Chances are you already know the make and model of the phone you own. Unless your smartphone was a hand-me-down from a friend or family member, you most likely bought it on the basis of it being a particular model with particular features. However, you may not be entirely sure of the specific model number of your phone. This number can vary even among the same type of phone, so that a Samsung Galaxy S21, for example, can have one of several different numbers.
Finding the exact model number can be necessary if you need to have your phone repaired or if you’re selling your phone online and want to provide precise info to potential buyers. Either way, finding your Android phone’s model number is pretty easy, and we explain how to do it in this article for a variety of Android phone manufacturers. We also explain the difference between your Android phone’s model number and its serial number, as well as the difference between these and the IMEI number.
Also, if you have an iPhone, you can find out its model number by checking out our guide.
How to find out your Android phone’s model number
While the basic workflow is more or less the same in each case, we’re going to explain how to find your Android phone’s model number for three of the biggest manufacturers, since they vary in subtle ways.
In case your make of phone isn’t listed below, you should still able to follow the same basic steps, even if the terms used may be different from one manufacturer to another (e.g. “About device” rather than “About phone”). Some phones will show the model number in the phone’s About page, while others will require you to tap on regulatory labels (or regulatory information).
If you have a Google Pixel and Android 10 or later, you can find your phone’s model number by taking the following steps:
Step 1: Go to Settings.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap About Phone.
Step 3: You’ll see the name of your model (e.g. Pixel 4a) under the Model subheading. However, to find the actual model number, tap Regulatory Labels.
After you’ve tapped Regulatory Labels, you’ll see the model number at the top of the screen. In the example above, this number is G025N.
Also, if you have Android 8.0 Oreo or Android 9.0 Pie on your phone, you’ll need to go to Settings > System > About Phone.
Samsung
For any Samsung smartphone, you can find out your model number by doing the following:
Step 1: Go to Settings.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap About Phone.
Step 3: You’ll see the model number next to the Model Number subheading.
In fact, some Samsung smartphones have their model numbers printed in small print on their backs. So instead of going through the relative hassle of opening Settings and so on, you can simply flip over your phone.
OnePlus
If you’re a OnePlus owner, here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Go to Settings.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap About Phone or About Device.
Step 3: You’ll see the model number under the Model or Model Number subheading.
As with Samsung, you may find your model number printed on the back of your phone in some cases.
Other ways of finding the number
As explained above, you can sometimes find your Android phone’s model number by simply looking at the back of your phone. Likewise, if you’re the type of person who keeps the boxes of their phones, you should be able to find your phone’s model number on its box.
In a small number of other cases, you can also remove the battery from your phone and check the labeling underneath, which should include the model number and serial number. This should really be done only if you can’t find the model number any other way, although we’ve never heard of a phone that didn’t display its model number in Settings somewhere.
Needless to say, you should also know what you’re doing before trying to remove your phone’s casing and battery, so research it thoroughly beforehand (or take it to a reputable repair shop). Also, most Android phones now don’t come with removable batteries, so this route may be a nonstarter in many cases.
Serial numbers and IMEI numbers
Just to clarify, your phone’s model number isn’t the same as its serial number. The model number identifies the type of phone your device is, such as whether it’s a Samsung Galaxy Note 20 or Note 20 Ultra. By contrast, a serial number is a unique number that identifies the individual unit, meaning each OnePlus 8T ever produced, for instance, has a different serial number. You may need to know your serial number when dealing with customer support, such as when you need a repair or replacement.
You can usually find your phone’s serial number in much the same way you find its model number. In the case of Pixels, for example, you go to Settings > About Phone > Model. After you’ve tapped Model, you’ll see the serial number under the Serial Number subheading. With Samsung phones, you’ll see the serial number along with the model number on the About Phone screen. The same goes for many other manufacturers, including OnePlus, Motorola, and others.
Similarly, the international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) number is different from both the serial and model numbers. It’s another uniquely identifying number (i.e. each individual device has a different IMEI), and in its case, it’s used by networks (and even law enforcement) to identify individual phones. It can be used to track down lost or stolen phones, for example, or to block certain phones from networks. Also, it’s different from your SIM number, which is used only within a single phone network and not across networks.
Regardless of your phone, finding its IMEI can be done by opening the Phone app and pressing *#06#. You won’t need to press the Call/Dial button, since the device information will pop up on the screen as soon as you enter this number. Aside from showing you your IMEI number, it should also display the phone’s serial number.
