Prompt, type wmic bios get serialnumber, and press Enter. The serial number will appear on the next line.

On Mac: Click the Apple menu in the top left, select About This Mac, then click System Report. In the window that opens, look for "Serial Number" in the Hardware section. You can also find it in System Settings > General > About, listed as "Serial Number".

How to find the serial number on other devices

Tablets and e-readers: Check the back or bottom for a printed label. If you cannot find it there, open Settings and look for About Device or Device Information. The serial number is usually listed on the first screen.

Smartwatches and wearables: The serial number is often on the back of the device or on the band. If not visible, open the companion app on your phone — most wearables store the serial number in the app's device information section.

Printers, routers, and other hardware: Look for a label on the back, bottom, or side of the device. The serial number is usually printed alongside the model number and MAC address. If the device has a settings menu or web interface, the serial number is often listed under Device Information or System Settings.

What to do if the serial number label is damaged or missing

If the physical label is worn, faded, or torn, try to read what remains. Sometimes you can make out enough digits to identify the device. Take a photo with good lighting and zoom in — you may be able to read it on screen even if you cannot read it in person.

If the label is completely gone, your device settings are your only option. The serial number stored in settings is the official one and is what manufacturers use for warranty and repair records. Write it down or take a screenshot and store it in a safe place — your email, a password manager, or a cloud storage folder.

If you have lost access to the device entirely and cannot retrieve the serial number from settings, contact the manufacturer directly. You may be able to look it up using your purchase receipt, order confirmation email, or account information with the retailer where you bought it.

Why you need your serial number and where to keep it

Your serial number proves ownership and is required by manufacturers, repair shops, and insurance companies. If your device is stolen, you can report the serial number to your carrier or local police. If you need warranty service, the manufacturer will ask for it. Some retailers also use it to track your purchase history.

Store your serial number somewhere separate from the device itself. A photo in your email, a note in your password manager, or a document in cloud storage all work well. If you keep it only written on the device box, you will lose it when you recycle the box. If you keep it only on the device, you cannot access it if the device is lost or broken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the serial number the same as the IMEI or model number?

No. The serial number is unique to your individual device. The IMEI (on phones) and model number are the same across all devices of that type. Your serial number is what identifies your specific phone or laptop, while the model number identifies the product line.

Can I find someone else's serial number without their permission?

Yes, if you have physical access to the device or can see their settings. This is why you should keep your serial number private and not share photos of it online. If you suspect a device is stolen, report the serial number to the manufacturer or police rather than trying to track it yourself.

What if I have multiple devices and forget which serial number belongs to which one?

Take a photo of each device next to its serial number label, or write the serial number on a small label and stick it on the device case. You can also store the photos in a folder on your phone labeled with the device type — "iPhone serial", "Laptop serial", and so on.

Do I need my serial number to sell my device?

Many buyers will ask for it to verify the device is not stolen or blacklisted. Having it ready speeds up the sale. You should also erase all your personal data from the device before providing the serial number to anyone.