The Truth About How To Get Your iOS Device UDID Will Surprise You (And Here's How!)

The Unique Device Identifier (UDID) was once a crucial piece of information for developers needing to uniquely identify iOS devices. While Apple deprecated its use for privacy reasons, there are still legitimate scenarios where you might need to obtain a unique identifier for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. The surprise? You're not *directly* getting the UDID anymore, but rather alternatives that serve similar purposes while respecting user privacy. This guide will walk you through different methods to obtain identifiers that can be used as alternatives to the UDID.

Prerequisites:

  • A computer: This guide assumes you'll be using either a Mac or Windows PC.

  • Your iOS device: iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch running iOS.

  • A reliable internet connection: Needed for downloading software and accessing websites.

  • (Optional) Xcode (for Mac users): While not strictly required, Xcode is Apple's official development environment and provides some helpful tools. You can download it for free from the Mac App Store.

  • (Optional) iTunes (for Windows users): While iTunes is being phased out, it can still be helpful for certain methods, especially older iOS versions.

    • Tools:

  • Finder (macOS Catalina and later): Replaced iTunes for device management.

  • iTunes (Windows and macOS Mojave and earlier): Still relevant for older devices.

  • Third-party device information tools (web-based or downloadable): We'll explore some examples.

  • (Optional) Xcode (Mac only): For accessing device information through the Devices and Simulators window.

    • Step-by-Step Guide:

    Method 1: Using Finder (macOS Catalina and Later)

    1. Connect your iOS device: Using a Lightning or USB-C cable, connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to your Mac.

    2. Trust the connection: On your iOS device, you might see a prompt asking you to "Trust This Computer?". Tap "Trust" and enter your passcode if prompted.

    3. Open Finder: Finder is the default file manager on macOS. It's the icon that looks like a smiling face in your Dock.

    4. Locate your device: In the Finder window, under "Locations" in the sidebar, you should see your iOS device listed. Click on it.

    5. Find the Serial Number: On the "General" tab in the Finder window, you'll see basic information about your device, including the "Serial Number". Click on the serial number. Keep clicking on the serial number until it changes to display the ECID (Electronic Chip ID) or other identifiers that may be useful in certain situations. You can copy this identifier by right-clicking on it and selecting "Copy".

    Method 2: Using iTunes (Windows and macOS Mojave or Earlier)

    1. Install iTunes (if you haven't already): If you're using Windows, download and install the latest version of iTunes from Apple's website. If you're on macOS Mojave or earlier, iTunes should already be installed.

    2. Connect your iOS device: Connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch to your computer using a Lightning or USB-C cable.

    3. Trust the connection: On your iOS device, you might see a prompt asking you to "Trust This Computer?". Tap "Trust" and enter your passcode if prompted.

    4. Open iTunes: Launch the iTunes application.

    5. Locate your device: In the iTunes window, you should see a small device icon near the top left of the screen. Click on it.

    6. Find the Serial Number: On the "Summary" tab in the iTunes window, you'll see basic information about your device, including the "Serial Number". Click on the serial number. Keep clicking on the serial number until it changes to display the ECID (Electronic Chip ID) or other identifiers that may be useful in certain situations. You can copy this identifier by right-clicking on it and selecting "Copy".

    Method 3: Using Third-Party Device Information Tools (Web-Based or Downloadable)

    Several websites and downloadable applications claim to provide device information, including identifiers. However, exercise extreme caution when using these tools. Always verify the legitimacy and trustworthiness of the source before connecting your device or installing any software. Many of these tools may be outdated or collect your data. Due to the nature of these tools changing rapidly and potentially being unreliable, I will not specifically endorse any particular tool. Search online for "[iOS Device Info Tool]" or "[Find my device ECID]" but proceed with caution and read reviews.

    Important Considerations:

  • Privacy: Be mindful of the information you're sharing when using third-party tools. Avoid tools that request unnecessary permissions or seem suspicious.

  • Alternatives to UDID: While the UDID is deprecated, consider using advertising identifiers (IDFA/IDFV) or custom solutions depending on your specific needs. Consult Apple's developer documentation for the most up-to-date recommendations.

    • Troubleshooting Tips:

  • Device not recognized: Ensure your device is unlocked and that you've tapped "Trust" on the "Trust This Computer?" prompt. Try a different USB cable or port. Restart your computer and iOS device.

  • Driver issues (Windows): If iTunes doesn't recognize your device, you might need to reinstall the Apple Mobile Device USB Driver. Search online for "Apple Mobile Device USB Driver reinstall" for instructions.

  • Finder/iTunes crashes: Ensure you have the latest version of macOS or iTunes installed. Close other applications to free up system resources.

Summary:

While directly obtaining the UDID is no longer possible, you can access alternative identifiers like the ECID through Finder (macOS Catalina and later) or iTunes (Windows and macOS Mojave and earlier). Always prioritize your privacy and security when using third-party tools. Remember that Apple encourages using advertising identifiers or custom solutions for most use cases, so explore those options before resorting to potentially risky methods. By following these steps and exercising caution, you can successfully obtain the device information you need while respecting user privacy.