macOS · System Info
View System Information in About This Mac
About This Mac (accessible from the Apple menu) shows your Mac's model, chip or processor, memory, macOS version, and serial number at a glance, plus a detailed system report and storage breakdown for deeper troubleshooting.
How to open About This Mac
- Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen.
- Choose 'About This Mac'.
- Review the Overview tab for chip, memory, and macOS version, or switch tabs for Displays and Storage.
- Click 'More Info…' or 'System Report' for the full technical detail view.
What you should know
- The Overview tab shows macOS version, chip/processor, memory (RAM), and serial number in one summary screen.
- The Displays tab lists connected monitors and their resolutions.
- The Storage tab shows a visual breakdown of what's using space, similar to General → Storage in System Settings.
- 'System Report' (via the More Info button) opens a full technical inventory of hardware, network, and software details.
Your serial number and exact macOS build number, both needed for many support and warranty interactions, are found here — it's worth knowing this location before you need it urgently.
Why it matters
About This Mac is the fastest way to answer the exact questions AppleCare, a repair technician, or a piece of software's system requirements page will ask: which chip, how much memory, which macOS version, and the serial number. Knowing where to find this quickly matters most in stressful moments, like verifying warranty status after a hardware problem or checking compatibility before a major purchase or upgrade. The Storage tab also gives a fast visual sense of what's filling up your disk without navigating deeper into System Settings.
Best practices
- Check 'About This Mac' before contacting support so you already have your serial number, model, and macOS version ready.
- Use the Storage tab as a quick first check when your disk feels full, before diving into deeper storage management tools.
- Note your exact macOS version and build number here when troubleshooting a bug, since some issues are specific to a particular build.
- Keep a note of your serial number somewhere accessible (like a password manager) in case your Mac is ever lost, stolen, or needs warranty service.
Common problems and fixes
- Can't remember where to find the Mac's serial number.
- Open the Apple menu → About This Mac; the serial number is listed directly in the Overview tab, and can also be copied by right-clicking or Control-clicking it.
- About This Mac shows an older macOS version than expected after an update.
- Restart the Mac if you haven't since installing the update, since the version shown won't reflect an update that's downloaded but not yet applied with a restart.
- Storage tab in About This Mac shows different numbers than Finder's 'Get Info' on the disk.
- This is expected — About This Mac's Storage tab accounts for purgeable space and system data differently than a simple Finder disk size, so small discrepancies are normal.
Tips and tricks
- Click directly on the macOS version number in About This Mac's Overview tab to cycle through and reveal the build number and serial number in place.
- Right-click (or Control-click) the serial number in About This Mac to quickly copy it without retyping.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between About This Mac and System Report?
About This Mac gives a quick summary of the essentials (chip, memory, macOS version), while System Report (opened via 'More Info…') provides an exhaustive technical inventory of hardware, software, and network details.
How do I check if my Mac is still covered under AppleCare or warranty?
Note your serial number from About This Mac's Overview tab, then check coverage status at Apple's official Check Coverage page using that serial number.
Does About This Mac show my exact macOS build number, not just the version?
Yes, clicking the version number in the Overview tab reveals the specific build number, useful when a bug or compatibility issue is tied to a particular build rather than the general release.
Related settings
- Storage ManagementStorage settings show a visual breakdown of exactly what's using space on your Mac's disk, plus built-in recommendations — like storing files in iCloud or automatically emptying the Trash — to free up space without manually hunting for large files yourself.
- Software UpdateSoftware Update in System Settings keeps macOS current with the latest security fixes, features, and app compatibility improvements. Regular updates help keep your Mac fast, stable, and protected.
- Date & TimeDate & Time settings keep your Mac's clock accurate by syncing automatically with a network time server, or let you set the date, time, and time zone manually when automatic detection isn't appropriate.
More System Info guides for macOS
- System ReportSystem Report (opened via the System Information app) provides a full technical inventory of your Mac — every connected device, installed application, network configuration, and hardware component — far beyond the summary shown in About This Mac. It's the tool Apple Support usually asks you to check when diagnosing hardware issues.
- Startup DiskStartup Disk lets you select which internal or external bootable volume your Mac uses when it powers on, useful if you have multiple macOS installations, a bootable backup, or a Windows partition via Boot Camp on an Intel Mac. Apple silicon Macs manage most of this through Startup Security Utility instead.
- Serial Number & CoverageThis is where you locate your Mac's serial number and check whether it's still covered by Apple's limited warranty or an AppleCare+ plan. You'll need the serial number for support calls, insurance claims, or verifying coverage before a repair.
- Sharing & Computer NameView and change the name your Mac uses on local networks and AirDrop, and manage which sharing services like File Sharing or Screen Sharing are enabled.
- Profiles (Device Management)See configuration profiles installed on your Mac by an employer, school, or manually, which can enforce settings like Wi-Fi configurations, restrictions, or MDM enrollment.
- macOS Version & Build NumberClicking the macOS version number in About This Mac reveals the exact build number, useful when a support agent, developer, or compatibility check needs more precision than the marketing version name.