This wikiHow teaches you how to view the serial number of your smartphone without having to disassemble it. Seeing the serial number on a smartphone is a bit more complicated; however, you should be able to find it somewhere on the phone's case or in your documents.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: On an iPhone
Step 1. Open Settings
from your iPhone.
Tap the Settings app icon, which looks like a group of gears on a gray background.
Step 2. Scroll down and tap General
It's near the top of the Settings page, just below the bottom of your iPhone screen.
Step 3. Click on About
This option is at the top of the General page.
Step 4. Scroll down to the "Serial Number" heading
You'll find this heading in the middle of the "About" page.
Step 5. Check the serial number
The serial number is the set of numbers and letters to the right of the "Serial Number" heading.
Method 2 of 3: On an Android device
Step 1. Open the Settings of your Android device
Scroll down from the top of the screen, then tap the icon Setting
which is shaped like a gear and will be in the upper right corner of the drop-down menu that appears.
On some Android devices, you may have to use two fingers to scroll down
Step 2. Scroll down and tap About phone
It's at the bottom of the Settings page.
- You may first need to tap System at the bottom of the menu.
Step 3. Find the heading “Serial Number”
The location of this option will vary depending on the manufacturer of your Android device. So, scroll down until you find the heading "Serial Number" on the "About phone" page.
- On some Android devices, you may need to press State to see the heading “Serial Number”. Some Android devices may also require you to click on the "Serial Number" heading to see the number.
Step 4. Check the serial number
The serial number is a combination of letters and numbers to the right of the "Serial Number" heading.
Method 3 of 3: Use a Non-Smartphone
Step 1. Find the serial number on the outside of the phone
Some manufacturers put the serial number of a non-smartphone on the back or side of the battery box, although you may need to remove the protective cover from the phone before looking for the serial number.
This is relatively uncommon, but it's worth a quick look before proceeding to the less convenient steps
Step 2. Check the battery cover
In most cases, you can find the phone's serial number on the inside of the cover that protects the battery. While you will need to remove that cover to see the serial number, you will not have to disassemble or damage the phone to do so. Most folding phone battery covers slide out.
Make sure the phone is turned off before removing the battery cover
Step 3. Try using the Settings menu
If your non-smartphone has a "MENU" or "SETTINGS" button, press it. Then find the element ABOUT or INFORMATION and select it. You may be able to find the serial number there by using the arrow buttons to scroll down.
Step 4. Check the original packaging or receipt for your phone
If you still have the packaging or receipt from when you bought the phone, look for the serial number on the label or at the bottom of the receipt.
Step 5. Find your phone in your account
If you use a traditional provider like Verizon Wireless or AT&T (for example, a non-prepaid plan), you can usually find information about your specific phone by going to the provider's website and viewing your account.
Generally, you will need to have an email address and password to log in. If you don't know these credentials, consider calling your local provider to find out your login information
Step 6. Call your local company branch and ask for the serial number
In the event that you cannot find the serial number on the phone or packaging or access your account online, you can call your nearest company branch and ask for the serial number.
In order for the branch to provide you with the number, you will need to provide some combination of your name, your date of birth, an access code, the last four digits of your social security number, or your identification number
Step 7. Contact the phone manufacturer
If you still haven't found the number you're looking for, contact the company that made the phone to find out where it is. In this case, be sure to contact the manufacturer, not the service provider.
Samsung and Lumia are examples of phone manufacturers, while AT&T and Sprint are examples of service providers
Advice
- If you bring your smartphone in for repair or replacement, your carrier representative may ask for your phone's IMEI, ESN, or MEID number. This number is different from the serial number; however, it is usually found in the same menu (for example, in the “About” section on an iPhone or in the “About phone” section on an Android device).
- If all else fails and you have to disassemble the phone, the serial number will usually be in one of the following places:
- on the battery (under the back cover)
- behind the battery
- in the SIM card holder (visible after removing the SIM card)