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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

118 replies

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

230,371 points

Nov 9, 2015 3:28 PM in response to RalfFerdius

RalfFerdius wrote:

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.

Well, Apple uses the serial number to identify devices for warranty purposes. Whether you think it crazy or not, that is a fact. Providing the other information may have made the question make a little more sense. You are correct that you do not need the serial number for calling and SMS, but yes, for warranty status and repair it is necessary. Apple makes the rules. If you send it in without indicating the serial number, you will probably have to wait until they receive it an check the device for them to determine eligibility. You will hear from Apple.

RalfFerdius Author

Level 1

3 points

Nov 11, 2015 3:36 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

Apple makes the rules and change them after a month or even earlier.

A serialnumber is not unique.Apple is deviant, where other brands are using the IMEI.

I don't think that I will hear from Apple about the determination, but from shop or repair service at last.

Nov 11, 2015 3:41 PM in response to RalfFerdius

Do you have the original iPhone box the phone came in?

Nov 11, 2015 3:42 PM in response to RalfFerdius

Serial numbers ARE unique. You are talking nonsense.

RalfFerdius Author

Level 1

3 points

Nov 11, 2015 3:52 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

Do you?

You use your new play thing so soon as possible when you get anyone. We don't read all paper included.

There may not be asked for register or we ignore it.

There may not be asked to write down the serialnumber.

There may not be asked to keep original packing box.

It's a new iPhone, why now wondering about a possible repair and warranty coverage?

No, just charge and use.

RalfFerdius Author

Level 1

3 points

Nov 11, 2015 4:03 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

How do you know that?

Nov 11, 2015 4:06 PM in response to RalfFerdius

Because vendor go out of their way to make them unique. It is what the concept of serial numbers is all about providing a way to uniquely identify hardware.

RalfFerdius Author

Level 1

3 points

Nov 11, 2015 4:43 PM in response to Allan Eckert

Yes about the concept. Brands A, B, C, ect are using IMEI.

Apple is deviant about this and uses serialnumber, but doesn't always complete the hardware ID. Both will used together.

As I said in beginning from this post:

Serialnumbers don't appear on backside from most iPhones.

An IMEI is shown on backside most iPhones, except 4 series/family and last in 6 series/family.

Serialnumber seems to be somewhere inside the iPhone

Nov 11, 2015 6:09 PM in response to RalfFerdius

Since there is absolutely nothing we, users, can do about this, please take it up with Apple at http://www.apple.com/feedback/iphone.html

RalfFerdius Author

Level 1

3 points

Nov 16, 2015 4:45 PM in response to TheSnapDude

Please, start and read at begin from this post.

The question is: Where can I the serialnumber from an iPhone, if you don't have original package box or salesbox, any proof of purchase and without iTunes.

A serialnumber is more needed then an IMEI. Serialnumberis not visible on the device itself, like on backside.

Serialnumberis unaccessible andsomewhere inside an iPhone. To keep them on simtray like by iPhone 4 is a bad idea, due forgetting the simtray.

Nov 16, 2015 5:04 PM in response to RalfFerdius

And the answer is you can't find the serial number if you don't have the box, don't have the sales receipt, you either don't have iTunes or never synced it to iTunes, you never registered the phone with Apple and your carrier doesn't have a record of it.