How to Check Serial Number Iphone (Warranty & IMEI Guide)

What is the serial number of the iPhone?

Check Serial Number Iphone Each iPhone is made with a unique identity, just like each person’s ID card number is different. This number is called the serial number. It is a special code consisting of letters and numbers that Apple gives to each device when it is manufactured at the factory. No other iPhone in the world has the same serial number as your iPhone.

If you use an iPhone, or are thinking of buying a new or old iPhone, it is very important for you to check the iPhone serial number. With this one number, you can find out many things, such as whether your iPhone is real or not, whether its warranty is remaining or expired, which model it is, and whether there is any Apple Support coverage on it.

Many people ask how to check the serial number of the iPhone. Some people ask how i can check iphone serial number if the phone is not turning on. Some people have to know how to check iPhone with serial number. In this article, we will answer these questions in simple language.

This guide is especially for those:

• Check your iPhone’s warranty and Apple’s support.
• Buying a second-hand or used iPhone and want to avoid fraud.
• The IMEI and serial number are required to report a phone lost or stolen.
• You want to know your phone’s information before you go to the repair or Apple Service Center.

Let’s first understand the basics.

Table of Contents

1. What is the serial number of the iPhone?
2. What is the difference between serial number and IMEI?
3. How to check the serial number of the iPhone
4. Other ways to check the serial number
5. How to check the serial number of the iPhone?
6. How to find out the iPhone model and specs from the serial number?
7. Check the IMEI number.
8. Check the serial number of the iPhone before buying it.
9. Activation Lock and iCloud status check.
10. How to Check Carrier Lock and Blacklist Status in the United States?
11. Identifying a fake or cloned iPhone.
12. Common Problems and their Solutions
13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between serial number and IMEI?

Many people consider the serial number and IMEI to be the same thing, although they are two separate numbers and the function of both is also different.

What’s the serial number?

The Apple Serial Number is the unique number assigned to your iPhone by Apple. It usually consists of 10-12 letters and numbers. In the old iPhones, it used to be 11 or 12 characters in which factory, date and model information was printed, while in the new iPhones, Apple has made it random, so it is no longer possible to estimate the age or model of the phone by looking at the serial number. For this, you have to use Apple’s official tool.

What’s the IMEI?

This means that the IMEI International mobile device identity. It is a 15-digit number that identifies your phone on the mobile network. When you make a call with a SIM, the network recognizes your device with the same IMEI. If the phone is stolen, it is blocked on the basis of this number. Dual SIM or eSIM phones have two IMEI numbers.

The main difference between the two

In summary, the serial number comes in handy for the warranty and Apple Support, while the IMEI for the network, PTA, and stolen phone report. A discerning user should note down both the numbers in a safe place.

How to check the serial number of the iPhone

This is the easiest, fastest and most reliable way. If your iPhone is on and running, you can see your serial number in a few seconds. The most frequently asked question is how to check the serial number on an iPhone, so follow these steps:

Step by Step Method

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and click on General.
3. Click on About at the top.
4. Here you will see the name, software version, model name, model number along with the serial number.
5. Scroll down on the same page and you will find the IMEI.

How to copy the serial number.

It is better to copy the serial number instead of writing it by mistake, because O and 0 or I and 1 are easily mistaken. On the About page, hold down the serial number with your finger, the Copy option will appear. Tap it and then paste it into Apple’s Warranty Check website.

It’s an essential advice

If you’re buying a used phone, don’t just rely on the screenshot sent by the seller. Screenshots can be easily changed. Open Settings > General > About and look at the number with your eyes.

Other ways to check the serial number

Sometimes it happens that the screen of the phone is broken, the phone is not turning on or you can’t reach the settings. In such a case, there is no need to panic, because there are many other ways to see the serial number. If you’re wondering how you can check iPhone serial number when the phone isn’t working, try these methods.

1.from the original box.

There is a barcode sticker on the bottom of the iPhone. It contains the serial number, IMEI and model details. Therefore, it is a good habit to keep the box. However, keep in mind that if the screen or body of the phone has changed or the box is of another phone, the box number may be different from the phone. Therefore, the number of boxes and settings must match.

2. from the SIM tray.

Some iPhone models have the IMEI hidden or engraved on the SIM tray. Older models such as the iPhone 6s and iPhone SE (1st generation) also had the serial number and IMEI written in fine letters on the back. The new models usually have only the IMEI on the back or nothing at all. The description may vary depending on the model, so check your model’s page on Apple Support.

3. From Mac or Windows PC (Finder / iTunes)

If the phone’s settings are not open, the phone is connected to the computer

• On Mac: Connect the iPhone to the cable, open the Finder, select your iPhone from the sidebar. Click on the information below the name of the phone in the general tab at the top, the serial number will appear.
• On Windows: Open the Apple Devices app or iTunes, select your iPhone, the serial number and IMEI will be found on the Summary page.

4. through an Apple account.

