How to Find Mac UDID: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Finding the Unique Device Identifier (UDID) of your Mac is crucial for developers to troubleshoot issues, manage devices, and deploy software updates. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on "how to find mac udid" through various methods, including Terminal commands, system preferences, and third-party utilities.
Section 1: Terminal Commands
Method 1: Using the "system_profiler" Command
- Open Terminal by searching for it in Spotlight (Command + Space).
- Type the following command and press Enter:
system_profiler SPHardwareDataType | grep "Hardware UUID" - Your Mac’s UDID will be displayed as a 36-character hexadecimal string.
Method 2: Using the "ioreg" Command
- In Terminal, type the following command and press Enter:
ioreg -rd1 -c IOPlatformExpertDevice - Expand the "IOPlatformExpertDevice" branch and look for the "IOPlatformUUID" key.
- The value associated with this key is your Mac’s UDID.
Section 2: System Preferences
Method 3: Using System Information
- Click on the Apple menu and select "About This Mac."
- In the "Overview" tab, click on the "System Report" button.
- From the sidebar, select "Hardware" and then "UUID."
- Your Mac’s UDID will be displayed in the right-hand pane.
Method 4: Using Apple Configurator
- Download and install Apple Configurator from the App Store.
- Connect your Mac to the computer where Apple Configurator is installed using a USB cable.
- Select your Mac in the Apple Configurator sidebar.
- Click on the "Hardware" tab and locate the "UUID" field.
- This field will display your Mac’s UDID.
Section 3: Third-Party Utilities
Method 5: Using UDID Finder
- Download and install UDID Finder from the App Store.
- Launch UDID Finder and click on the "Get UDID" button.
- Your Mac’s UDID will be displayed in a pop-up window.
Method 6: Using coconutBattery
- Download and install coconutBattery from the App Store.
- Launch coconutBattery and connect your Mac to the computer where it is installed using a USB cable.
- In the "Device Information" section, you will find the "Serial Number" field.
- The last four characters of the serial number are your Mac’s UDID.
Table: Summary of Methods
| Method | Command/Utility | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal: system_profiler | `system_profiler SPHardwareDataType | grep "Hardware UUID"` |
| Terminal: ioreg | ioreg -rd1 -c IOPlatformExpertDevice |
Value associated with "IOPlatformUUID" key |
| System Preferences: System Information | Apple menu > About This Mac > System Report > Hardware > UUID | Displayed in right-hand pane |
| System Preferences: Apple Configurator | Download and install App Store > Connect Mac via USB > Select Mac in sidebar > Hardware tab > UUID field | Displayed in UUID field |
| Third-Party: UDID Finder | App Store > "Get UDID" button | Pop-up window displays UDID |
| Third-Party: coconutBattery | App Store > Connect Mac via USB > "Device Information" section > Serial Number field | Last four characters of serial number |
Conclusion
Finding the UDID of your Mac is a simple and straightforward process. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can easily retrieve the unique identifier for your device and use it for troubleshooting, device management, and software updates.
FAQ about Mac UDID
What is a Mac UDID?
A Mac UDID is your Mac’s unique device identifier, similar to the IMEI number of a phone.
How can I find my Mac UDID?
There are several ways to find your Mac UDID:
- Using Terminal: Open Terminal and type
system_profiler SPHardwareDataType | grep "Hardware UUID". - Using System Information: Go to Apple menu > About This Mac > System Report > Hardware > UUID.
- Using a third-party app: There are apps, such as UDID Finder, that can help you find your Mac UDID.
Why do I need my Mac UDID?
Your Mac UDID is sometimes required for developer purposes, such as signing in to the Apple Developer portal or installing beta software.
What is the difference between a Mac UDID and a serial number?
A Mac UDID is a unique identifier assigned to your Mac’s hardware. A serial number is a unique identifier assigned to your Mac by Apple.
Can I change my Mac UDID?
No, your Mac UDID cannot be changed.
Is my Mac UDID private?
Your Mac UDID is not publicly accessible and is only used for authorized purposes, such as software development.
Can I share my Mac UDID with others?
Yes, you can share your Mac UDID with others if you trust them. However, it’s important to note that they could use it to sign in to your Apple Developer account or install software on your Mac.
What if I forget my Mac UDID?
You can find your Mac UDID again using the methods described in question 2.
How do I reset my Mac UDID?
Your Mac UDID cannot be reset.
Can I use a UDID from another Mac?
No, you should not use a UDID from another Mac. Each Mac has its own unique UDID.
