Find your iPhone or iPad UDID – 3 easy ways
If you're developing an app, testing a beta app version, or provisioning iOS devices for work, you'll need your iPhone or iPad's UDID.
This guide shows you exactly what a UDID is, why it's essential, and how to find it — whether you're on a Mac or Windows PC, or using just your device.
What exactly is an iPhone/iPad UDID?
A UDID (Unique Device Identifier) is a fixed, alphanumeric string assigned by Apple to every iOS device, including iPhones, iPads, and iPod touch models.
Essentially, it’s a digital fingerprint — i.e. unique to each device — and is required for securely identifying hardware in development, testing, and enterprise environments.
Developers use the UDID to provision devices for installing beta apps or Ad Hoc builds through the Apple Developer portal. IT teams rely on it to enroll devices in Mobile Device Management (MDM) systems and manage internal app distribution.
Who needs to retrieve an iPhone or iPad UDID?
Individuals and teams across development, testing, and enterprise IT environments often need to retrieve UDIDs to register iOS devices for app deployment, beta testing, or device management.
Here are the specific key groups that typically require UDIDs:
- iOS beta testers: These are participants in closed beta programs or pre-release testing who need to register their devices to access unreleased apps.
- Mobile app developers: These are engineers and testers adding devices to the Apple Developer portal for provisioning and installing development,Ad Hoc or QA builds.
- Enterprise IT & MDM administrators: These are IT professionals managing corporate devices or a BYOD infrastructure who require UDIDs to enroll hardware into Mobile Device Management (MDM) systems or enterprise app deployments.
When and why you need an iPhone or iPad UDID
You need to retrieve your device’s UDID when you're involved in iOS app development, closed beta testing, or enterprise app distribution.
The UDID allows Apple to uniquely identify and authorize your device for installing apps that are not available on the App Store. Below are the most common scenarios where UDID retrieval is necessary:
Scenario #1: Development and testing: To install development or Ad Hoc builds on physical devices, each device’s UDID must be registered in your Apple Developer account — this ensures only authorized devices can run non-App Store builds. See Apple Developer device registration.
Scenario #2: Closed beta distribution: When distributing pre-release apps to testers, developers include UDIDs in provisioning profiles to limit app access to selected devices. This prevents unauthorized installation and ensures controlled testing environments.
Scenario #3: Enterprise deployment: For in-house or enterprise-distributed iOS apps, the UDID is required to sign and provision devices under an enterprise or Ad Hoc certificate. This is particularly important in Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) strategies.
How to retrieve an iPhone or iPad UDID: 3 methods
1. Using Finder (macOS) or iTunes (Windows)
This is the most common method for retrieving a UDID directly from your computer using Apple’s own tools. It’s widely used by developers and testers during provisioning and device registration.
On macOS (Finder)
- Connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac using a USB cable.
- Open Finder, then select your device from the sidebar under Locations.
- Click the Serial Number label—it will toggle to display the UDID.
- Right-click the UDID and choose Copy.
Read more in the Official Apple Support Guide.
On Windows (iTunes)
- Open iTunes and connect your device via USB.
- Click the device icon in the top-left corner.
- Click the Serial Number until it changes to the UDID.
- Right-click and select Copy.
Discover more in the Official Apple Support Guide.
2. Xcode (macOS only)
This is for developers working in Apple’s ecosystem, Xcode provides a direct, code-level interface for accessing device identifiers — making it a trusted method for retrieving UDIDs during app development, testing, or provisioning.
- Connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac with a USB cable.
- Open Xcode (available for free from Apple’s Developer portal).
- From the top menu bar, select Window → Devices and Simulators.
- In the left sidebar, choose your connected device.
- Copy the Identifier value shown — it’s your UDID.
Get started: Download Xcode from Apple.
3. Median’s UDID Retrieval Utility (On-device, no computer required)
This easy-to-use tool lets you retrieve an iOS device’s UDID entirely on the device. No USB connection or computer is required.
- In mobile Safari on your iPhone or iPad access: https://median.co/udid.
- Tap Download Device Profile and confirm Allow.
- On your iOS device, open the Settings app → General → VPN & Device Management.
- Under Downloaded Profile, select Median UDID Retrieval, then tap Install and enter your device passcode.
- Your UDID will be displayed.
- Use the Copy UDID to Clipboard, Share via Email, or Share via SMS buttons for convenience.
- When finished, remove the temporary profile: Settings → General → VPN & Device Management → Remove Profile.
Want to know how it all works?
Get hands-on with Median’s comprehensive documentation, and build your app with ease.
Choosing the right method to retrieve your iPhone or iPad UDID
Choosing the right method to retrieve your iPhone or iPad UDID depends on your needs and available tools.
Whether you prefer using built-in macOS or Windows tools, or you’re looking for a quicker, device-only solution, the table below compares the most common methods.
Review each option to determine which one best fits your workflow and technical setup.
Summary
Retrieving the UDID (Unique Device Identifier) for iPhones and iPads is important for a secure app development, testing, and enterprise deployment infrastructure.
UDIDs play a critical role in provisioning devices, distributing closed beta apps, and managing in-house enterprise app installations.
The three most reliable methods for retrieving a UDID are: 1. Using Finder (macOS) or iTunes (Windows) for those who prefer desktop tools; 2. Xcode for developers working within the Apple ecosystem; and 3. Median’s UDID Retrieval Utility, which allows users to retrieve their UDID directly from their device without requiring a computer.
Each of the three methods offers a solution that suits individual developers, testers, and IT administrators, ensuring efficient and accurate device management for various professional needs.
Want to learn more about our plugins?
Launch a full-feature native app without native development!
Frequently asked questions
Can you change or reset your iPhone UDID?
No, the UDID (Unique Device Identifier) is permanently assigned to your iPhone or iPad by Apple and cannot be changed, reset, or modified. It’s a hardware-tied identifier used for development, testing, and enterprise purposes, and remains fixed for the life of the device.
Does Apple still use UDID in 2025?
Yes, Apple still uses UDIDs in 2025 for provisioning development builds, closed beta testing, and enterprise app distribution. While Apple has tightened privacy across iOS, UDIDs remain a critical requirement for device registration in the Apple Developer portal and MDM systems.
Is there an app to check iPhone UDID directly?
Apple does not allow apps from the App Store to access your UDID due to privacy restrictions. However, trusted tools like Median’s UDID Retrieval Utility offer a secure, on-device method by installing a temporary configuration profile — no App Store installation needed.
to top
Related articles
