Ever needed to buy a phone case or screen protector and suddenly realized you don't actually know your iPhone model? Happened to me last month when I tried ordering a cheap charger online that ended up being incompatible. Total waste of $15. Knowing your exact iPhone model isn't just tech trivia - it affects repairs, resale value, accessories, software updates, you name it.
Maybe you're selling your phone and buyers keep asking "What iPhone generation is this?" Or your screen cracked and repair shops need the model number for pricing. Whatever your reason, this guide will show you exactly how to find out what iPhone model you have using methods that actually work in real life. No tech jargon, just clear steps from someone who's fixed these things for years.
Let's cut through the confusion.
Method 1: Check in Your iPhone Settings (Fastest Way)
Honestly, this is how I check 90% of the time. Takes 10 seconds once you know where to look. Open your Settings app and follow this path:
Settings → General → About
Now focus on two lines:
- Model Name: Shows marketing name like "iPhone 13 Pro"
- Model Number: Starts with 'A' followed by four digits (this is the key identifier)
Fun fact: Tapping the model number reveals the part number! Useful when verifying refurbished devices.
Here's why this method rocks: You get immediate answers without moving from your couch. Plus, it works even if your back glass is shattered or the engraving rubbed off. Just make sure your iPhone powers on.
Tried this on my buddy's water-damaged iPhone XR last week - still displayed the model perfectly.
What If Your iPhone Won't Turn On?
Dead battery? Water damage? No problem. Skip to Method 2 immediately.
Method 2: Physical Identification (Back Case Engraving)
Flip your iPhone over. See that tiny text? That's your golden ticket when the screen's dead. Look for the "Model AXXXX" line near the bottom. On newer iPhones (12 onward), it's laser-etched into the frame. Older models have it printed on the back glass.
Wipe the area with a microfiber cloth - grease often obscures the text
Use magnifying glass or phone camera zoom if needed
Ignore the FCC/CE markings - focus only on the "A" number
Here's how to decode that A-number:
| Model Number | iPhone Model | Release Year | Key Identifier |
|---|---|---|---|
| A2481, A2482, A2483, A2484 | iPhone 14 Series | 2022 | Dynamic Island notch |
| A2341, A2342, A2172, A2176 | iPhone 12 Series | 2020 | Flat edges, 5G support |
| A1920, A1921, A2097, A2098 | iPhone XS Series | 2018 | First OLED without home button |
| A1660, A1661, A1778, A1784 | iPhone 7 Series | 2016 | No headphone jack |
| A1549, A1586, A1522, A1524 | iPhone 6 Series | 2014 | First large-screen iPhones |
Annoyance alert: Apple moved the engraving to the SIM tray on iPhone 13/14. Why make it harder?
Visual Identification Tricks
Spot-check these features when you can't find the A-number:
- Camera layout: iPhone 15 Pro has 3 lenses + LiDAR scanner
- Notch vs Dynamic Island: Only 14 Pro/15 Pro have the pill-shaped cutout
- Ports: iPhone 15 series all use USB-C
Method 3: Check via Computer (PC or Mac)
Connect your iPhone to a computer with a USB cable. Here's what to do depending on your OS:
For Mac Users (macOS Catalina or later)
- Open Finder
- Select your iPhone under Locations
- Click the device name near the top
Actual model name appears beside the device icon. I prefer this over iTunes - cleaner interface.
For Windows PC or Older Macs
- Install latest iTunes (still available from Apple)
- Connect iPhone and click the device icon
- Go to Summary tab → See "Model" under device info
Pro tip: Click the serial number field to reveal the model number starting with 'A'. Useful when dealing with refurbished units that might have mismatched info.
