Lost and found electronics can be challenging for both staff and consumers, mainly because we don’t often memorize serial numbers. So we put together a quick list to help you track down that critical information if you have the device and if you don’t.
Apple Products
From MacBooks to AirPods, a lot of Apple products are lost each year. Luckily find the serial number to prove ownership is quite easy thanks to apple.
Other Electronics
All kinds of electronics are lost, but unfortunately, most aren’t nearly as convenient as Apple. Here are a few common guides:
Apple Watch
How to find the Serial Number or IMEI
- On your Apple Watch, open the Settings app.
- Tap General > About, then scroll down.
- Look for Serial Number or IMEI.
If you don’t have your Apple Watch, you can use your iPhone instead:
- On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app.
- Tap the My Watch tab, then tap General > About.
- Look for Serial Number or IMEI.
Check the case of your Apple Watch
On Apple Watch Series 1 or later—including Apple Watch Hermès, Apple Watch Nike, and Apple Watch SE—remove the band from your watch, then check the band slot.
On Apple Watch (1st generation), check the back of your watch for the engraved serial number.
MacBooks
How to find the Serial Number or IMEI
- Use your Apple ID, go to appleid.apple.com
- Sign in
- Click Devices on the left side
- Select the missing device to find the Serial Number
Check the Bottom
If you have the device the serial number can be found engrave on the bottom side.
AirPods
Find it in Settings on iOS or iPadOS
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth.
- Find your AirPods in the list (for example, “John’s AirPods”).
- Tap the More Info button
next to your AirPods to see the serial number.
Find it printed on your device
You can find the serial number printed on your AirPods or charging case.
AirPods or AirPods Pro
If you have AirPods or AirPods Pro, your AirPods and your charging case share a serial number. You can find the serial number on the underside of the lid of your Charging Case, Wireless Charging Case, or MagSafe Charging Case.
AirPods Max
If you have AirPods Max, you can detach the left magnetic ear cushion to see the serial number.
AirTags
Check in the Find My app
- Open the Find My app.
- Tap Items.
- Find the AirTag and tap the name of the AirTag.
- The serial number appears under the name.
Hold the AirTag near your smartphone
- Tap and hold the top of your iPhone or NFC-capable smartphone* to the white side of the AirTag.
- Tap the notification that appears.
- A webpage opens, showing the serial number.
* If you don’t have an iPhone, your smartphone’s NFC reader might be in a different place.
Look under the battery
- Press down on the polished stainless steel battery cover of the AirTag and rotate counterclockwise until the cover stops rotating.
- Remove the cover and battery.*
- Find the serial number printed inside the AirTag.
- Replace the battery with the positive side up. When you hear a sound, that means the battery is connected.
- Replace the cover by aligning the three tabs on the cover with the three slots on your AirTag.
- Press down on the cover.
- Rotate the cover clockwise until it stops rotating.
* Warning: AirTag, the battery cover, and the battery might present a choking hazard or cause other injury to small children. Keep these items away from small children.
Make Lost and Found Easier w/ the Liff App
If you don’t have it already, make your lost and found process easier by checking out the Liff App.