How to find the serial number of a Mac

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

You need the serial number to check warranty cover, book a repair, report a theft or sell the Mac. There are several places to find it, including two that work when the Mac will not turn on.

Step by step

1. Choose About This Mac

   Click the Apple menu in the corner of the screen and choose About This Mac. The window shows the model name and the serial number.

   Done

2. Or open System Information

   Hold the Option key and click the Apple menu, then choose System Information. Select Hardware in the sidebar. It lists the serial number, the model identifier and the model number.

   Done

3. Look on the Mac itself

   The serial number is usually printed on the underside of the Mac, near the regulatory markings. The print is small.

   Done

4. Look on the box

   The serial number may also be on the original packaging.

   Done

5. Look in your Apple Account

   On any device, go to account.apple.com and sign in. Select Devices in the sidebar and click the name of the Mac. This works even when the Mac is lost.

   Done

Good to know

Do not post the serial number publicly, for example in a photo for a sale advert. Give it to a buyer only when the sale is serious.

With the serial number, Apple's website shows whether the Mac is still covered by warranty or AppleCare.

For people who use Terminal, Apple gives this command: ioreg -l | grep IOPlatformSerialNumber

In short: Apple menu, About This Mac. Or the underside of the Mac, the box, or account.apple.com.