# Record IMEI, serial numbers and lot numbers

> Switch on IMEI or serial number entry per product, type the number on each sale, and record lot numbers on purchases in SmartPOS Hub.

Source: https://docs.smartposhub.com/inventory/serial-imei-and-lots/  
Last updated: 2026-10-30  
Product: SmartPOS Hub (https://smartposhub.com)

Mobile shops, electronics and appliance stores need to know **which unit** went to which customer, usually by IMEI or serial number. Pharmacies and food businesses need to know **which batch** they bought and sold, by lot number. This page shows how to switch on both and use them at the counter.

## IMEI and serial numbers

### Switch it on for a product

1. Open **Products › List Products** and edit the product (for example a phone, laptop, TV or AC). For new products use **Products › Add Product**.
2. In the **Stock & locations** section, tick **Enable Product description, IMEI or Serial Number**.
3. Save the product (**Update** or **Save**).

![Edit product page with the Enable Product description, IMEI or Serial Number option ticked in the Stock and locations section](https://docs.smartposhub.com/_astro/product-imei-option.Bv_wbJYD.png) (web app page: `/products/edit`)
*Tick the option on every product you sell by IMEI or serial number.*

### Record the number on each sale

- **Add Sale** (**Sell › Add Sale**): every line has a description box under the product name, with the hint "Add product IMEI, Serial number or other informations here." Type the IMEI or serial number there.
- **POS**: a product with this option is always added as a **new line** for each unit (never merged into one line with quantity 2). Open the line's details window and type the number in **Description**.

![Sale line for an iPhone 17 Pro Max with the IMEI typed in the description box under the product](https://docs.smartposhub.com/_astro/sale-line-imei-note.BTRsFzv2.png) (web app page: `/sells/create`)
*The IMEI is saved with the sale line and printed under the item on the invoice.*

The number is printed under the item on the receipt or invoice, so the customer has it for warranty claims. Choose a **Warranty** on the same line if the product has one (warranties are set up under **Products › Warranties**).

**Caution:** 
SmartPOS Hub does not keep a list of IMEI numbers in stock. You buy and stock phones by quantity; the IMEI is recorded when you sell. Keep the box or a scan of each IMEI label if you need to prove what you received.

## Lot numbers

### Switch on lots

In **Settings › Business Settings › Purchases**, turn on **Enable Lot number** and click save. Turn it on before you record purchases you want to track.

![Business Settings Purchases tab with Enable Lot number switched on](https://docs.smartposhub.com/_astro/settings-purchases-tab.BC-QXn9t.png) (web app page: `/business/settings`)
*Enable Lot number adds a Lot Number column to purchase lines.*

### Enter the lot when you buy

On **Purchases › Add Purchase**, each line now has a **Lot Number** box. Type the batch code printed on the supplier's box. If product expiry is also on, enter the **EXP Date** next to it (see [Expiry and batches](https://docs.smartposhub.com/inventory/expiry-and-batches/)).

![Add Purchase form with Lot Number and MFG Date / EXP Date columns on a product line](https://docs.smartposhub.com/_astro/add-purchase-form.DSUL7H7g.png) (web app page: `/purchases/create`)
*Lot Number and expiry are entered per purchase line.*

You can also give lots to [opening stock](https://docs.smartposhub.com/catalog/opening-stock/) when you load your first stock.

### Sell, transfer or adjust a specific lot

On sale lines, [stock transfers](https://docs.smartposhub.com/inventory/stock-transfers/) and [stock adjustments](https://docs.smartposhub.com/inventory/stock-adjustments/), each product with lots shows a **Lot & Expiry** list. Pick the batch you are selling or moving. The quantity is checked against what is left in that lot. If you leave it empty, stock is taken according to your stock accounting method (FIFO or LIFO).

### See stock per lot

**Reports › Lot Report** lists every lot with its **SKU**, **Product**, **Lot Number**, **EXP Date**, **Current stock**, **Total unit sold** and **Total Unit Adjusted**. Filter by location, category, brand or unit.

![Lot Report listing lot numbers of a paracetamol product with expiry dates, current stock and units sold](https://docs.smartposhub.com/_astro/lot-report.C88ZwCoy.png) (web app page: `/reports/lot-report`)
*Reports › Lot Report shows how much of every batch is left.*

## Tips and mistakes to avoid

- Make the IMEI part of your selling routine: scan the IMEI barcode on the box straight into the description box with a hand scanner.
- Don't create one product per IMEI. One product (or one variation per storage/colour) with the IMEI on the sale line is the right setup.
- Lot numbers only work from the day you switch them on; older stock shows no lot.

## Related pages

  - [Expiry and batches](https://docs.smartposhub.com/inventory/expiry-and-batches/)
  - [Record a purchase](https://docs.smartposhub.com/inventory/purchases/)
  - [Barcodes and labels](https://docs.smartposhub.com/catalog/barcodes-and-labels/)
  - [Receipts and invoice layouts](https://docs.smartposhub.com/selling/receipts-and-invoice-layouts/)

## Frequently asked questions

### How do I record a phone's IMEI when I sell it?

Edit the product and tick Enable Product description, IMEI or Serial Number. When you sell it, type the IMEI in the description box of that sale line. It is saved on the sale and printed on the invoice.

### Does SmartPOS Hub keep a stock list of individual IMEI numbers?

No. Stock is counted per product and per lot, not per serial number. The IMEI or serial is recorded on each sale line, so you can find which customer bought which unit.

### Why does each scan add a new line for this product?

Products with IMEI or serial entry switched on are never merged into one line, because each unit needs its own number. Scan or add the product once per unit.

### What is a lot number?

A batch code from the manufacturer or your own receiving code. With Enable Lot number on, you enter it on each purchase line, and the stock of every lot is tracked separately.

### Where do I switch lot numbers on?

In Settings › Business Settings › Purchases, turn on Enable Lot number and save. A Lot Number column then appears on purchase lines.

### How do I choose which lot I am selling?

On the sale line, pick the batch in the Lot & Expiry list. If you don't pick one, stock is taken according to your stock accounting method (FIFO or LIFO).

### Can I find a sale by IMEI later?

Yes. The number is stored in the sale line description, so it shows on the invoice and in the sale's details; search your sales or the customer's history to find it.