Use this free Apple serial number and model lookup to identify a Mac, iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch before you buy, sell, repair or insure it. Type what you have into the box below: a serial number, a Mac model identifier, the A-number printed on the case, or an EMC number. It works out which one it is.
For Macs, the model identifier looks like MacBookPro14,3, MacBookAir10,1 or, on newer Apple silicon Macs, Mac14,2. You can find it in Apple menu > About This Mac > More Info > System Report, under Hardware. It is the most reliable way to identify any Mac, including ones with newer randomised serial numbers.
Works with a serial number, a Mac model identifier (MacBookAir10,1, Mac14,2), an A-number from the case (A2338), an EMC number (2554) or a part number from the box (MYEC3B/A).
Where to find your Apple serial number
The easiest place to find your serial number is usually on the device itself, not on the box you put somewhere safe in 2018.On a Mac
- Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner.
- Choose About This Mac.
- Look for the Serial Number.
On an iPhone or iPad
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap About.
- Look for Serial Number. Touch and hold it to copy.
If the device will not turn on
- Check the original Apple box, near the barcode label.
- Check the original receipt or invoice.
- Look on the underside of many Macs, near the regulatory markings.
- For devices signed in to your Apple Account, check your device list at account.apple.com.
Why newer Apple serial numbers show less information
Older Apple serial numbers often revealed useful details such as the approximate factory, production week and configuration code. That is why older Mac serial decoders can sometimes tell you more than Apple public warranty pages. Newer Apple products use more randomised serial numbers. From around 2021 onwards, many serial numbers no longer encode the same manufacturing date, location and configuration information. In plain English: the lookup may still identify the device, but it may not be able to decode every detail from the serial number alone. This does not mean the serial number is wrong. It usually means Apple has changed what information is hidden inside it. Modern Apple, naturally, has decided you may have one crumb of information and should be grateful.What this lookup can and cannot tell you
- It can identify every Mac from its model identifier, including Apple silicon Macs, and iPhones, iPads and Apple Watches from their A-number model number.
- It can decode build date and factory from older serial numbers (roughly 2010 to 2021). Newer randomised serials cannot be decoded by anyone, so use the model identifier or A-number instead.
- It is not a warranty checker. For warranty and AppleCare status, use Apple official Check Coverage page.
- It is not proof that a second-hand device is safe to buy. Always check Activation Lock, Find My, receipts, condition and whether the seller can erase and remove the device from their Apple Account.
Use the model identifier to estimate second-hand value
The serial lookup helps identify the device, but a second-hand value usually depends on the exact model, processor, RAM, storage, screen size, colour and condition. That is where the model identifier can be useful. For example, searching MacBookPro14,3 on CeX / webuy can show similar MacBook Pro listings, including current sell prices and trade-in values where available.- Sell price gives you a rough idea of retail replacement value.
- Voucher value shows what a retailer may offer if you take store credit.
- Cash value is usually lower, but more useful if you just want the money.