Is the product serial number private?

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Level 1

12 points

Is the product serial number private?

Hi! I live in Argentina and we don’t have any official Apple Stores here, so we must take our devices to a local repair shop of our preference. I have a MacBook and I’m taking it to have the battery replaced. I know what’s the original battery code and part number for the replacement. I’ve asked for prices in many places and some stores said that they cannot give any price for the repair and needed parts if I don’t send them the serial number of my Apple device, even if I give them the correct part number. I just wanted to know why do they require this info.

The serial number of the device is not a private unique ID? I know, big deal, the serial is marked in the aluminum case outside the MacBook, but what’s the need to have this info to check the price for a replacement part?

MacBook Air, OS X Yosemite (10.10.3)

Posted on Jul 15, 2015 7:51 AM

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Answer 1

Jul 15, 2015 7:55 AM in response to rodrigocanas

The serial number is unique to the device, but it also isn't uncommon for a vendor to use it to confirm the correct part. I'm sure you have identified accurately, but they wouldn't have anyway of knowing that, or validating it, without confirming the machine specifics. Having done some electronics repair/service in the past, I understand the policy. It saves them some pain in the long run.

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Answer 2

a brody

Level 10

85,346 points

Jul 15, 2015 8:00 AM in response to rodrigocanas

Because it helps them determine the exact age of the Mac. They could with the right tools also determine the exact age using the Machine ID and EMC# from the system profiler. But the other thing that using the serial number prevents is a stolen Mac being brought in and repaired. A good store is within their right to refuse treatment to any Mac they feel is stolen. Since the one thing Apple's website says if your Mac does get stolen is to report the serial number to the police, it makes sense that the serial number could be used to determine if the Mac is stolen and worthy of being given repair.

Regardless, we can't guess Apple's policy on this forum. I'm just giving you a couple ideas to think about as to why to give the serial number. The store is likely to give Apple a call to verify that the Mac is under warranty, and whether or not they can get parts for it. If uncertain, ask the store manager.

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