Serial numbers are usually printed on stickers or etched into some devices, but if the sticker is removed or worn then you will need to find the number on your device. This article will list how to find serial numbers on a variety of devices.
The Service Tag sticker on a Dell desktop computer may look like:
And is often times located on either the back or sides of the tower.
And on either Dell laptops or Mac computers it may resemble:
On iMac computers the stick will often times be located either on the Computer’s stand or the back of the computer itself. For Dell and Mac laptops the sticker will most likely be located on the underside of the device and on some Dell laptops models it may be covered by a hinged plate that will need to be lifted out of the way to reveal the sticker.
NOTE: The first step for a majority of this would be to check the exterior of your device and locate the serial number. If you can not find it refer to the instructions below.
Macbooks
- From the Apple menu in the corner of your screen, choose About This Mac. You’ll see an overview of your Mac, including its model name and serial number.
- You can use System Information to find info about your Macbook. The System Information app also shows your Mac model and serial number. Open the app, then select Hardware on the left side of the System Information window. The model name and serial number appear on the right:
Windows Devices
System BIOS screen method
- With your computer turned off.If your Service Tag sticker is missing or illegible you can find the Service Tag in the BIOS screen.
- Turn the PC back on and press F2on the Dell logo screen. You’ll need to be quick with this move—make sure you press this key as soon as you see the Dell logo. This will bring you to the BIOS screen.
- Find the Service Tag in the system information.You’ll usually find a line called “Service Tab” on the screen that opens by default, but you may have to explore other tabs to find it. The Service Tag is a 7-digit code that contains both letters and numbers.
Command Prompt method
- Windows 8 or 10: Right click the Start button (the Windows icon at the bottom left corner of the desktop) and click Command Prompt. Windows 7: Press Windows + R, type “cmd” into the Run dialog, and then press Enter.
- At the Command Prompt, type the following command and then press Enter:
- wmic bios get serialnumber
- You’ll see the computer’s serial number displayed beneath the text “SerialNumber”.
Monitors
- Open command prompt by typing cmd in the Windows search bar in the bottom left corner.
- Type “wmic bios get serialnumber” in the command prompt and press Enter. The serial number should now be displayed.
- If this does not work, find a sticker on the back of the monitor, the serial number should be next to the bar code.
Keyboards
Keyboard serial numbers can usually be found on the bottom of the keyboard next to the barcode.
Mice
A mouse’s serial number can usually be found on the bottom of the mouse. If the mouse is wireless, try looking inside the battery cover.
iOS Devices
- Navigate to the “Settings” application.
- Click on the “General” option.
- Select “About.”
- Serial number will be listed here.