Every MacBook that you buy has a model number and a serial number associated with it. While the model number helps determine the model you have and how old it is, the serial number helps figure out manufacturing and configuration details. Here is how you can find your MacBook’s model number and serial number using different methods and why you may need them.
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What Are MacBook Model Numbers
The model number helps you identify the model of the MacBook that you own or want to buy. There are a few scenarios where you may need it. For example, if you want to buy a secondhand Mac needs to do some research on specs, or need to know how old the MacBook is. Other reasons could involve where you want remote assistance while troubleshooting an error or bug on your Mac.
Apple has a simple naming policy where every year, it launches a new MacBook or MacBook Pro but instead of using numbers like it does in the iPhone, it simply names them MacBook or MacBook Air or MacBook Pro. Life would be easy if they named them MacBook Pro 1 and MacBook Air 3. But that’s not happening.
So here are a few ways to find your MacBooks’s model number and serial number and use them to find other details.
Must Read: 5 Ways to Switch Between Windows of Same App in Mac
1. Printed on the Back of Your Mac
Thankfully, it is not a sticker that will fade or peel off easily. Apple prints the model number and serial number along with some other critical product information at the back of all Macs. All you need to do is close the lid (for safety) and flip your MacBook to find it. You may have to squint your eyes a little.
Notice both the model number and serial number including EMC number (more on that later) are printed but there is no info available on the year, for example. Don’t worry. Simply head over to EveryMac.com/ultimate-mac-lookup and enter the model number or serial number of your MacBook there. Click on Lookup.
Note: You can also enter Apple order number, EMC number, and model identifier to find more details about your MacBook. Works for other Apple products too like iPhones and iPads.
You will now find more information about your Mac like the year it was introduced or launched, ID number, specifications, EMC number, etc. Click on Complete MacBook Specs button to find even more details like hardware and software specifications. It doesn’t show the color right though but that’s okay. Mine is silver while the image shows gold.
EMC stands for Electromagnetic Compatibility and they are more precise when identifying model numbers than some other metrics like ID number.
2. Inside System Information and About This Mac
While Apple makes some high-quality products, it is possible that the Model, EMC, or Serial number printed at the back is no longer visible due to wear and tear. In that case, you can use the macOS UI to find it.
1. Click on the Apple icon in the upper left corner of the screen. Now select About This Mac option.
2. Here you will find the year when your MacBook was launched, serial number, and some more details. Click on More Info.
3. Scroll down and select System Report.
4. You will find the model number along with the serial number and other details under the Hardware heading.
Fun Fact: Press Command+4 to read the details aloud.
5. You can also copy the serial number and go to EveryMac.com/ultimate-mac-lookup and enter it there before hitting Lookup. You will everything you need to know about Mac including model number, year, serial number, specifications, and more.
3. On Apple Coverage Page
If you have the serial number of the MacBook, which is easy to get using the above two methods, you can use the Apple Coverage page to find MacBook’s name and the year it was released.
On the Apple Coverage page, enter the serial number and hit Enter.
As you can see, this is a MacBook M1 that was launched in the year 2020, however, we got it in 2021.
Once you have the serial number, you can use it to find other details as we noted in the 1st method above.
4. From Apple Website
Let’s say that you are not carrying the MacBook with you at the moment. But for some reason, you need to know your Mac’s model name, model number, and serial number. You can do so from the Apple website. The benefit of this method is that you can find these details from any PC, anywhere. No need to have access to the MacBook.
1. Sign in to appleid.apple.com and log in with the same Apple ID that you use on your Mac.
2. Now select Devices from the sidebar to view all the Apple devices that are connected to and using the id.
3. Click on your MacBook and you should see details like Mac’s model number and serial number.
4. In the pop-up, you will find the serial number of the MacBook using which you can then find more details like the model number using the steps mentioned in method 1 above.
FAQs
1. Can two MacBooks have the same model number and serial number?
Every model that Apple releases are manufactured and sold in the millions. So many Macs will have the same model name and number and even specifications. However, the serial number is unique and in 2021, Apple took the decision to randomize them for some reason that only they know.
2. I want another way to find model number and serial number of my Mac.
Simply head over to Apple’s Identify Your Mac pages for MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro and you can find which model you have and its year using the Model Identifier (check step 4 of method 2) that you can easily find using one of the above methods.
3. What happens when I factory reset a MacBook before selling it?
Assuming you have a MacBook that is running the M series processor, we have a guide that goes in-depth on everything that happens when you reset your MacBook. We also cover how to reset, and things you should do before you do it.
Can I Have Your Number, MacBook
There are many reasons why you may need your or someone else’s MacBook model name, model number, serial number, and even the year in which it was released and purchased. More often than not, when you are either buying, selling, or troubleshooting something. Apple has made it quite easy to find these and there are more than one ways to do it.
Are you a student? Here’s a guide containing some amazing MacBook tips and tricks for you.
