That is usually due to a hardware change. See this page on how to reset it: iCloud problems with Mac OS 10.8 Mountain Lion (setting your mac serial number). Techicnaly, there are other ways to add/change the motherboard's serial number by using special hardware, but just like the serialising CD, it is beyond the reach of end-users. Mac OS X shouldn't have a problem with a computer with no serial number. If under the Apple menu about dialog you find that your serial number is ‘Unavailable’ then this procedure is for you. You can find your serial number with a loupe or good magnifying glass (If your eyes are still those of an under 40) in micro print on the back of your device.
Today, I opened up an application to see check how my battery is going along, health, etc. It said that my Mac had an unknown manufacture date and no serial. I opened up About This Mac, and saw that for some reason, it says my serial number is 'Unavailable', and it doesn't show the exact model of my mac (It just shows 'MacBook Pro' instead of 'MacBook Pro, Retina Late 2013' like it used to, even when I click on it)
The serial number is used to derive keys for iMessage, BtmM and other iCloud services and you won't be able to sign in to these services if.
![Mac Mac](/uploads/1/2/4/8/124803452/705185514.jpg)
I do have the serial number written down, and checked my warranty with Apple. I do have a valid purchase date, and Apple Care for 1 more year.
I have had the display replaced under warranty a few months ago, but I am pretty sure that that did not do it.
user173581
Find Mac By Serial Number
2 Answers
The best way is you should ask Apple to fix this.
If you wanna DIY (WARNING: at your own risk), with a tool named Blank Board Serializer (ver 1.1 part number 063-7137, please google it if you want), you can set your serial number onto your Apple computer board. There are some step by step video that should be found easily on YouTube. Powera controller drivers for pc.
Steps:
- Burn the BBS disk image to a CD/USB.
- Boot the compute and press the option key (i.e. the Boot Picker).
- Insert the CD/USB and select it for booting.
- Once the Blank Board Serializer has started, follow on-screen instructions.
KentKent
![Number Number](/uploads/1/2/4/8/124803452/931094476.png)
Is there any chance that Apple replaced the main logic board when they replaced the display? Since you still have AppleCare, I think you should ask apple to fix this.
iewebguyiewebguy
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Hi my serial number is showing as unavailable and the Mac model is missing.
I have used this serial number for years without issue. My iMessage is currently working fine. Primarily I am concerned about the Mac model not showing and would like to get this fixed.
Attached is my EFI. Yes it is very minimal.
Things that have changed:
- Installed a new RX 580 graphics card
- I am pretty sure the SN showed after the GPU install. The issue seems to have occurred since I was trying to get the framebuffer to be correct in Sierra. Ended up just using Lilu+WEG with the default frame buffer.
Things I have tried:
1. Searching tonymacx86 and google. All I could find is this issue occurring for regular Macs.
2. Updating Clover
3. Resetting NVRAM - boot into single user mode and run: sudo nvram -c
4. Making sure my config.plist is formatted correctly using an online XML validation checker
6. Ran iMessageDebug and again after reboot and all the values stay the same.
6. Booted into a High Sierra install and the same issue. I prefer to say on Sierra for now (so I don't have to set back up my environment)
7. I removed the 'External icons patch' to see if I still needed it and my icons were still showing as internal. This was around the time that the issue occurred. I added it back to config and issue still remains.
I have used this serial number for years without issue. My iMessage is currently working fine. Primarily I am concerned about the Mac model not showing and would like to get this fixed.
Attached is my EFI. Yes it is very minimal.
Things that have changed:
- Installed a new RX 580 graphics card
- I am pretty sure the SN showed after the GPU install. The issue seems to have occurred since I was trying to get the framebuffer to be correct in Sierra. Ended up just using Lilu+WEG with the default frame buffer.
Things I have tried:
1. Searching tonymacx86 and google. All I could find is this issue occurring for regular Macs.
2. Updating Clover
3. Resetting NVRAM - boot into single user mode and run: sudo nvram -c
4. Making sure my config.plist is formatted correctly using an online XML validation checker
6. Ran iMessageDebug and again after reboot and all the values stay the same.
6. Booted into a High Sierra install and the same issue. I prefer to say on Sierra for now (so I don't have to set back up my environment)
7. I removed the 'External icons patch' to see if I still needed it and my icons were still showing as internal. This was around the time that the issue occurred. I added it back to config and issue still remains.