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Where to Find Serial Numbers on Common Household Items

Every valuable item you own likely has a unique serial number — a string of characters that acts as its fingerprint. This number is the single most important piece of information for recovering stolen property, filing insurance claims, and proving ownership. Yet most Australians have never written down the serial numbers on their belongings.

The reason is usually simple: people don't know where to look. Serial numbers are often tucked away in spots you would never think to check. This guide shows you exactly where to find them on the most commonly owned — and commonly stolen — items in Australian households.

What is a serial number and why does it matter?

A serial number is a unique identifier assigned to an individual item by the manufacturer. Unlike a model number (which is the same for every unit of that product), a serial number is unique to your specific item. Think of it like a vehicle's VIN — no two are the same.

Serial numbers matter because they are the primary way that stolen property is identified and returned. When police recover stolen goods, they check serial numbers against databases. When buyers check items before purchasing second-hand, the serial number tells them whether the item has been reported stolen. Without a serial number on file, even recovered items often cannot be matched to their owners.

Bicycles

Every bicycle has a serial number stamped into the frame. The most common location is the bottom bracket — the underside of the frame where the pedal cranks meet. Flip your bike upside down or lean it against a wall and look at the bottom of the frame near the pedals. The number is usually stamped or engraved directly into the metal.

Some manufacturers also place serial numbers on the head tube (the front of the frame where the handlebars connect), the rear dropout (where the rear wheel axle sits), or on a sticker on the seat tube. If you cannot find it, check your original purchase receipt or the manufacturer's website for model-specific guidance.

Laptops and computers

Laptops almost always have a serial number printed on a sticker or etching on the underside of the device. Look for a label near the centre or along one edge of the bottom panel. It is usually labelled "S/N" or "Serial Number" alongside the model number and regulatory information.

You can also find the serial number in software. On a Mac, click the Apple menu and select "About This Mac" — the serial number is displayed right there. On Windows, open Command Prompt and type wmic bios get serialnumber. Desktop computers typically have the serial number on a sticker on the back or side of the case.

Mobile phones and tablets

Every mobile phone has an IMEI number (International Mobile Equipment Identity) which serves as its unique identifier. The quickest way to find it is to open your phone's dialler and type *#06# — the IMEI will display on screen immediately.

You can also find it in your phone's settings: on iPhone, go to Settings > General > About; on Android, go to Settings > About Phone. The IMEI is also printed on the original box and may be engraved on the SIM card tray. For tablets without a phone dialler, check Settings > About or look on the back of the device.

Cameras

Camera serial numbers are typically found on the bottom plate of the camera body, printed on a small label or engraved into the metal. Look for it near the tripod mount. Some cameras also display the serial number in the menu system under a "Device Info" or "About" section.

An additional benefit for camera owners: most cameras embed the serial number in the EXIF data of every photo taken. This means that if a stolen camera is used to take photos that are uploaded online, the serial number can potentially be extracted from the image metadata. Lenses also have serial numbers, usually printed on the barrel or the lens mount.

Musical instruments

Serial number locations vary by instrument type:

  • Electric and acoustic guitars: Check the headstock (front or back), the neck joint where the neck meets the body, or inside the sound hole on acoustic guitars. Some manufacturers stamp it on the back of the headstock or on a label inside the body cavity.
  • Keyboards and synthesisers: Look on the underside or the back panel, usually on a sticker near the power input.
  • Brass and woodwind instruments: Serial numbers are typically engraved near the bell (on brass instruments) or on the body near the upper joint (on woodwind instruments).
  • Drum kits: Individual drums may have serial numbers on the badge or on the inside of the shell. Cymbals from major manufacturers often have serial numbers etched into the surface.

Power tools

Power tools have their serial numbers on the nameplate or rating label, which is usually a sticker or engraved plate on the body of the tool near the motor housing. For cordless tools, check near the battery compartment or on the base. The serial number is often listed alongside the model number, voltage, and manufacturing date.

For larger tools like table saws, drop saws, and bench grinders, the nameplate is typically on the back or underside of the unit. Battery packs from brands like DeWalt, Makita, and Milwaukee also have their own serial numbers printed on the label.

Gaming consoles

Gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch) have serial numbers on the back or underside of the unit, usually on a sticker near the barcode. You can also find the serial number in the console's system settings under "System Information" or "About." The original box also has the serial number printed on it — keep the box if you can.

Televisions and monitors

Check the back panel of the TV or monitor for a sticker with the serial number, model number, and regulatory information. On larger TVs, it may be along the bottom edge of the back. Most smart TVs also display the serial number in the Settings menu under "Support" or "About This TV."

Watches and jewellery

Quality watches have serial numbers engraved on the case back (the underside of the watch) or between the lugs where the strap attaches. Luxury watches from brands like Rolex, Omega, and Tag Heuer have unique serial numbers that are registered with the manufacturer. For jewellery, look for hallmarks, laser engravings, or unique identifiers on the inside of rings, the clasp of necklaces, or certificates of authenticity for diamonds and gemstones.

Record them now — before you need them

The best time to record your serial numbers is right now, before anything goes wrong. Set aside twenty minutes, walk through your home, and note down the serial numbers on everything valuable. Take a photo of each serial number label as a backup.

The easiest way to keep everything organised is to register your items on SerialCheck — it's free, takes about a minute per item, and creates a timestamped proof-of-ownership record. If anything is ever stolen, you can flag it instantly, and anyone checking that serial number will be warned. Don't wait until it's too late.