Finding I-Pod serial numbers on my imac.

Acktorman · Dec 7, 2011

I need to identify my ipod shuffle but cannot find the paperwork with the serial number. Is there any way to find that devices serial number on my imac? This device is synched to the imac and the devices library is in itunes on this mac.

osxx · Dec 7, 2011

When it is docked it will show up in summary in devices in iTunes.

Acktorman · Dec 7, 2011

Ntt in possession

Thanks. Unfortunately, it was stolen and is now in the hands of school authorities who want serial number to confirm ownership and return it to us.

Dysfunction · Dec 7, 2011

Did you register it? If so, you can find the SN.. here:

https://daw.apple.com/cgi-bin/WebOb...618204c476572a1b5e5fb3518&path&language=US-EN

Screen Shot 2011-12-07 at 4.04.41 PM.png

osxx · Dec 7, 2011

logs - Is it possible to find the serial number of stolen devices using a Mac that they've been connected to? - Apple - Stack Exchange

osxx · Dec 7, 2011

Just tried in Lion go to Finder > Library > Preferences > iPod plists then it opens Text Edit and there it is amongst other info.

Dysfunction · Dec 7, 2011

mikeMBP-2:~ mike$ sudo grep -Ri '<Serialnumber>' /Library/Preferences
Password:
mikeMBP-2:~ mike$

However...

mikeMBP-2:~ mike$ grep -Ri '<serialnumber>' ~/Library/Preferences
Binary file /Users/mike/Library/Preferences/ByHost/com.apple.iTunes.345ECB35-9FF6-5E1A-AF76-D94062162ECF.plist matches
Binary file /Users/mike/Library/Preferences/com.apple.iPod.plist matches

if I open /Users/mike/Library/Preferences/com.apple.iPod.plist in textwrangler..

We see..

Code:

		<dict>
			<key>Connected</key>
			<date>2011-12-07T02:37:57Z</date>
			<key>Device Class</key>
			<string>iPhone</string>
			<key>Family ID</key>
			<integer>10016</integer>
			<key>Firmware Version</key>
			<integer>256</integer>
			<key>Firmware Version String</key>
			<string>5.0.1</string>
			<key>ID</key>
			<string>21B8890X0E735E1F</string>
			<key>IMEI</key>
			<string>0130330003668843</string>
			<key>Serial Number</key>
			<string>XXXXXXXXXXXXX</string>    <-----
			<key>Updater Family ID</key>
			<integer>10016</integer>
			<key>Use Count</key>
			<integer>5</integer>

good catch osxx!

osxx · Dec 7, 2011

Thanks apparently its good to know if a device gets stolen for insurance and police report.

Acktorman · Dec 8, 2011

Thanks

Thank you all for your help! Thanks to your advice, I was able to recover the serial number and the device!

rabbitjetta · Dec 10, 2011

I take screen snapshots of all of my devices and store them on a flash drive that its hidden just I case something like this happens to me.