Where to find the model number on your Galaxy S10

The model number is printed on the back of your phone, usually below the camera lens or near the bottom edge. Look for a small line of text that starts with "SM-" followed by letters and numbers — that is your model number. If the text is hard to read, try tilting the phone under bright light.

The model number tells you which regional variant you own and what hardware is inside. A US model (SM-G973U) has different bands and software than a European model (SM-G973F), so knowing which one you have matters if you are buying parts, troubleshooting network issues, or selling the phone.

Key Takeaways

  • Your model number is printed on the back of the phone below the camera, starting with "SM-" and followed by a letter and numbers.
  • The letter after "SM-G973" tells you the region: U for US, F for Europe, N for China, and others for different markets.
  • You can also find the model number in Settings under About Phone, listed as "Model Number" or "Device Name".
  • The model number is different from the IMEI or serial number, which are also printed on the back but serve different purposes.

Checking the model number in Settings

Open the Settings app and scroll down to About Phone. Tap it, then look for the line labeled "Model Number" — this is the same number printed on the back. Some versions of Android also show it as "Device Name" or "Build Number" depending on your software version.

This method is useful if the back of your phone is scratched or the text is worn away. The Settings version is always readable and you do not need to remove any case or cover to see it.

What the letters and numbers mean

The model number always starts with SM-G973 for the Galaxy S10. The letter that follows tells you which market the phone was sold for: U means United States, F means France or Europe, N means China, and other letters represent other regions. A phone sold in Canada might be SM-G973W, while one sold in India might be SM-G973F.

The final digits sometimes indicate minor hardware revisions or carrier-specific versions. Two phones with the same letter might have slightly different processors or modem chips depending on when they were manufactured, but the letter is the main regional marker you need to know.

Why the model number matters

The model number determines which software updates your phone will receive and which network bands it supports. A US model will not work on all the same cellular frequencies as a European model, so if you travel or move, knowing your model number helps you understand what networks your phone can connect to.

If you need to buy a replacement battery, screen, or charging port, the model number tells the seller exactly which part fits. It also matters if you are troubleshooting a problem — support pages and repair guides are often written for specific model numbers, and using the wrong guide can lead you down the wrong path.

Difference between model number, IMEI, and serial number

The model number (SM-G973U) describes what kind of phone you own. The IMEI is a 15-digit number unique to your individual phone — no two phones share the same IMEI. The serial number is another unique identifier printed separately on the back. All three are printed on the back of your Galaxy S10, but they serve different purposes.

Your carrier uses the IMEI to identify your phone on their network. Your model number is what you need when buying parts or checking compatibility. The serial number is what Samsung uses to track warranty and service history. If you are selling the phone or reporting it lost, you will need the IMEI and serial number, not the model number.

Finding the model number if your phone is damaged

If the back of your phone is cracked or the text is completely worn away, go to Settings, then About Phone, and look for Model Number. This method works even if the physical label is unreadable. You can also check your phone's original box or receipt — the model number is often printed there.

If you bought the phone from a carrier like Verizon or AT&T, you can call them with your phone number and they can tell you the model number from their records. Samsung's support website also has a tool where you can enter your IMEI (if you can read it) and it will show you the model number and other details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the model number the same as the device name?

Not always. The device name is what you call your phone in Bluetooth settings — you can change it to anything you want. The model number is fixed and printed on the back. In Settings, the model number appears under About Phone as "Model Number", separate from the device name.

Can I change my model number?

No. The model number is hardcoded into your phone's hardware and cannot be changed through normal settings. It is tied to the physical components inside and the region where the phone was manufactured. Changing it would require modifying the phone's firmware in ways that would void your warranty.

What if my phone has two different numbers on the back?

The longer 15-digit number is your IMEI. The shorter number starting with "SM-" is your model number. Both are supposed to be there. The IMEI identifies your specific phone to the network, while the model number identifies what type of phone it is.

Does the model number affect which apps I can read?

No. The Google Play Store does not restrict apps based on model number. It checks your Android version and hardware capabilities instead. All Galaxy S10 models run the same Android version and have the same processor, so you can read the same apps regardless of whether you have the US, European, or Chinese variant.

Can I use a charger from a different Galaxy S10 model?

Yes. All Galaxy S10 models use the same USB-C charging port and accept the same wattage, so a charger from any S10 variant will work with yours. The model number does not affect charging compatibility — only the port type matters.