Locating your device's Unique Device Identifier, or UDID, is a fundamental task for anyone managing iOS devices. This alphanumeric string serves as the device's fingerprint, essential for tasks like registering for an Apple Developer program, installing enterprise applications, or troubleshooting with technical support. Finding this identifier is straightforward, but the process varies slightly depending on whether you use Xcode, Apple Configurator, or iTunes.
Understanding What a UDID Is
The UDID is a 40-character string unique to every Apple device, such as an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. It is permanently embedded into the hardware and cannot be changed. Because of its unique nature, it is commonly used for device enrollment in mobile device management (MDM) solutions and beta testing programs. For security and privacy reasons, Apple has made retrieving this information less direct in recent years, moving users toward trusted computer applications rather than simple web queries.
Finding Your UDID with Finder (macOS Catalina and Later)
With the release of macOS Catalina, iTunes was split into separate apps, and finding your UDID is now handled through Finder. This method is the most direct way to view the identifier if your Mac is running the latest version of the operating system.
Step-by-Step Guide for Mac Users
Connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac using a USB cable.
Open the Finder application on your Mac.
Locate your device in the sidebar under the "Locations" section and click on it.
Select the "General" tab at the top of the window.
Scroll down to find the heading labeled "Identifier" or "Serial Number," where the UDID will be displayed.
Using iTunes on Windows and Older Macs
For users operating older versions of macOS or Windows PCs, the classic iTunes application remains the primary tool for device management. The interface houses the identifier in the device summary page, requiring users to navigate through a few menus to reveal the full string.
How to Access UDID via iTunes
Install the latest version of iTunes on your computer and ensure your device is connected via USB.
Click on the device icon that appears near the top left corner of the iTunes window.
Navigate to the "Summary" tab to view basic device information.
Click on the "Serial Number" field; it will toggle to reveal the UDID.
Right-click on the revealed identifier and select "Copy" to save it to your clipboard.
Utilizing Apple Configurator 2
Apple Configurator 2 is a free application available on the Mac App Store designed for IT professionals and businesses to mass-deploy devices. It provides a clean, modern interface for viewing device details, including the UDID, and is highly recommended for users managing multiple devices.
Configurator Workflow
Download and install Apple Configurator 2 from the Mac App Store.
Plug your iOS device into your Mac and open the Configurator 2 app.
The device should appear on the main dashboard; click on it to view details.
In the information panel, you will find the "Serial Number," which is actually the device's UDID.
Click the serial number to copy it to your clipboard for easy pasting elsewhere.
Verifying the Identifier Correctly
It is important to distinguish between the serial number and the UDID, as they are often confused. While the serial number is usually human-readable, the UDID is a long string of letters and numbers. When you copy the identifier to verify it, ensure the string is 40 characters long to confirm you have the correct identifier.
