The serial number of an Android device is a unique identifier that is assigned to each gadget at the production stage. It is needed not only for warranty service, but also to unlock the bootloader, restore access to your Google account after a reset, as well as when selling or repairing your phone. However, not all users know where exactly to look for this number, especially if the device does not turn on or the settings menu is inaccessible.

In this article we will look at all possible ways to obtain a serial number - from standard (through system parameters) to alternative (using a computer or physical inspection of the device). We will pay special attention to the nuances for different manufacturers: Samsung, Xiaomi, Honor, Realme and others. We will also look at why sometimes the serial number can differ from the IMEI and what to do if it is missing or erased.

1. How to find the serial number through Android settings

The easiest and fastest way is to look at the number in the settings menu. It works on all modern smartphones, regardless of the version Android (from 6.0 to 14) and the manufacturer's shell. The instructions are universal, but the paths to the section may differ slightly.

Open the application Settings (gear icon) and follow these steps:

  • 📱 Go to the section About phone (sometimes called About device or Phone information).
  • 🔍 Scroll down to block Model number or Device characteristics.
  • 🔢 Find the line Serial number (English Serial number) Usually it consists of 11-15 characters (numbers and Latin letters).

On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy s One UI), the serial number may be hidden behind an additional tap on the line Software DetailsIf you don’t find the number right away, check all the tabs in the section About the phone.

Open "Settings" → "About phone"

Find the line "Serial number" or "Serial number"

Check the number with the box (if yes)

Copy the number to a safe place (for example, in notes)

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2. Where to look for the serial number on the box and documents

If the phone does not turn on or is locked, the serial number can be found on the original packaging Manufacturers put it in the form of a sticker or print on:

  • 📦 Bottom of the box (next to the barcode).
  • 🏷️ Side of the package (under the film).
  • 📄 Warranty card or receipt (if saved).

Please note: on the boxes Xiaomi and Redmi the serial number is often duplicated in the format S/N: XXXXXXXXXXXX. It can be indicated as Samsung it can be designated as Serial No. or SSNIf the sticker has worn off, try to illuminate it with a flashlight - sometimes. symbols become visible.

⚠️ Attention: On fake devices, the serial number on the box and in the settings may not match. This is one of the signs of a non-original phone. Check the number with the data in the menu Settings or through the manufacturer's service (for example, Samsung Members).
Brand Where to look on the box Format example
Samsung Sticker on the bottom (under the barcode) R58M3XXXXXX or S/N: XXXXXXXXXXXX
Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco Side side (under the protective film) XXXXXXXXXXXX (12 characters)
Honor/Huawei Sticker on the end of the box DUA-XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Realme/Oppo Bottom of the box (next to IMEI) XXXXXXXXXX (10 characters)

3. SIM slot

On older smartphones (before 2018), the serial number was often duplicated on a sticker under the removable cover. This is true for models with a replaceable battery, such as:

  • 📱 Samsung Galaxy J3/J5 2016,
  • 📱 Xiaomi Redmi 4A/Note 4X,
  • 📱 Lenovo A6000.

To find it:

  1. Turn off the phone and remove the SIM card tray.
  2. Remove the back cover (if it is removable).
  3. Carefully remove the battery (if possible without tools).
  4. Look for a sticker with small text - the serial number is usually indicated as S/N or Serial No..

On non-removable batteries (for example, in Samsung Galaxy A52 or Xiaomi 11T) the number can be printed on the SIM card tray. Shine a flashlight on the metal part of the tray - sometimes the symbols are engraved in small print.

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If the sticker under the battery has worn off, try taking a photo of it with magnification and processing the photo in the editor (enlarge). contrast).

4. How to find the serial number through a computer (ADB)

If the phone is turned on, but access to the settings is blocked (for example, due to a forgotten pattern), the serial number can be obtained through ADB (Android Debug Bridge). data-i="104">in the developer menu. USB debugging in the developer menu.

Instructions for Windows/macOS/Linux:

  1. Download and install Platform Tools (included in the Android SDK).
  2. Connect your phone to the computer via USB and enable debugging (if prompted on the screen).
  3. Open the command line (or Terminal) and go to the folder with adb.
  4. Enter the command: 
    adb shell getprop ro.serialno

If debugging was not enabled in advance, this method will not work. An alternative is to use Fastboot (only for unlocked bootloaders):

fastboot getvar serialno
⚠️ Attention: ADB and Fastboot commands may differ for devices with custom firmware (for example, LineageOSOn some models Xiaomi serial number in). ADB is not fully displayed - in this case, use an alternative command: 
adb shell cat /sys/class/android_usb/android0/iSerial

Yes, regularly

Tried 1-2 times

No, but I want to learn

No, and I don’t plan to

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5. IMEI: what is the difference?

