When a person buys any device (smartphone, tablet, laptop or car radio), he must definitely make sure that the device is original and unique. After all, cases where under the guise of original gadgets they sell all sorts of "gray" goods that arrived illegally to us are not so rare. How to understand that this is a completely original product? That is the serial number. It is assigned to each device and is unique. It is he who allows you to determine the "grayness" of the goods. But you need to understand what it is and what it is eaten with. Let's talk about this. What serial number can be?
What it is
The serial number (English Serial Number or SN) is a unique identification number of the device, which can consist of both Arabic numbers and Latin letters. It’s like an identification number in a person’s passport. In this ridiculous-looking combination of letters and numbers, very important information is encrypted. It is practically impossible to decipher what numbers and letters mean, since each manufacturer has its own code based on the marking adopted in a particular company. But here's to check the device for uniqueness using this code as easy as shelling pears.
What is used for
For the most part, the serial number is needed by the manufacturer himself, so that you can understand which batch of products is “flawed” and who its developer is. This practice was introduced in order to somehow organize after-sales service and punish those responsible for marriage. If this code does not correspond to what is indicated in the documents of the manufacturer, then the warranty service of the device will not be carried out, as the goods will turn out to be "gray". Many official websites of manufacturers of computer components or other gadgets are equipped with a product search system by serial number. So the end user can check the originality of a device.
Where to find
Where can I find the serial number of a device? It depends on what kind of device in question. If about a smartphone, then the serial number in budget models is written on a piece of paper glued under a removable battery inside the case. If the battery is non-removable and the body is monolithic, then the desired code can be glued to the back of the device. You can also see the desired combination of characters in the smartphone itself. You need to go to "Settings", and then to the "About phone" item. There the number will be indicated. If we are talking about devices such as car radios, then the suit combination will be recorded on the box itself, and the corresponding sticker will be present on the body of the head unit.
Computer Hardware Number
This is a very interesting situation. Checking the serial number of computer components can be performed either by a routine inspection of the device or by using the software features of the operating system. You can also see the number of computer components using applications such as AIDA64 and Everest. Also, the desired combination of numbers and letters can be pasted on the component itself. On the boxes from the accessories, this number can also be written. By the way, a good opportunity to check the spelling of the number on the box is to run Everest or Aida and see if it matches the one that is driven into the firmware of the component itself. If it does not match, then the product is "gray".
Printed circuit boards
These include things like RAM modules, some video cards, motherboards, sound cards, and others, where the serial number is usually located on the board itself. Moreover, it is written so that it is not possible to correct any letter in it. The number is printed by laser engraving and covered with a layer of special varnish, which is used in the radio part. It makes no sense to say that faking such things is very difficult. But some manage. Therefore, it does not hurt to check the code programmatically. Suddenly it does not coincide with the engraved? But this is unlikely. Even if the product is "gray", the craftsmen will make sure that the numbers match. Though not always.
Button Phone Number
The serial number of the telephone (regular button handset) is located under the battery on a special information sticker. In addition to the serial, IMEI and the manufacturing country are also written there. By the way, IMEI, like the serial, is the guarantor of the originality of the device. It can be checked very simply - dial * # 06 # on the telephone keypad and press the call button. A combination of numbers and letters will appear on the screen. This is IMEI. Unfortunately, it is not possible to verify the serial number in this way. But it’s quite possible to find it in the settings. In the "About phone" section.
Conclusion
The device serial number is a combination of Arabic numerals and Latin letters, which serves to identify the device and verify its uniqueness. You can find it on the product housing, on the packaging or in the firmware of the gadget. The main thing is that the written coincides. You can also check the uniqueness of the gadget using the official website of the manufacturer. Many companies are introducing a serial check option. And this is correct, for there are a lot of gray products. And the client must be sure that he purchased the original device. However, relying on the serial number alone is not worth it. You must consider all the possibilities of checking the originality of the device. In smartphones, mobile phones and tablets, IMEI plays this role. It also allows you to check the uniqueness and is much more reliable than some kind of serial number. However, it is the latter that guarantees the user service in the event of a breakdown.