Where To Find Your Refrigerator Model Number
Your model number is on a sticker inside the fridge or on the back panel
The model number is a code printed on a label that identifies your exact refrigerator. You need it to find the right manual, order replacement parts, or get warranty service. Most refrigerators have the label in one of three places: inside the fridge on the wall or ceiling, on the back exterior panel, or on the side wall inside the fridge compartment.
The label itself is usually white or silver with black text. It will say "Model:" or "Model No." followed by a string of letters and numbers—typically between 8 and 15 characters long. The same label almost always includes the serial number (which looks similar but is labeled separately) and the manufacturer name.
Once you have the model number written down or photographed, you can use it to find your manual online, check warranty coverage, or contact the manufacturer's support line with confidence that you are talking about the right machine.
Key Takeaways
- The model number label is usually on the inside wall of the refrigerator compartment, the inside of the freezer, or the back exterior panel.
- Write down or photograph the model number exactly as it appears—do not guess or abbreviate, because similar models have different manuals and parts.
- The label also shows the serial number and manufacturer name, which you may need for warranty claims or service calls.
- If the label is faded or missing, contact the manufacturer with your serial number or refrigerator purchase receipt to request the model information.
Check the inside walls first—upper corners and side panels
Open your refrigerator door and look at the walls inside the fridge compartment. The label is most often stuck to the upper left or upper right corner, just below the ceiling or on the side wall near the top. Manufacturers place it here because it stays clean and visible without blocking shelves or drawers.
If you do not see it in the upper corners, check the side walls—left and right—at about eye level. Some brands put the label on the inside of the freezer compartment instead. Open the freezer door and look in the same spots: upper corners and side walls. The label may be on the ceiling of the freezer or on the back wall.
Use a flashlight if the label is hard to read. Refrigerator interiors can be dim, and the text on the label is small. A phone camera with flash also works well for photographing the label so you have a clear copy to reference later.
Look at the back exterior panel if the inside label is missing
If you cannot find a label inside, check the back of the refrigerator. Unplug the unit first, then carefully pull it away from the wall. The label may be stuck to the back panel, usually in the lower half or near the compressor area. Some manufacturers put a second label here as a backup.
The back panel can be dusty or have condensation on it, so wipe the area gently with a dry cloth before looking. The label should still be readable even if it has been there for years. If the back panel label is also missing or faded, move on to the next step.
Check the side walls and door frame if both are not visible
A few refrigerator brands place the model label on the inside of the door frame—the vertical strip where the door seals against the cabinet. Open the door fully and look at the frame on the hinge side and the latch side. The label may be small and tucked into a corner.
Some models also have a label on the side wall of the refrigerator, between the fridge and freezer compartments. This is less common but worth checking if you have looked everywhere else. If your refrigerator has an ice maker or water dispenser, check the panel behind or beside it as well.
What to do if the label is faded, damaged, or missing
If the label is too faded to read, try taking a photo with your phone's camera and increasing the brightness or contrast in your phone's photo app. Sometimes the text becomes visible on screen even if it is hard to see in person. If that does not work, you can still find your model number another way.
Contact the refrigerator manufacturer directly with your serial number (if you can read it) or your purchase receipt. The receipt usually shows the model number. You can also call the manufacturer's customer service line and describe your refrigerator—the color, size, year of purchase, and any distinctive features—and they can often identify the model for you.
If you bought the refrigerator used and do not have the receipt, the serial number alone is enough. Write it down from the label and call the manufacturer. They keep records by serial number and can tell you the model, even if the label itself is unreadable.
How to read and record the model number correctly
Once you find the label, write down the model number exactly as it appears—every letter, number, and dash. Do not shorten it or leave out characters you think are not important. A model number like "RF28R7201SR" is different from "RF28R7201" or "RF28R7200SR," and each one has its own manual and parts list.
Take a clear photo of the entire label with your phone. This gives you a backup copy and makes it easy to share with a technician or customer service representative over the phone. Include the serial number and manufacturer name in your photo as well—you may need those too.
Store the model number in a safe place: write it on a sticky note and tape it to the inside of a kitchen cabinet door, save it in your phone's notes app, or keep it in a folder with your other appliance information. You will need it again if something breaks or if you want to order parts.
Where the label is located by major brand
| Brand | Most Common Label Location | Secondary Location |
|---|---|---|
| GE | Upper left wall inside fridge | Back exterior panel |
| Whirlpool | Upper right wall inside fridge | Inside freezer compartment |
| Samsung | Side wall inside fridge, near top | Back exterior panel |
| LG | Upper left or right wall inside fridge | Inside freezer ceiling |
| Frigidaire | Upper corner inside fridge | Back exterior panel |
| Maytag | Side wall inside fridge | Back exterior panel |
This table shows where each major brand typically places its model label. Your refrigerator may vary slightly, but these are the most common spots. Start with the primary location, then check the secondary location if you do not find it the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between model number and serial number?
The model number identifies the type and design of your refrigerator—all units of that model share the same features and parts. The serial number is unique to your individual refrigerator and is used to track warranty coverage and service history. Both appear on the same label, but you need the model number to find your manual and the serial number for warranty claims.
Can I find my model number online if I lost the label?
If you know the brand and approximate year of purchase, you can sometimes search the manufacturer's website by entering your serial number. Most brands have a support page where you enter the serial number and it pulls up the model information. Your purchase receipt or credit card statement from the original purchase also usually shows the model number.
Do I need the model number to get warranty service?
The serial number is what the manufacturer uses to verify warranty coverage, but having the model number makes the process faster. When you call for service, provide both if you have them. If you only have the serial number, the manufacturer can look up the model on their end.
What if the label has a dash or slash in the middle of the model number?
Write it exactly as shown. Some manufacturers use dashes or slashes to separate sections of the model code, and these are part of the official model number. When you search for your manual or parts online, include the dash or slash in your search.
Is the model number the same as the product name on the box?
Not always. The product name on the box (like "French Door Refrigerator") is a marketing name. The model number is the technical identifier. Always use the model number from the label when searching for manuals or parts, because the product name alone is not specific enough.