How to find serial number of Android device?

Question

I need to use a unique ID for an Android app and I thought the serial number for the device would be a good candidate. How do I retrieve the serial number of an Android devi

Answer 1

For a simple number that is unique to the device and constant for its lifetime (barring a factory reset or hacking), use Settings.Secure.ANDROID_ID.

String id = Secure.getString(getContentResolver(), Secure.ANDROID_ID);

To use the device serial number (the one shown in "System Settings / About / Status") if available and fall back to Android ID:

String serialNumber = Build.SERIAL != Build.UNKNOWN ? Build.SERIAL : Secure.getString(getContentResolver(), Secure.ANDROID_ID);