You can find your token's serial number depending on its type:
on the back of a physical hardware token or within the settings or "token info" section of a software token application. For software tokens, the serial number may also be included in the email confirmation you received upon registration.
How to find the serial number on a physical (hardware) token
A hardware token is a small device that displays a rotating, one-time passcode (OTP) used for multi-factor authentication.
- Locate the back of the device: Turn the hardware token over to its back or reverse side.
- Find the stamped or printed number: The serial number is a unique alphanumeric code printed or etched directly onto the device's casing.
- Check for a sticker: Some tokens may have a label or sticker on the back with the serial number printed on it. This sticker can sometimes wear off over time.
How to find the serial number on a software token
A software token is an application installed on your computer or mobile device that generates the same type of one-time passcodes as a hardware token.
- Open the token application: Launch the authentication app (e.g., RSA SecurID, GateKeeper Client, Google Authenticator) on your computer or phone.
- Access "Token Information": Navigate to the app's settings or "options" menu. This may be accessible via an icon that resembles a gear or three vertical dots. From there, select a menu item like "Token Information," "Token Info," or "Manage Token".
- Display the serial number: Your token's unique serial number will be displayed on the screen. Some applications, like the GateKeeper Client, may require you to run a "Test Token" to see the serial number.
Alternative methods and troubleshooting
If the above methods are unsuccessful, you can try these alternatives.
Check your email or documentation
- Confirmation email: When you first registered your software token, you likely received a confirmation email from the service provider (e.g., Square Enix) that includes the serial number. Search your inbox for phrases like "token activation" or "serial number".
- Initial welcome letter: For corporate-issued tokens, your organization may have sent you a welcome letter or a different email notification that contains the serial number.
Use the provider's self-service portal
- Some organizations that manage multi-factor authentication have a self-service website for users.
- Log into the portal using your credentials.
- Find the section for managing your security token, which often displays the serial number.
Search by One-Time Passcode (OTP)
- Some systems for administrators, like LinOTP, allow you to enter a single OTP from an unknown token to determine its serial number. This is useful if the physical number is worn off.
Contact customer support
- If you have lost your hardware token, deleted the registration email, or cannot find the information in your app, you will need to contact the customer support or help desk for the service you are using.
- The support team can help you verify your identity and, in most cases, either provide the serial number or issue a replacement token.
Why you might need your token serial number
- Token re-registration: If you get a new device, such as a new phone, you may need the serial number to redistribute your software token to the new device.
- Token replacement: If your hardware token is lost, stolen, or damaged, your IT department or service provider will need the serial number to deactivate it and issue a new one.
- Troubleshooting: When resolving login issues, support teams may ask for your serial number to help diagnose any problems with your authentication.
- Security audits: Administrators use serial numbers to track and audit the tokens assigned to users for enhanced security.
Enjoyed this article? Share it with a friend.