How to Find the Serial Number on a Mac

The Digital Fingerprint of Your Computer

Every single Mac manufactured by Apple is assigned a unique alphanumeric code called a serial number. This number is essentially the digital fingerprint of your specific machine. It is completely unique to your hardware and cannot be changed.

You will usually never need to know your serial number during daily use, but the moment something goes wrong, it becomes the most important piece of information you can provide.

If you need to book a repair appointment at the Apple Store, check if your machine is still covered by AppleCare warranty, or report the laptop to the police after it has been stolen, you will be asked for the serial number immediately. Because emergencies happen unexpectedly, it is highly recommended to find this number right now and write it down somewhere safe.

Method 1: Find It in macOS (The Easiest Way)

If your Mac is turned on and functioning normally, finding the serial number takes less than three seconds using the built-in system menus.

1. Click the Apple Logo in the extreme top left corner of your screen.
2. Select About This Mac from the dropdown menu.
3. A small window will pop up displaying the basic specifications of your computer.
4. Look near the bottom of this text list. The very last item will clearly state Serial Number followed by your unique code.

You can actually highlight this code with your mouse, right-click, and select Copy to easily paste it into an email or a warranty checker website without risking a typo.

Method 2: Find It Printed on the Hardware

If your Mac’s screen is completely broken, or the machine refuses to turn on at all, you cannot use the software method. Fortunately, Apple physically prints the serial number onto the exterior casing of every machine they manufacture.

• On a MacBook (Pro or Air): Turn the laptop completely upside down. Look closely at the small, faint text printed directly onto the metal casing near the hinge. You will see the word “Serial” followed by the code. The text is incredibly small, so you may need to use a magnifying glass or take a photo with your phone and zoom in.
• On an iMac: Turn the entire desktop machine around. Look at the underside of the heavy metal stand that supports the screen. The serial number is printed there alongside the regulatory barcodes.
• On a Mac Mini or Mac Studio: Turn the small computer upside down. The serial number is printed on the bottom circular plate.

Method 3: Find It Using Your Apple ID (If the Mac is Lost or Stolen)

If the absolute worst has happened and your MacBook was stolen from a coffee shop, you obviously cannot click the Apple menu or check the bottom casing. However, you still desperately need the serial number to give to the police for their report.

As long as you were signed into iCloud on the stolen machine, Apple keeps a record of the serial number safely stored online.

1. Borrow a friend’s computer or use your iPhone.
2. Open a web browser and go to appleid.apple.com.
3. Sign in using your Apple ID email address and password.
4. In the left-hand menu, click on Devices.
5. You will see a list of every piece of Apple hardware associated with your account.
6. Click on the specific Mac that is missing. A pop-up box will appear displaying the exact model, the OS version, and the crucial Serial Number.

Method 4: Check the Original Packaging

If you are someone who keeps the original boxes for your electronics, you are in luck. Apple prints the serial number on a white barcode sticker attached to the outside of every Mac box. Look for the phrase “Serial No.” printed next to a barcode on the back or bottom of the packaging.