Apple support wont recognize my serial nu… (2024)

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User profile for user: Trevoc

Trevoc Author

User level: Level1

4 points

I've typed it and copied and pasted my serial number from the "About this Computer" section and it is rejected as "not valid" every time. This computer has never been repaired or had any problems.

My wife is trying to find her Apple ID for her mac, and she typed her serial number in order to get support to help her and she also gets "invalid serial number" message.

Why does apple make life so **** difficult???

iMac 21.5″, 12.6

Posted on Dec 20, 2022 11:34 AM

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User profile for user: PRP_53

PRP_53

User level: Level10

85,567 points

Dec 20, 2022 2:17 PM in response to Trevoc

Log into My Apple ID using the Apple ID in question.

Probably the same password will work as was used for logging into this site with your question.

Look for " Devices " as per first image

Second image will list all Registered Devices.

Click on the problematic device and the Serial Number will be listed

Link

User profile for user: Trevoc

Trevoc Author

User level: Level1

4 points

Dec 20, 2022 3:37 PM in response to dialabrain

Well, sort of!

I had a previous computer in a shop for repair, and they caused damage to it. The shop purchased a new computer from Apple and replaced the one they damaged. So, no, I didn't buy it at apple, but the shop did. I got it still in the box.

Link

User profile for user: Trevoc

Trevoc Author

User level: Level1

FAQs

Why is Apple not recognizing my serial number? ›

There are several possible reasons - for one, if the logic board was replaced, the serial number was changed and, unless the repair guy registered that with Apple, the serial number will not be recognized. Another is that the computer is long past the warranty period.

Read On ›

Why is the Apple serial number invalid? ›

Let's assume that it is not fake. Once common reason why the Serial Number is not valid is because your iPhone may have had an issue (Previous Owner) and received a replacement iPhone. After that, the previous owner may have not returned the iPhone to Apple and sold it.

Discover More Details ›

Why is my serial number not valid? ›

There are several reasons why a serial number may not be valid. Your product might have been upgraded to a newer version or cross-graded to a different product. The serial number is associated with a product or a release of a product that you are not licensed to use.

Why is my phone serial number invalid? ›

There is no reason why the IMEI of a clean new mobile is not recognized by a mobile network. IMEIs are being rejected if the number is on a blacklist, for example if the phone was reported stolen or lost.

See Details ›

Can I call Apple for tech support? ›

(800) 275–2273

Apple / Customer service

Find Out More ›

Can Apple serial number be blocked? ›

You can't block it with the serial number. If you have removed the phone from Find My Phone, you can't access it.

Tell Me More ›

Why does my Apple ID keep saying invalid? ›

If you get a message that your Apple ID is locked or disabled. If you or someone else enters your password, security questions, or other account information incorrectly too many times, your Apple ID automatically locks to protect your security and you can't sign in to any Apple services.

Show Me More ›

Can 2 Apple products have same serial number? ›

Serial numbers should be unique, no questions whatsoever. I would be very surprised if Apple has duplicated a serial number. Putting that SN into Check Your Service and Support Coverage - Apple Support shows an expired warranty so these AirPods are by no means new.

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Can fake Apple products have real serial number? ›

Some things to keep in mind when using Apple's serial number check. Consider the serial number: It is possible for a counterfeiter to use cloned serial numbers. For example, the counterfeiter takes the serial number from a 100% legit pair of AirPods and prints that on the box for their 100% non-legit pair of AirPods.

How do I know if my iPhone serial number is valid? ›

Check on Apple support website to validate purchase

To get the iPhone number, go to Settings on your device, then tap on About and scroll down to see the 10-digit serial number. Copy the number and now go to the following Apple webpage – https://checkcoverage.apple.com/in/en/. Here, paste your device's serial number.

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Can a serial number be restored? ›

Forensic scientists can use physical and chemical techniques to restore or enhance altered characters. Restoring a serial number can provide law enforcement agencies with information about a firearm or other item and may offer a lead in an investigation.

Read The Full Story ›

Can I get the IMEI number with my serial number? ›

To get IMEI details from customer support, all you need is a serial number. If you have the iPhone or Android's serial number with you, then the support team can provide you with an IMEI number accordingly.

See Details ›

Why does it keep saying my IMEI number is invalid? ›

This only means that there has been some tampering with the internal parts of the device. Usually, an invalid IMEI issue arises when users try to download a software update that is not completely safe to download yet. Or, when a user tries to manipulate the software inside a smartphone.

Get More Info Here ›

What does it mean when it says invalid number? ›

The mobile number is not in the correct international format, it was too long/short, or it was entered incorrectly. The customer may have also opted out from receiving text messages.

Why is my IMEI number not recognised? ›

If an IMEI number is blocked or blacklisted.

When a phone is locked to a particular network, the IMEI number won't work until the carrier removes the lock. Your only remedy is to contact the previous carrier and ask them to unlock the device.

Can fake Apple products have serial numbers? ›

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How do I register my Apple serial number? ›

Find your serial number, IMEI/MEID or ICCID in Settings

Go to Settings > General and tap About.
Look for the serial number. You might need to scroll down to find the IMEI/MEID and ICCID.
To paste this information into Apple registration or support forms, touch and hold the number to copy.

Dec 6, 2023

How do I check an Apple serial number? ›

Find the serial number of your Apple product

Check the surface of your product for a printed serial number.
On Mac, choose Apple menu  > About This Mac.
On iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple Vision Pro, or Apple Watch, go to Settings > General > About.

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Feb 2, 2024

Learn More ›

Why does Apple support need my serial number? ›

Confirming your Apple ID allows Apple to access serial numbers on your device and limited account information associated with your Apple ID, so we can help you more quickly. Apple will never ask for your Apple ID password, verification codes, recovery key, or any account security details.

Discover More Details ›