You’re standing there, looking at a used iPhone, wondering if it's a steal or just a piece of junk. Or maybe you're trying to figure out why your screen won't turn on and the support rep is asking for a code you don't have. Basically, you need that serial number. Now.
Honestly, it’s not just a random string of letters. It is the DNA of your phone. If you know how to read it, that number tells you when the phone was made, where it was made, and if Apple even acknowledges its existence anymore.
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How to Check Apple Phone Serial Number in 10 Seconds
If your phone actually turns on, this is the "I'm in a rush" method. Open Settings. Tap General. Hit About.
There it is. Right near the top.
You can long-press the number to copy it. This is super handy because typing a 12-digit string of randomized gibberish is a recipe for a "Serial number not found" error.
The "Phone Won't Turn On" Nightmare
What if the screen is black? Or worse, what if you're buying a phone off a guy in a parking lot and he "forgot" to charge it?
You’ve got options.
On an iPhone 16, or really anything from the iPhone 12 through the 15 series, look at the SIM tray. Pop it out with a paperclip. You’ll need a magnifying glass or really good eyes, but the IMEI is etched right on the metal. While technically the IMEI and serial number are different things, Apple's support tools can usually use either to find your records.
Older phones like the original iPhone or the iPhone 4 used to have it on the back glass. Apple stopped doing that because, well, it looked cluttered.
Using the Official Apple Check Coverage Site
Once you have the number, don't just sit on it. You need to head over to the Apple Check Coverage page.
This site is the truth-teller.
You plug in the serial number, solve a CAPTCHA that’s slightly too difficult for a human, and it spits out the reality of your device. It will show you three main things:
- Valid Purchase Date: This confirms Apple knows the phone was legally sold.
- Telephone Technical Support: Usually expired after 90 days unless you have AppleCare.
- Repairs and Service Coverage: This is the big one. It tells you if you’re still under the one-year limited warranty.
If the site says "Please activate your device," it means the phone is brand new and has never been set up. If it says "Serial number not valid," run. You’re likely looking at a "Franken-phone" or a high-end clone.
The Model Number Secret (M, F, N, or P)
While you're in the About menu, look right above the serial number at the Model Number. The first letter is a total giveaway of the phone's history.
- M: It was bought brand new from Apple or a retailer.
- F: Refurbished. Apple (or a carrier) fixed it up and sold it again.
- N: Replacement device. This means the original owner had a problem, and Apple handed them this one as a swap.
- P: Personalized. It was engraved at the factory.
Knowing this prevents you from paying "brand new" prices for an "N" or "F" model.
Why the Serial Number Matters in 2026
We’re seeing more sophisticated scams than ever. Scammers can now spoof the "About" screen in the software to show a fake serial number that looks clean.
Always cross-reference. Check the SIM tray. Check the original box if the seller has it. If the box says one thing and the settings say another, something is wrong.
Also, check your Apple Account. If you sign in to account.apple.com, you can see every device linked to your ID. It lists the serial numbers there, too. This is a lifesaver if your phone was stolen and you need to give the number to the police or your insurance company.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your current warranty: Go to the Check Coverage site right now and see how much time you have left.
- Screenshot it: Go to Settings > General > About, take a screenshot, and email it to yourself. If your phone ever dies or gets snatched, you’ll have that ID ready for a claim.
- Verify the model prefix: Make sure you actually have a "New" (M) device if that’s what you paid for.
- Update your records: If the "Purchase Date" on Apple's site is wrong, find your receipt and contact Apple Support to fix it. They will often update the warranty end date if you can prove when you actually bought it.