Serial number does not exist

Question

Serial number does not exist

Today I tried to get help from apple regarding a problem with my iPod Touch

3rd Gen. After almost an hour of giving my serial number to, and confirming same with the help personnel, I was told that not only did this number not match with my registered device, IT DID NOT EXIST AT ALL. How is this possible? This number is verified in iTunes upon connection and printed on the back of device. I don't know how a different number got registered. I purchased all three of my Apple devices from the VA post exchange. I would think that if counterfeit, it would not have worked properly until now. Anyone else out there with similar problem. I am several miles from an Apple Store.

iPod touch, iOS 4.2

Posted on Feb 15, 2013 4:59 PM

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Answer 1

Feb 16, 2013 3:15 PM in response to markfromshelton

You posted in the iPad forum instead of the iPod forum. To get answers to your question, next time post in the proper forum. See https://discussions.apple.com/index.jspa I'll request that Apple relocate your post.

 Cheers, Tom 😉

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Answer 2

Badunit

Level 7

30,348 points

Feb 17, 2013 6:55 AM in response to markfromshelton

I can see how a different serial number could be registered: the clerk may have done something wrong. But I am surprised Apple doesn't have your device's serial number in their database. Maybe they have a different database for military-related production? Seems doubtful, though.

I'm at a loss as to what to tell you. If your receipt doesn't have the serial number on it, I can't think of a way to show/prove that the iPod in your hands is the one you purchased. That is, unless there is another database for miltary-related production or for different countries (if you bought it at a post overseas).

I ran across the post below. Someone unable to register their iPad (and another about an iPhone) because the serial number "does not exist". But you were able to register your device. Two possible conclusions are 1) your serial number does exist in their system or 2) Apple doesn't always check serial numbers during registration, only checks for certain devices, or started checking after you had registered yours.

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3813018?start=0&tstart=0

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Answer 3

Badunit

Level 7

30,348 points

Feb 15, 2013 5:09 PM in response to markfromshelton

Do you have your receipt? Apple store reciepts include the serial number of the device. Can't say that would be true for where you bought yours but it can't hurt to look. I'm assuming they wouldn't help you because they couldn't verify your device was under warranty?

Is there something we might be able to help with here?

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Answer 4

Feb 16, 2013 2:28 PM in response to Badunit

Thanks for trying. I do have a receipt but I did not buy from Apple Store. The thing is that Apple says they have no record of manufacturing a device with this serial number. They show that I have two Gen. 2 iPod touch devices registered along with my iPad. Neither of the iPods have the serial number in question. I will have to go to an Apple Store as recommended, but I don't know what they can do about it. I offered to take a photo of the device display but no joy.

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