If you’re signed in with the same Apple account, tap your name at the top of Settings, scroll down and you’ll find a list of all your Apple devices. The number of the iPhone Tap on it, both the serial number and IMEI will appear there. You can also view the same information on any other Apple device or in the Devices section of the Apple Account website. This method works very well. If the phone is lost or damaged.

5. the receipt of an invoice or

If you purchased an iPhone from the Apple Store, an authorized reseller, or an online store The serial number is often listed on the invoice. Find the old e-mail address. This also applies to the warranty claim.

6. With the help of the Apple app

Log in to your Apple account in the Apple Support app and select your iPhone among the devices. There also appears the serial number with the description of the coverage.

How to check the serial number of the iPhone?

The next and most important step after getting the serial number is to check the warranty and coverage. This is the place This is where the real benefit of checking the iPhone serial number comes out. Apple provides an official and free service for this purpose.

Official Apple Coverage Check

1. اOpen checkcoverage.apple.com in your browser.
2. Type or paste your iPhone’s serial number in the box provided.
3. Enter the captcha code in the image.
4. Click on Continue.

In a few moments, you will get the status of your iPhone’s coverage.

What do you see as a result?

Apple usually offers a one-year limited warranty with the new iPhone. If you have AppleCare +, coverage may be higher, but the terms and duration may vary depending on your country and plan. Always check your region’s policy on Apple’s official website for the final information.

What if there is an error in entering the serial number?

If Apple’s site states that the serial number is not valid or cannot be identified, the following may be the reason:

• There was an error writing the number. (0 in place of O or 1 in place of I)
• The phone has not yet been activated in Apple’s records.
• The phone is not real or its number has been changed.
• The device is out of Apple’s support coverage.

In such a case, check the number again carefully and if there is still a problem, contact Apple Support. In the case of a used phone, this can be an alarm.

How to find out the iPhone model and specs from the serial number?

Even if you only have a serial number, you can know the basic information of your iPhone. The easiest way is to put the number on Apple’s Coverage Check website. At the top of the result page, your iPhone’s model name (e.g. iPhone 15 Pro) is written. If this name doesn’t match the phone the seller is showing you, stop right away, because it’s a big red flag.

How do you get the model number?

In Settings > General > About, a code is written in front of the model number. Once you tap on it, the code changes to Regulatory Model (e.g. A2xxx). The first letter of these codes says a lot:

This information is especially useful when buying a used iPhone. For example, if the seller says that the phone is Brand New but the model number is starting with F, then you can understand that it is Refurbished. A refurbished phone doesn’t necessarily have to be bad, but it should cost less than a new phone.

Color and Storage

Look for Capacity in Settings > General > About and match it to the seller’s claim. Complaints of selling a 128GB phone by stating 256GB are common. Color also match the label of the box.

IMEI Number Check Guide

Let’s come now to the IMEI. You’ll need this number several times, such as when reporting a phone stolen, to unlock the phone from the carrier, or to check the blacklist before buying.

There are three ways to find the IMEI

1. Dial code: Open the phone’s app, dial * #06 # on the keypad. The IMEI will appear on the screen without making a call. This is the fastest way.
2. Go to Settings > General > About. The IMEI will be there. The dual-SIM phone has both IMEI and IMEI2.
3. Original Box: The IMEI is printed on the label of the box.

If your phone has an eSIM, an EID number will also appear on the About page. It is different from the IMEI, do not enter it as the IMEI.

Keep your IMEI and serial number safe.

As soon as you buy the phone, write both numbers not in your Notes app, but also in another place, such as email or password manager. If the phone is stolen, the Notes app will also be in the same phone and will not be of any use to you.

Check the serial number of the iPhone before buying it.

There are many ways to buy a used iPhone in the US: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, Swappa, Carrier’s Pre-Owned Store, and Refurbished Resellers. There is a risk of fraud everywhere. It is wise to check the following things yourself before giving money.

Pre-Purchase Checklist

• Open Settings > General > About and see the serial number and IMEI.
• Check the model and coverage by entering the serial number on checkcoverage.apple.com.
• Match the IMEI and serial number to the box, the phone’s About screen, and the Apple result.
• Check the activation lock (see next section).
• Check the Carrier Lock and Blacklist.
• Go to Settings > Battery Health & Charging.
• Try Face ID or Touch ID, both for the camera, speaker, mic, and charging port.
• Erase the phone in front of the seller and sign out of the Apple account.

What do you say to the seller?

If the seller is reluctant to show the serial number or IMEI, or insists on only sending a screenshot before the appointment, that’s not a good sign. Meet in a public and bright place, such as inside a carrier store or shop. Many people in America also use the “Safe Exchange Zone” of the police station. If the seller stops doing any testing, it is better to leave the deal.

Activation Lock and iCloud status check.

One of the biggest problems with the iPhone is the activation lock. When the previous owner has Find My turned on and the phone is sold without signing out of the Apple account, the new owner cannot use it. The phone asks for the previous owner’s Apple account at the time of setup and you are left with an expensive “brick.”