Many people confuse the serial number with IMEI, but these are different identifiers:

  • 🔢 Serial). number (Serial Number) - a unique manufacturer code, assigned at the factory. It is needed for warranty, repair, activation of certain functions (for example, Samsung Knox).
  • 📡 IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) - international identifier of mobile equipment. Used by telecom operators to block stolen phones.

IMEI can be found by typing on the phone's keyboard *#06#, and the serial number can only be found through settings, the box or physical inspection On some devices (for example, Google Pixel) these numbers may overlap, but this is the exception, not the rule.

Critical difference: IMEI is tied to the phone’s modem and can change after replacing the motherboard, but the serial number remains unchanged throughout the entire life cycle of the device.

Is it possible to restore the serial number if it has been erased?

Technically, no. The serial number is flashed into the memory chip at the production stage and cannot be changed. However, some service centers can “replace” it in the system if the device was repaired by replacing the board. This is illegal and can lead to problems with the warranty or activation of services (for example, Samsung Pay or Google Play Protect).

6. What what to do if the serial number is missing or unreadable

If the number has been erased from the box and the phone does not turn on, try the following steps:

  1. Check receipts and warranty documents — sometimes the number is duplicated in electronic copies (for example, in a letter from the store).
  2. Contact the service center — The manufacturer's official partners have databases where you can find the number by IMEI or model.
  3. Use a Google account —if the phone was linked to an account, try to find information about it in personal account (section Security → Your devices).

If the device turns on, but the serial number is not displayed in the settings, this may indicate:

  • 🛠️ Unofficial firmware (for example, custom software without certificates).
  • 🔧 Damage to the partition with system information (after an unsuccessful update).
  • 🚨 Fake (cloned device).
⚠️ Attention: On devices with root access the serial number can be faked by changing the file /system/build.prop. This is used by scammers to bypass blocking or sell gray phones. Check the history of the device before purchasing it in person!

7. Where else can a serial number be useful

The serial number is required not only for warranty repairs. Here are other cases when it is needed:

  • 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader (for example, to install TWRP on Xiaomi or OnePlus).
  • 📦 Activation of promotional codes (some manufacturers tie bonuses to the serial number).
  • 🔄 Restoring access to your Google account after reset (via the form recovery).
  • 🛡️ Checking for originality through manufacturer services (for example, Samsung Check or Xiaomi Verification).

On some devices (for example, Sony Xperia), a serial number is required to obtain SIM unlock code (if the phone is locked by the operator. It may also be needed when registering the device in corporate systems (for example, Microsoft Intune for work phones).

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The serial number is the “passport” of your phone. Keep it in a safe place (for example, in an encrypted note or cloud storage) so as not to lose access to the manufacturer’s warranty and services.

Often. asked questions

Is it possible to change the serial number on Android?

Technically, this is only possible with root access and special tools (for example, Chamelephon), but such a change violates the terms of the warranty and can lead to blocking of the device by Google or the manufacturer's services On most modern smartphones (for example, Samsung Galaxy S23 or Google Pixel 7) the serial number is protected by hardware and cannot be modified.

Why are the serial numbers on the box and in the settings different?

This is a sign of one of three cases:

  1. The phone and the box are from different devices (for example, after repair with replacing the board).
  2. The device is fake (clone).
  3. The manufacturer changed the number after release (rarely, but it happens Xiaomi when upgrading the model).

Check the number with the data in your Google account or through the brand's official service.

How to find the serial number if the phone is stolen?

If the device is stolen, the serial number can be found:

  • In receipts or warranty documents.
  • In the order history of the online store (if purchased online).
  • Via service Find My Device (if the phone was linked to a Google account).

With this number you can block the device through the operator (by IMEI) or the police.

The serial number and IMEI match - is this normal?

No, this is not normal. IMEI are different identifiers, and their coincidence may indicate:

  • Manufacturer error (extremely rare).
  • Fake device (for example, "gray" iPhone for Android).
  • Modified firmware where the data replaced.

Check the device through the brand's official services.

Is it possible to find out the production date of the phone by the serial number?

Yes, but not directly. Some manufacturers encode the date in the serial number. For example:

  • U Samsung The first 3-4 characters can indicate the year and week of issue (for example, R58M — 2020, 38th week).
  • U Xiaomi format may include the plant code (for example, D — India, C —China).

For decryption, use specialized services (for example, IMEI.info).