You can find the serial number of most phones easily through a special code or a settings app. However, this step may not work to display the serial number on older or feature phones. To start the search, make sure you know which serial number you need because cell phones have two types of serial numbers.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Finding the Right Serial Number
Step 1. Use the serial number to contact the phone manufacturer
Cell phone manufacturers assign a serial number to every cell phone they make. This serial number is commonly known as "Serial".
Step 2. Use the mobile ID when contacting the mobile operator
Each telephone-capable wireless device also has a unique second serial number (IMEI/MEID/ESN). The same serial number will not be found on two phones.
Use this number to report cell phone theft. The authorities can then block calls to and from the phone
Step 3. Change the hexadecimal MEID to decimal MEID
MEID numbers may be displayed in two formats, namely 14 hexadecimal digits or 18 decimal digits. If you can only find one MEID format and your carrier asks you to provide a MEID in another format, find an online MEID converter to change the format.
Method 2 of 2: Finding the Serial Number
Step 1. Open the call screen on the phone
This screen is generally used for making calls. Enter the code *#06# on the screen, then wait for the code to appear on the screen. While this code can be used on most smartphones, it doesn't work on most feature phones.
If the serial number does not appear after a few seconds, press the call button, or follow the next step if the serial number still does not appear after pressing the call button
Step 2. If the code does not appear, restart the phone and try entering the code *#06# again
If the code doesn't work, follow the next steps.
Step 3. Check the phone settings
On most phones, you can see the relevant serial number in the same settings menu. Check one of the following menus to find the serial number of the phone, according to the type of phone you are using::
- iPhone: Settings → General → About
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Android Phone: Settings → About Device → Status
If you're using a Samsung Galaxy phone or some other type of phone, you'll need to tap More on the Settings menu before you can access About Device
- Lumia Phone: Settings → About → More Information
- Nokia X. phone: Settings → About Phone → Status
Step 4. Check the back of the phone
Some devices, such as the iPad and iPod Touch, have the serial number, MEID, and/or IMEI engraved on the back of the device. This serial number is usually in small print so you need to pay close attention to the back of the device.
Step 5. Find the serial number on the packaging or receipt of the phone
Generally, the phone's packaging or receipt includes one or more device serial numbers. Often, this serial number is printed on the barcode sticker.
Step 6. Show your Apple device in iTunes
If you're using an iPhone, connect your phone to your computer, and open iTunes. In the iTunes window, click your device name to access the "Summary" tab. The phone serial number will appear next to the device image.
Right-click (or press Cmd and left-click) the serial number column, then click Copy to copy it to the clipboard
Step 7. Contact the phone manufacturer (such as Samsung, Lumia, Windows, or Apple), instead of the carrier you are using, if you still can't find the serial number you want
Tips
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If you still can't find your phone's serial number, you may have to disassemble it. Mobile phone serial numbers are generally listed in the following sections of the phone:
- On the battery, under the back cover
- Under the battery
- On the SIM slot, and can be seen after you remove the SIM card.