How to check the Activation Lock.

1. Open the iCloud.com/activationlock website.
2. Enter the serial number or IMEI number.
3. Complete the captcha and see the result.

If the result is “Activation Lock: On,” don’t buy the phone until the seller removes the phone from your Apple account in front of you. “Off” means the phone is not locked. Remember that this tool only tells you the status of the lock, not the rest of the phone’s merits or demerits.

Relax on the inside of the phone

Ask the seller to sign out by tapping on the name of your Apple account at the top of Settings, then selecting Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. If the phone restarts and comes to the “Hello” screen and does not ask for the name of any previous account, then you are safe.

How to Check Carrier Lock and Blacklist Status in the United States?

In the United States, iPhones are often booked in installments through a carrier, so two things are especially important to look for: whether the phone carrier is locked, and whether it is blacklisted.

Check the Carrier Lock.

In the new iOS versions, there is a line of Carrier Lock in Settings > General > About. If “No SIM restrictions” is written there, the phone is usually unlocked. Another way is to insert the SIM of another carrier to see if the phone catches the network. AT & T, Verizon and T-Mobile’s unlock policies are different from each other, so be sure to read the updated terms on your carrier’s website.

Blacklist or Stolen Status.

The phone that is blocked on a report of theft or loss is usually not activated on US networks. To check this, you can put the IMEI in the CTIA’s Stolen Phone Checker or ask your carrier for the IMEI status. IMEI Eligibility Check is also available on the website of many carriers. Another important thing: If the phone is still in the carrier’s Installment Plan and there is money left, the phone may be blocked or locked. Therefore, ask the seller whether the balance has been paid in full, and if possible, ask for proof of payoff.

What to do if your phone is lost or stolen?

1. Turn on Lost Mode by opening Find My from another Apple device or iCloud.com.
2. Call your carrier and tell them the IMEI and block the SIM and phone.
3. Report to the local police and provide the IMEI or serial number.
4. If you have an AppleCare + with Theft and Loss, contact Apple about the claim.
5. Change your Apple account and passwords.

Remember that Apple can’t tell the location of the phone based on the serial number alone. Find My and Police reports are more effective.

Identifying a Fake or Cloned iPhone.

There are also clone phones on the market that look like the iPhone from the outside but are completely different from the inside. Checking the serial number is a good way to catch them.

Red Flags

• No record of the serial number was found on the Apple Coverage website, or another model resulted.
• The About page in Settings may not look like a normal iPhone, or the model number and serial number may seem unusual.
• The phone may display icons or menus, such as Android, or there may be a strange store in place of the App Store.
• The price is much lower than the market.
• Do not match the serial number of the phone.
• The seller refuses to check the phone at the Apple Store or the Carrier Store.

If in doubt, take the phone to the Apple Store. On the Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider, the technician can tell in a few minutes whether the phone is real or not.

Common Problems and their Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How to check the iPhone serial number?

A: Go to Settings > General > About. There will be a serial number. If the phone isn’t turned on, look through the box, Finder, or Apple Account Devices list.

Q: How can I check iPhone serial number if my phone is not working?

A: Check your purchase receipt, connect to the computer’s Finder or iTunes, or tap on your iPhone under Devices in Apple Account.

Q: How to check a iPhone serial number for warranty?

A: Go to checkcoverage.apple.com, enter the serial number, complete the Captcha and press Continue. You will see the status of repairs and service coverage.

Q: How to check iPhone with serial number only?

A: With just the serial number, you can see the status of the model, coverage and activation lock on Apple’s site. However, the IMEI is more useful for Carrier Lock and Blacklist.

Q: How to check the serial number on an iPhone without unlocking it?

A: If the phone is locked, look for the original box, the receipt, the old backup or the list of devices in the Apple account. Some older models also have the number printed on the back of the phone. The About page does not usually open directly from the lock screen.

Q: Is it possible to know the serial number of an iPhone?

A: Apple’s public tools don’t reveal the owner’s name or personal information. It only provides basic information such as model, coverage, and activation lock.

Q: Is the serial number and IMEI the same?

A: The IMEI number is a 15-digit number assigned by Apple to mobile devices. The purpose of both is different.

Q: Are online serial number checker websites safe?

A: It is better to use only Apple’s official sites. Many third-party sites ask for money or give false results. Don’t give your Apple account password to any serial number checker.

Conclusion

The serial number of the iPhone is a small code but the whole story of your phone is hidden in it. You can see it in a few seconds from Settings > General > About, and put it on checkcoverage.apple.com to find out the model, warranty, and support coverage. IMEI allows you to check the status of the network, the carrier lock and the stolen status, while Activation Lock Check prevents you from regretting after the purchase.

Always do these four things before getting a new or used phone: check the serial number, check the IMEI, check the Activation Lock, and check the Carrier Lock or Blacklist. And if the phone is stolen or lost, keeping the serial number and IMEI in advance will be your biggest support. I hope this guide has been useful to you. If you have any questions, ask in the comments below.

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