how to find a serial number on a phone

2025-01-14

How to Find a Serial Number on a Phone

Finding the serial number on your phone can vary depending on the device’s operating system and manufacturer. Below are detailed steps for different types of phones, including both Android and iOS devices.

1. Using Settings Menu

For iPhone:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on General.
- Select About.
- Scroll down to find the Serial Number listed among other information such as IMEI/MEID.
For Android:
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap on About Phone or About Device.
- Look for the Serial Number, which is usually displayed along with other identifiers like IMEI.

2. Physical Inspection of the Device

For iPhone:
- On many models, you can find the serial number engraved on the back of the device or printed on the SIM tray (for models that have one).
For Android:
- Check the back of your device; some manufacturers print the serial number there.
- If your phone has a removable battery, you may find the serial number printed beneath it.

3. Using Dialer Code

For many Android devices, you can dial *#06# using your phone’s dialer. This will display both your IMEI and serial number automatically.

4. Using Finder or iTunes (for iPhone)

Connect your iPhone to a computer.
Open Finder (on macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (on older macOS versions or Windows).
Select your device in Finder or iTunes.
The serial number will be displayed in the summary section.

5. Checking Original Packaging

If you still have the original packaging of your phone, look for a barcode label that typically contains various identifiers, including the serial number.

6. Online Account Access

If you have registered your device with an online account:

For Apple devices, visit appleid.apple.com and log in with your Apple ID to view registered devices and their serial numbers.
For Android devices linked to a Google account, check Google’s My Account page for registered devices.

By following these steps based on your specific device type, you should be able to locate your phone’s serial number easily.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:

Apple Support: Provides official guidance from Apple regarding how to find various identifiers for their devices, including detailed instructions for iPhones and iPads.

Android Help: Offers comprehensive support documentation from Google about finding device information across different Android models and manufacturers.

GSMArena: A well-respected source for mobile technology news and specifications that includes practical guides related to mobile devices’ features and settings.