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wikiHow to Find Your Mobile Phone's Serial Number Without Taking it Apart

Two Parts:Using the Right Serial NumberLocating any Serial NumberCommunity Q&A

You can easily find the serial number of most phones just by looking in the settings or using a special code. This is less likely to work on older phones or non-smartphones. Before you begin your search, make sure you know which of your phone's two serial numbers you need.

Part 1
Using the Right Serial Number

  1. 1
    Use the serial number when contacting the manufacturer. The company that made the phone hardware gave your device its own serial number. This is usually just labeled "Serial" wherever it is found.
  2. 2
    • Use this number when reporting a stolen phone, and authorities can block all calls to and from the device.
  3. 3
    Convert from MEID hex to MEID dec. The MEID number can be displayed in two different formats: a 14-digit "hexadecimal" MEID and an 18-digit "decimal" MEID. If you can only find one and your service provider asks for the other format, search online for an "MEID converter" to transform it.

Part 2
Locating any Serial Number

  1. 1
    Dial *#06#. Visit your dial screen, where you enter phone numbers to call. Enter *#06# and wait for a code to appear on the screen. This will work for most smartphones, but not for most non-smartphones.
    • If the code does not appear within a few seconds, press the call button. If the serial code still doesn't appear, move on to the next step.
  2. 2
    Restart the phone and try again. If nothing happens when you enter *#06#, restart your phone and enter it again. If it still doesn't work, move on to the next step.
  3. 3
    Check your settings. On most phones, you can find all the relevant serial numbers in the same location in your settings. Check in one of the following places, depending on your phone model:
    • iPhone: SettingsGeneralAbout
    • Android phones: SettingsAbout DeviceStatus
      • On the Samsung Galaxy and some other models, you'll need to click More in the Settings menu before you can reach About Device.
    • Lumia phones: SettingsAboutMore Information
    • Nokia X phones: SettingsAbout PhoneStatus
  4. 4
    Check the back of the phone. A few devices, notably iPod Touches and iPads, have the manufacturer's serial number, MEID, and/or IMEI engraved on the back of the phone. This is usually in tiny print, so look carefully.
  5. 5
    Look on the packaging or receipt. The phone's original packaging or the receipt of purchase often displays one or more of its serial numbers. They are often printed on the barcode sticker.
  6. 6
    View your Apple device in iTunes. If you are using an iPhone, connect it to your computer. Launch iTunes and click on your device name to open the Summary tab. The serial number will be listed next to a thumbnail image of your phone.
    • Right-click or command-click the serial number field and select Copy to add it to your clipboard.
  7. 7
    Contact the phone manufacturer. If you still haven't found the number you're looking for, contact the company who made your phone to find out where it is located. Contact the manufacturer, not the service provider. Samsung, Lumia, Windows, and Apple are all examples of phone manufacturers.

Community Q&A

Add New Question
  • How do I find a stolen device if I have all the system information?
    wikiHow Contributor
    If it has been stolen, go to the Apple Store, and they will be able to track it for you.
  • How can I tell if an iPhone is fake or not?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Copies are meant to look like the original so it's very hard. When you use a copy it's likely to be quite slow and not have all the apple features. Just play around with it and see if anything is abnormal.
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    • If all else fails and you do need to take your phone apart, the serial number is usually listed in one of the following places:
      • On the battery, underneath the back cover
      • Behind the battery
      • In the SIM card holder, visible after removing the SIM card

    Article Info

    Categories: Cell Phones

    In other languages:

    Español: encontrar el número de serie de tu teléfono móvil sin desarmarlo, Italiano: Identificare il Numero di Serie del Tuo Telefono Cellulare Senza Smontarlo, Русский: узнать серийный номер вашего мобильного телефона, не разбирая его на части, Português: Encontrar o Número de Série do seu Telefone Móvel Sem Desmontá lo

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