How to retrieve a serialnumber and IMEI from a dead iPhone?

Question

RalfFerdius Author

Level 1

3 points

How to retrieve a serialnumber and IMEI from a dead iPhone?

So,

without using ´Settings->About->Info´.

without having the original packaging, proof of purchase,a letter or e-mail with this information.

withoutusing iTunes.

Just only the phone itself.

Or can be another way, by using different software?

Most iPhone have reached a certain condition and not able to give a sign of life.

Whole Apple iPhone family/series with any iOS version. Maybe iPad family/series too.

Can somebody help?

Posted on Oct 30, 2015 3:19 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 5, 2015 5:12 PM in response to RalfFerdius

RalfFerdius wrote:

You know, this is really stupid.

Yes, it is really stupid to buy a high end product, not save the receipt or any other paperwork, not save the box, never back up or sync the device, never register the device for support or warranty coverage and never make any effort to record the serial number.

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Answer 2

Cjones51

Level 1

8 points

Jun 13, 2017 4:15 PM in response to RalfFerdius

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204073

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Answer 3

Oct 30, 2015 3:20 PM in response to RalfFerdius

Has your iPhone ever been backed up?

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Answer 4

RalfFerdius Author

Level 1

3 points

Oct 30, 2015 3:23 PM in response to Allan Eckert

No, backups created. Can this only be done with iTunes?

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Answer 5

Oct 30, 2015 3:32 PM in response to RalfFerdius

If the iPhone is as you say dead and no backups have been done then where is iTunes going to get the information from?

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Answer 6

RalfFerdius Author

Level 1

3 points

Oct 30, 2015 4:10 PM in response to Allan Eckert

Only iTunes can create backups from iPhones. No backup is ever created. But this is not the way.

Where can I find the device's IMEI number and serialnumber. Support webpages and other websites do mention about normal methods.

The ´Settings->About->Info´, original packaging, proof of purchase don't contain the right information.

I don't want device gets rejected or make a long way to repair.

Are the IMEI number and serialnumber listed somewhere else. It seems to be inside the iPhone, but I can't find them.

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Answer 7

RalfFerdius Author

Level 1

3 points

Nov 3, 2015 2:15 PM in response to RalfFerdius

There is not much to backup. Can you make backups with other software then iTunes?

It seems contacts are not stored on the simcard?

Still not able to retrieve requested info from died phone.

Made already an attempt to charge it with a different charger connected to power socket and after a half hour still no sign of life.

Why put these info on non-accessible part?

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Answer 8

Nov 3, 2015 3:22 PM in response to RalfFerdius

iPhones 5, 5S, 5C and 6/6+ have the IMEI stamped on the back of the device. Since you don't say which iPhone you have, I don't know if this information will be helpful.

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Answer 9

RalfFerdius Author

Level 1

3 points

Nov 4, 2015 2:03 PM in response to IdrisSeabright

Yes, iPhone 5 and 6 series/family have their IMEI on backside. I need the serialnumber. iPhone 4 has both visible on simtray.

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Answer 10

Nov 5, 2015 2:39 PM in response to RalfFerdius

You mean you NEVER backed up your iPhone to iTunes? If you did, even once, you can get that information from iTunes Preferences, Devices pane. Hover over the name of the backup. If you didn't there is no way to get the serial number.

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Answer 11

RalfFerdius Author

Level 1

3 points

Nov 5, 2015 4:33 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

Yes, no backup. This doesn't really matter. Only a few contacts are gone, due they aren't saved on my simcard.

Also backup was made or not, this isn't the way. The question is how to obtain the serialnumber?

Instead of giving the IMEI, what's unique and common used, I need to find the serialnumber from the dead iPhone 6.

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Answer 12

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

230,281 points

Nov 5, 2015 4:40 PM in response to RalfFerdius

Read the last line of Lawrence's reply.

If you didn't there is no way to get the serial number.

That is your answer if you do not have a backup, or any other paperwork on the device.

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Answer 13

RalfFerdius Author

Level 1

3 points

Nov 5, 2015 5:08 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

You know, this is really stupid.

Okay, then I'll take my chances. I will send in the iPhone for repair, possible this can take longer and/or gets rejected.

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Answer 14

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

230,281 points

Nov 5, 2015 5:14 PM in response to RalfFerdius

RalfFerdius wrote:

You know, this is really stupid.

Okay, then I'll take my chances. I will send in the iPhone for repair, possible this can take longer and/or gets rejected.

I'm sorry, what is really stupid? You do not mention sending in anything for repair. Actually you do not indicate what you wanted the serial number for anyway.

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Answer 15

RalfFerdius Author

Level 1

3 points

Nov 9, 2015 3:18 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

It's stupid that Apple need a serialnumber, instead common used IMEI.

Yes, I don't mention sending in for repair. Must I start with this?

Yes, I don't indicate why I wanted the serialnumber. Must I tell you / others this?

Where can you use the serialnumber? Where need you the serialnumber?

Surely not for calling and SMS... To check your warranty and do a repair.

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