Method 4: Find Model Using IMEI/Serial Number
Every iPhone has a unique IMEI (cellular models) or serial number (Wi-Fi only). Here's how to use them to identify your model:
Where to Find IMEI/Serial
- Settings → General → About
- Original packaging (barcode label)
- SIM tray (engraved on some models)
- Receipt from Apple or carrier
Now verify through:
| Verification Method | Steps | Info Provided |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Coverage Check | Visit checkcoverage.apple.com → Enter IMEI/serial | Model name, warranty status |
| IMEI.info | Free lookup at imei.info | Model, storage, color |
| Carrier Databases | AT&T/Verizon store or online portal | Model tied to your account |
Warning: Free IMEI sites often bombard you with ads. Apple's official portal is cleaner.
Method 5: Check Original Box or Purchase Receipt
Still have the box? The model number is printed near the barcode:
- Look for text like "MODEL: A2483"
- iPhone model name usually appears below (e.g., "iPhone 14 Pro")
On receipts (physical or email):
- Apple Store receipts show full device name
- Carrier receipts include model number in tiny print
Storage tip: I photograph my box label and email receipt then save in a "Device Info" album. Saved me when selling my iPhone X.
How to Find iPhone Model When You Have Multiple Devices
Manage several iPhones? Here's how I keep track:
Rename devices
Go to Settings → General → About → Name
Example: "Mark's iPhone 12 Pro"
In Find My app:
- View all devices on map
- Tap device → See model at bottom
Why bother? When your kid says "my phone broke," you'll know whether it's the iPhone SE (2022) or iPhone 7 before driving to the repair shop.
Why Does My iPhone Show Two Different Model Numbers?
Noticed A2483 in Settings but A2890 on the box? Relax. The first is the device model, the second is regulatory identifier. Always trust the 'A' number from Settings or physical engraving.
Region variations: Same iPhone model may have different A-numbers for specific markets (e.g., US vs Chinese models). Doesn't affect functionality.
Troubleshooting: When Standard Methods Fail
Own a heavily damaged iPhone? Try these workarounds:
Water-Damaged Units
- Remove SIM tray → Check for engraved number (iPhone 13/14)
- Connect to Mac/PC → See if recognized in Finder
Refurbished or Repaired iPhones
- Check IMEI through Apple coverage page
- Physical inspection of logic board (for experts only)
Last-resort pro move: Take clear photos of front/back and visit an Apple Store. Geniuses can usually ID it visually.
FAQs: Real Questions from iPhone Users
Absolutely. Check the back case engraving (older models) or SIM tray engraving (iPhone 13/14). Original box and receipt also work.
Remove the case. If glued on (cheap silicone cases), carefully peel from corner. Or use Settings → General → About method.
Screen assemblies and batteries differ between models. iPhone 13 screen won't fit iPhone 14. Wrong part = wasted $100+.
Not at all. SE (2020) resembles iPhone 8, SE (2022) looks like iPhone 13 mini. Check Settings → About for certainty.
No. They require physical inspection or IMEI verification during appointment booking.
Quick Reference: iPhone Model Timeline
| Year | Flagship Models | Budget Models | Key Visual Clues |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | iPhone 15 Pro (A2848) | iPhone 15 (A3090) | Titanium frame, USB-C |
| 2022 | iPhone 14 Pro (A2893) | iPhone SE (2022) (A2785) | Dynamic Island, no SIM tray (US) |
| 2020 | iPhone 12 Pro (A2341) | iPhone SE (2020) (A2275) | Flat edges, MagSafe compatible |
| 2017 | iPhone X (A1865) | iPhone 8 (A1863) | First edge-to-edge display |
| 2014 | iPhone 6 Plus (A1522) | — | First large-screen iPhone |
Final Recommendations
Here's my practical advice after identifying thousands of iPhones:
For working iPhones: Settings → General → About is foolproof
For broken iPhones: Physical engraving near bottom edge
For resellers: Provide both model name and A-number
Write your model number on a sticky note inside the SIM tray slot. Future you will be grateful.
Knowing how to find out what iPhone model you have saves money, time and hassle. Whether you're troubleshooting, selling, or just ordering the right case, these methods actually work. Stop guessing and start verifying.
Got an iPhone model mystery? Share your situation below and I'll help decode it.
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