Does factory reset change serial number? It’s a common question that arises when dealing with electronic devices. Serial numbers are unique identifiers assigned to each device at the time of manufacture, found on the device, packaging, and in the device’s settings. In this article, we will delve into whether a factory reset changes a device’s serial number.
Here, we will explore what serial numbers are, their importance, how a factory reset works, and if serial numbers are impacted by the process. Additionally, we will examine why retaining the original serial number after a factory reset may be important and how to verify whether the serial number has been altered. So, let’s find out, does a factory reset change the serial number?
Before we delve into the main question, let’s examine what a factory reset is. If you wish to see your answer directly, you can navigate using the table of the content widget.
What is a Factory Reset?
A factory reset is a process that erases all data on a device and restores it to its original settings, just as it was when it left the factory. This can be done for various reasons, such as when you’re selling or donating a device, or when you want to start fresh with a clean slate.
The exact steps of a factory reset can vary depending on the device, but generally, it involves accessing the device’s settings or recovery menu and selecting the option to reset the device to its factory settings. The device will then begin erasing all data, including apps, photos, videos, and documents, and will restore any pre-installed software to its original state.
It’s worth noting that a factory reset does not erase the operating system or firmware of the device. These remain intact, but any updates or patches that have been applied will be removed, and the device will be reverted to the version of the operating system that it had when it left the factory.
It’s also important to keep in mind that a factory reset is a destructive process. Once the reset is complete, all data will be lost and cannot be recovered. Therefore, it’s crucial to back up any important data before performing a factory reset. This can usually be done through cloud storage services or by transferring files to an external storage device.
How Does Factory Reset Work?
A factory reset wipes all data from a device and returns it to its original state. The process typically involves reformatting the device’s storage, which erases all data on it. This includes all apps, settings, and personal files. Once the reformatting is complete, any pre-installed software or operating system is restored to its original state.
The exact process of a factory reset can vary depending on the device, but in general, it involves accessing the device’s settings or recovery menu and selecting the option to reset the device to its factory settings. Some devices may require a combination of button presses or external tools to initiate the process.
Does Factory Reset Change Serial Number?
The short answer is no, a factory reset does not change the serial number of a device both android and iPhone. The serial number is a unique identifier that is hard-coded into the device’s hardware and cannot be changed by software means.
The serial number will remain the same even after the reset, and it can be used to identify the device in case of loss or theft however, you can change the serial number of your android device manually and also change the serial number of your iPhone device manually. In the next section, we’ll discuss why retaining the original serial number is important after a factory reset.
Why Serial Numbers Are Important After Reset
It’s important to ensure that you include the correct serial number in the sale or donation paperwork if you are trying to sell or donate a device. This will help to prevent any confusion or potential disputes down the line.
Serial numbers can also be useful in case of loss or theft. You can use the serial number to report the device as lost or stolen to the manufacturer or law enforcement, which can help to recover the device or prevent it from being resold.
It’s also worth noting that there are some instances where the serial number on a device may be altered or tampered with. This can happen if the device has been repaired or refurbished, or if it has been intentionally modified. In these cases, it may be necessary to verify the authenticity of the device before purchasing or using it.
How To Check If a Serial Number Has Been Changed
The following tools can be used to confirm if your serial number has been changed or is original.
- System Information for Windows – This tool can be used to view detailed information about the hardware and firmware of a Windows device. To access the serial number information, open the “System Summary” section and look for the “System Serial Number” field.
- Apple System Profiler – This tool can be used to view detailed information about the hardware and firmware of an Apple device. To access the serial number information, open the “Hardware” section and look for the “Serial Number” field.
- Android Device Info – This app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and used to view detailed information about the hardware and firmware of an Android device. To access the serial number information, open the “Device” section and look for the “Serial Number” field.
If you’re not comfortable using these tools, you can also check the serial number by contacting the manufacturer of the device. They may be able to verify the serial number for you and provide additional information about the device’s history.
Conclusion
By now, you should have gotten a clear answer with proper explanations to the question “Does factory reset change serial number?” and you should have known by now that a factory reset does not modify a device’s serial number.
Meanwhile, the serial number can be altered or tampered with in certain cases, it is advisable to check the legitimacy of a device before acquiring or using it. You can guarantee that you’re obtaining a legitimate device and avoid any complications by learning how factory resets operate and how to check the serial number.
