How To Check Serial Number Macbook Pro May 2026
Finding the serial number on your MacBook Pro Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
is simple and can be done through the operating system, on the hardware itself, or even remotely if you don't have the device with you. On the MacBook (macOS) If your MacBook turns on, use these built-in tools:
About This Mac: The quickest way is to click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner and select About This Mac. The serial number will be listed in the window that appears.
System Information: For more detail, hold the Option key and click Apple menu () > System Information. Select Hardware in the sidebar to see the serial number on the right.
Terminal: Open the Terminal app (in Applications > Utilities) and enter the command ioreg -l | grep IOPlatformSerialNumber. On the Hardware or Packaging
If your MacBook won't turn on, you can find the number physically:
Bottom Case: Flip your MacBook Pro over. The serial number is printed on the underside of the chassis, usually near the regulatory markings.
Original Packaging: If you still have the box, look for the barcode label; the serial number is printed next to it. Remote Methods
If you don't have the device with you (e.g., it was lost or stolen): how to check serial number macbook pro
Apple ID Account: Sign in to account.apple.com from any browser. Navigate to the Devices section and click on your MacBook Pro to view its serial number.
Check Coverage Page: Once you have the serial number, you can verify your device’s warranty and model details at the official Apple Check Coverage site.
Finding your MacBook Pro ’s serial number is a simple process, whether your laptop is running, turned off, or even if you don't have it with you. Method 1: The Quickest Way (Software)
If your MacBook is on and working, this is the easiest route: Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner. Select About This Mac.
A window will appear showing your model name, chip, memory, and the Serial Number at the bottom. 🔍 Method 2: If It Won't Turn On (Physical)
If your screen is black or the battery is dead, you can find the number physically etched onto the device:
Underside of the Mac: Flip your MacBook Pro over. Look for the fine print near the regulatory markings. The serial number is usually the last line of text.
Original Packaging: If you still have the box, check the barcode label. It will be listed next to "Serial No.". Finding the serial number on your MacBook Pro
Original Receipt: Your official Apple invoice or store receipt (physical or email) will also include the serial number. 🌐 Method 3: Remote Access (No Mac Needed)
If you don't have the device or the box, you can find it through your Apple Account: Go to account.apple.com on any web browser. Sign in with your Apple ID.
Navigate to the Devices section and click on your MacBook Pro to see its details, including the serial number. 💻 Method 4: Advanced (Terminal)
For those comfortable with the command line or troubleshooting in macOS Recovery:
Open Terminal (from Applications > Utilities or the Utilities menu in Recovery). Type or paste: ioreg -l | grep IOPlatformSerialNumber
Press Return to see the serial number displayed in the results. Why you might need it:
Warranty Status: Check your repair coverage at checkcoverage.apple.com. Trade-in Value: To get an accurate quote for an upgrade.
Theft Recovery: To report a stolen device to the police or Apple. Find your Mac model name and serial number - Apple Support Knowing your MacBook Pro’s serial number is important
Knowing your MacBook Pro’s serial number is important for warranty and repair support, resale, and device identification. This essay explains what the serial number is, why it matters, and gives step‑by‑step, practical methods for finding it across macOS, hardware, packaging, and Apple account records. It also covers what to do if the serial number is missing or unreadable, and how to use the serial number after you find it.
The easiest and most reliable way to check the serial number is from the Mac itself while it’s powered on.
These in‑OS methods work regardless of whether the Mac is signed into an Apple ID; they require the Mac to be powered on and functional.
Whether you need to check your warranty, sell your device, download a specific driver, or verify if your MacBook Pro is stolen, knowing your serial number is essential. This unique 11-12 character code (letters and numbers) is like your MacBook’s fingerprint.
But what happens if your Mac won’t turn on? Or if the text on the bottom case has worn away? Fortunately, Apple provides multiple ways to locate this number.
In this guide, you will learn how to check the serial number on a MacBook Pro using 7 distinct methods, from the graphical interface to the Terminal command line.
If you prefer command-line efficiency or are troubleshooting remotely via SSH, the Terminal is your best friend.
Alternative Terminal command:
system_profiler SPHardwareDataType | grep Serial
This returns a cleaner output showing only the serial number.