How to Find Your Mac’s Serial Number.
If you're having trouble with your Mac, you may need the serial number to get help from Apple or check your warranty. You may also be asked to enter your serial number if your Mac has been stolen and you want to track it.
Your Mac laptop or desktop computer uses the serial number as its primary identifier. This is different from the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) you find on mobile devices.
We'll show you different ways to find your Mac's serial number. Whether the device is in front of you and it's working, or it's not nearby, you can use one or more of these methods to get the serial number.
Open About This Mac
If your Mac is up and running, you can find the serial number in the About This Mac window.
Use the Apple icon on the left side of the menu bar to select About This Mac. You'll see the serial number and other details, such as the version of macOS you're using, in the Overview tab.
View System Information
Another handy place on your Mac to look up the serial number is macOS System Information. Hold down the Option key and select the Apple icon in the menu bar. Then select "System Information" which replaces "About This Mac" while holding down the Option key.
You will then see your serial number in the System Information window.
Look on the Device or Packaging
If you have a Mac but it's not working, you can find the serial number on the computer case. It's usually found on the underside of a MacBook (including MacBook Pro and MacBook Air) or on the back of an iMac. You will also see the model number if you need it.
The other physical location containing the serial number is the original packaging of your Mac. If you are holding this box, you will see the serial number on the bottom or side of the box next to the barcode.
Head to the Web
If you don't have a Mac or its packaging, you can get device information online, including the serial number.
Visit appleid.apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID username and password.Select Devices on the left. Select your Mac on the right.
You will see the serial number in a pop-up window.
Use Your iPhone or iPad
If you have an iPhone or iPad that uses the same Apple ID, you can find your Mac's serial number on that device.
Open Settings and select your Apple ID at the top. Scroll down on the next screen to view connected devices.Select your Mac. You can then see the serial number with some other details.
With this variety of ways to find the serial number on your Mac, you should be protected whether you have a working Mac or not.
For related tips, see how to change your Apple ID picture or what to do if you forget your Mac password.
How to Find Your Mac’s Serial Number
How to Find Your Mac’s Serial Number