By DialHelpUSA Editorial Team · 300-word guide
Easiest: Settings > General > About > scroll to Serial Number. Tap and hold to copy.
If the device is locked or not turning on:
While running: click the Apple menu (top-left) > About This Mac > the serial number appears on the first line.
If the Mac won't boot:
This is the tricky one. AirPods serial number is inside the charging case lid - open the case, look just under the hinge. AirPods Max serial is inside the headband near the smart-case attachment.
Easier method: with AirPods connected, open Settings > General > About > scroll to find your AirPods entry > tap to see serial.
Apple TV: Settings > General > About > Serial Number.
HomePod / HomePod mini: Home app on iPhone > long-press HomePod > settings gear > scroll to Serial Number.
Apple Pencil: only printed on the original box label or visible in the iPad's Settings > Apple Pencil section once paired.
Apple Support requires the serial to:
To check coverage status without a call, visit checkcoverage.apple.com. To call Apple, see our Apple Customer Service Phone Number guide.
On the small white sticker label, near the barcode. It's a 12-character alphanumeric code starting with letters.
No. iPhone has both - the serial identifies the device, the IMEI identifies the cellular modem. Apple Support and carriers use different ones for different purposes.
If you signed into your Apple ID on it, yes - it stays in appleid.apple.com > Devices unless you removed it manually.
Apple Support can identify the device by purchase receipt or the serial in your Apple ID. Call 1-800-275-2273 with proof of purchase ready.
Other questions our readers commonly ask about this topic:
Yes - Apple customer service is reachable on a toll-free U.S. number that does not charge a per-minute fee. Standard mobile-carrier minutes may apply on metered cellular plans. International callers may pay long-distance charges depending on country and carrier. Visit our Apple contact page for current toll-free numbers and hours.
Simple problems (account access, password resets, basic billing questions) typically resolve in a single 10-15 minute call. Complex issues (refund disputes, identity verification, escalated complaints) usually take 3-7 business days because they need supervisor review or document submission. If your case has stalled past 7 business days, escalate to a supervisor or the executive customer service team.
First, politely ask to escalate to a supervisor or to the executive customer service team. Most brands have an internal "office of the president" that handles complex complaints. If escalation does not resolve it, file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org), your state Attorney General consumer-protection portal, and - for finance, telecom, or airline issues - the relevant federal agency (CFPB, FCC, or DOT). Our Apple customer service guide lists the alternate channels.