Remove your SIM card tray. On models from the iPhone 5c to the iPhone 13, the serial number is laser-etched on the inside of the tray. (Note: iPhone 14/15 removed this).
But what if you can’t access the device? What if the sticker on the back has worn off? This is where an becomes your best friend.
Let’s break down what this tool actually is, where to find your number, and how to look up the history of any Apple device. First, a reality check: Apple does not have a public "search by name" database. You cannot type "John’s iPhone" into a website and get a serial number (that would be a massive privacy disaster).
Lost in the Settings? How to Use an Apple Serial Number Finder (And Why You’d Need To)