For when your Mac won’t boot, or you don’t want to power it on, look at the underside of your MacBook Pro.
Important: On some older models (pre-2018), the text is very small and may rub off over time. If it’s unreadable, use another method.
Go to checkcoverage.apple.com. Enter the serial number and the CAPTCHA. You’ll see:
Go to checkcoverage.apple.com and enter your serial number to check warranty, AppleCare status, and model details.
Finding your MacBook Pro serial number is essential for checking warranty status, getting repairs, or identifying your specific model for software compatibility. Whether your laptop is powered on, broken, or not even with you, there are several reliable ways to locate this unique identifier. 1. Using macOS (Fastest Methods)
If your MacBook Pro is functioning, the software offers the most direct access to your serial number. About This Mac: This is the standard method for most users.
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen. Select About This Mac.
A window will appear showing your model name, processor, memory, and Serial Number.
System Information App: For more detailed hardware data, use the System Information tool. Press and hold the Option key. Choose Apple menu > System Information.
Select Hardware in the sidebar to see the serial number on the right. how to check serial number macbook pro
Terminal: If you prefer the command line or need to copy the number quickly, use Terminal. Open Terminal (found in /Applications/Utilities/).
Type ioreg -l | grep IOPlatformSerialNumber and press Return. 2. Physical Inspection (If the Mac won't turn on)
If your device is powered off or the screen is broken, you can find the serial number printed directly on the hardware.
Underside of the Chassis: Flip your MacBook Pro over. The serial number is laser-etched in very small text on the bottom case, usually near the regulatory markings. It is typically the last line of text.
Original Packaging: If you still have the retail box, look for a barcode label. The serial number is printed next to the barcode.
Sales Receipt: Most official Apple receipts or digital invoices from authorized retailers list the serial number of the purchased unit. 3. Remote Check (If you don't have the Mac)
If your MacBook Pro is lost or you are away from it, you can retrieve the number through your Apple Account. Find your Mac model name and serial number - Apple Support
Finding the serial number of your MacBook Pro can be done in several ways, depending on whether the laptop is turned on, powered off, or not with you at the moment Apple Support 1. From the Desktop (System Powered On)
The fastest way to find your serial number while using your MacBook Pro is through the macOS interface: About This Mac : Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select About This Mac For when your Mac won’t boot, or you
. The serial number is listed directly in the overview window. System Information : For more technical details, hold the Option key and choose Apple menu > System Information in the sidebar to see the serial number on the right. : Open the Terminal app and enter the command: ioreg -l | grep IOPlatformSerialNumber Apple Support 2. Physical Inspection (System Powered Off)
If your MacBook won't turn on, you can find the serial number printed directly on the hardware: Underside of the Case
: Flip your MacBook Pro over. The serial number is laser-etched on the bottom of the case, usually near the regulatory markings and "Designed by Apple in California" text. Original Packaging
: If you still have the box, the serial number is printed on the barcode label attached to the exterior. Original Invoice
: Check your physical or digital receipt from the original purchase. Apple Support 3. Remote Access (Without the MacBook)
If you don't have the laptop with you, you can retrieve the number online: Apple ID Account account.apple.com and sign in. Select
in the sidebar, then click on your MacBook Pro's name to view its serial number. Apple Support What You Can Do with Your Serial Number
Once you have the number, you can use it for various verification and support needs: Find your Mac model name and serial number - Apple Support
Sometimes the serial number shown in macOS differs from the bottom case engraving. Why? Important: On some older models (pre-2018), the text
If you see “Serial Number: Unavailable” in macOS, your Mac may have a firmware corruption issue. Try resetting NVRAM (shut down, then press Option + Command + P + R while booting).
Once you have the serial number you can:
Note that third‑party sites may provide helpful decoding but verify results against Apple’s official records when possible.
Best for: Lost or stolen devices, or devices that won't turn on.
If you still have the box your MacBook Pro came in, you are in luck. Apple prints the serial number clearly on the packaging.
Best for: Any MacBook Pro that turns on and runs macOS.
This is the standard method that works on virtually all modern and older MacBook Pros.
Pro Tip: If you need to copy the serial number to paste into a chat with support or a web form, simply highlight the number in the menu and press Command + C. You don’t even need to manually drag and select it.