How to check if the iPhone you are using is genuine or refurbished

You can know whether your iPhone is genuine, refurbished or fake through many parameters on the device. Here are the ways it can be done.

1. Check Serial Number and IMEI

The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) and serial number are the iPhone’s unique identifiers, so this is the easiest way to verify if the iPhone is genuine.

To check your device’s Serial Number:

1. Enter Settings → General → About.
2. Copy Serial Number.
3. Visit Apple’s official warranty check website: checkcoverage.apple.com.
4. Enter the serial number and confirm the CAPTCHA code.

If Apple confirms your device has valid purchase information and displays warranty details, it is genuine. On the contrary, if the system reports “invalid serial number”, the phone is fake or unregistered.

At the About screen, you can also check the device’s IMEI, Model name and EID, then compare this information with the original packaging or purchase documents (if any). You can also dial *#06# to view the IMEI code.

Important note:

Do not consider the fact that the serial number is recognized by the system as absolute proof. A valid serial number simply indicates that the identifier is recognized by the system. However, this does not guarantee that the actual device you are holding in your hand is the original device associated with that identifier.

2. Check the model and part number (Part Number)

Each iPhone model code will indicate whether it is a new device, a refurbished device, a warranty return device, or a personalized device. You can find this information at: Settings → General → About → Model Number.

M – Completely new machine, purchased at a retail store
F – Refurbished device by Apple
N – Machines can be returned/replaced upon service request
P – The device is personalized/engraved by Apple

Note:

These letters appear only in the first character of the part code and may vary slightly depending on the region.

Now you can spot if someone is trying to sell you a refurbished phone that’s advertised as new. Additionally, when you touch this item, you will see the actual model code to compare with the code printed on the box.

3. Check the activation lock before buying a used iPhone

A phone can be 100% genuine but still cannot be used due to the Activation Lock feature.

To check the Activation Lock status, you need to hold the device directly in your hand as there is no way to verify it remotely.

• Turn on your iPhone and begin the basic setup process.
• If you see a screen displaying a message iPhone Locked to Owner (iPhone locked by owner) or the device requires the previous owner’s Apple account password, meaning Activation Lock is still turned on.

Apple recommends that you return an iPhone you purchased online if you see this message, unless the previous owner has properly erased their data and removed the device from their account.

4. Check parts and service history

Some customers reported scams related to repaired iPhones. The device is genuine, but may have been repaired with non-Apple parts due to problems. Therefore, the user experience on iPhone may be affected when using these components.

• Come in Settings → General → About. If your iPhone has repair information, you’ll see the entry Parts & Service History.
• Depending on the iPhone model and components, Apple may display information about components such as battery, screen, motherboard (logic board), front camera and rear camera.

You may see statuses like:

• Genuine (Genuine): Means the repair uses genuine Apple components and processes.
• Used: Components are genuine Apple products but have been used on another iPhone before.
  
• Unknown (Unknown): Could be non-genuine parts, installation or verification errors, damaged parts, or altered/modified parts.
  
• Unverified: Apple says this status may appear when the motherboard has been used on another iPhone before. This may affect some features, including Apple Pay.

So if someone advertises the iPhone as “Completely original, never repaired” but item “Parts and service history” shows different information, you should ask questions and research carefully before buying.

5. Check the iPhone’s physical design

You should inspect the device in person because counterfeiters may copy the software interface, but physical abnormalities can reveal a lot. Check:

• Location and finish of the Apple logo (must be engraved or embossed, not printed or applied)
• Chassis materials and finishes
• Location of buttons
• How to arrange the camera cluster
• Screen border and notch
• The charging port and pentalobe screws (5-pointed star screws) are located next to the charging port
• Speaker and microphone slots
• SIM tray (if available)
• Overall weight and build quality

However, don’t use a general checklist for every iPhone model.

For example, newer iPhone models use a USB-C port, while older models use a Lightning port. Some models have an Action button, while others have a Camera Control button. The camera layout also differs depending on each generation.

Compare the actual phone with the specifications and images of the exact iPhone model you intend to buy.

6. Use shortcuts to view legal & regulatory information

Open the call keypad, enter the code *#07# and press the call button.

On supported iPhone models, this will take you to the information section Legal & Regulatory of the device. You can also access this section via the link: Settings → General → Legal & Regulatory.

This screen may display items such as:

• Legal notice
• License
• Guarantee
• RF Exposure (Radio Waves)
• Safety & Use
• Regulatory certification