How-To Guide

Finding Your Device's Serial Number

Your device's serial number, IMEI, or VIN is its digital fingerprint. Learn why it matters, why you need it to register, and exactly how to find it on any device.

Why the Serial Number Matters

Every phone, laptop, tablet, and vehicle has a unique identifier — a serial number, IMEI, or VIN. This number cannot be changed or removed without destroying the device itself, which makes it the single most reliable way to identify and track ownership of your property. When you register this number on Usharan, you create a permanent, verifiable record that protects you and your devices for life.

Proof of Ownership

A serial number, IMEI, or VIN is the only universally unique identifier tied to your device. Registering it creates an unbreakable link between you and your property.

Recovery After Theft

If your device is stolen, its registered identifier allows buyers, searchers, and authorities to instantly flag it as stolen when someone tries to resell or re-register it.

Fraud Prevention

Buyers can search the registry before purchasing a second-hand device and immediately see if it has been reported stolen, missing, or is being sold by someone other than the rightful owner.

Dispute Resolution

In ownership disputes, a registered serial number serves as verifiable evidence that the device belongs to you, with a full history of transfers on record.

Why You Must Enter It During Registration

The serial number is the core of the entire Usharan platform. Without it, none of the protection features work. Here's why it's required:

  • It creates a unique digital record — no two devices share the same identifier, so your registration is one-of-a-kind.
  • It enables the search feature — when someone searches for your device's identifier, the platform can instantly match it to your registration.
  • It powers theft alerts — if a stolen device's identifier is searched or re-registered, the original owner is automatically notified.
  • It verifies ownership during transfers — buyers and sellers can confirm a device's history before any sale is completed.
  • It cannot be faked — unlike names or descriptions, a serial number is physically embedded by the manufacturer and can be cross-checked.

How to Find Your Serial Number

Select your device type below for step-by-step instructions.

iPhone

  1. 1Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. 2Tap General, then tap About.
  3. 3Scroll down to find the IMEI/MEID and Serial Number.
  4. 4You can also dial *#06# to see the IMEI instantly on screen.
  5. 5On older models, the IMEI is also printed on the SIM tray or the back of the phone.

Android Phones

  1. 1Open the Settings app on your phone.
  2. 2Scroll to About Phone (or About Device).
  3. 3Look for IMEI, Serial Number, or Model & Hardware.
  4. 4Alternatively, dial *#06# and the IMEI will pop up immediately.
  5. 5Some Android devices also print the IMEI on the back cover or under the battery (on removable-battery models).

Laptops

  1. 1Look for a printed label on the bottom of the laptop — it usually shows the serial number (S/N).
  2. 2On Windows, open Command Prompt and type: wmic bios get serialnumber.
  3. 3On a Mac, click the Apple menu → About This Mac — the serial number is listed there.
  4. 4The serial number may also be found on the original box or purchase receipt.

Desktop Computers

  1. 1Check the back or side panel of the tower case for a printed label with the serial number (S/N).
  2. 2On Windows, open Command Prompt and type: wmic bios get serialnumber.
  3. 3On a Mac desktop (iMac/Mac mini), click the Apple menu → About This Mac.
  4. 4If it's a custom-built PC, use the motherboard's serial number found on the board itself or in the BIOS/UEFI.

Tablets (iPad / Android)

  1. 1On an iPad: Settings → General → About — find the Serial Number and IMEI (cellular models).
  2. 2On an Android tablet: Settings → About Tablet → Status or Serial Number.
  3. 3The serial number is also printed on the back of the device or on the original packaging.
  4. 4For cellular tablets, dial *#06# to retrieve the IMEI.

Vehicles (VIN)

  1. 1Stand outside the vehicle and look at the lower-left corner of the windshield on the driver's side — the VIN is etched into the dashboard.
  2. 2Open the driver's side door and check the door jamb for a sticker containing the VIN.
  3. 3Your vehicle registration documents and insurance card also list the VIN.
  4. 4The VIN is a 17-character code (letters and digits) and is unique to every vehicle.
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