Quick Ways to Find Your iPhone Model
- Settings App: Open Settings, tap General, then tap About. Look at Model Name to see your exact device. Tap the part number next to Model Number to see the code starting with an “A”.
- Check the SIM Tray: On models with a physical SIM slot, use a paperclip to pop out the tray. Look on the top edge of the tray for the engraved “A” number.
- Look at the Back Glass: On older phones, look at the bottom rear text. On newer US models without a SIM tray, look at the fine regulatory text near the bottom edge.
- Check the Charging Port: Look inside the USB-C or Lightning slot using a bright light. The small model number is printed on the upper side facing the screen.
- Use the Serial Number: Find your serial number in Settings > General > About. Enter that number on an official warranty lookup tool to see your exact model and color.
To find out what iPhone you have, open Settings, tap General, tap About and read the Model Name. This shows the exact name, such as iPhone 15 Pro Max. If your phone is switched off or will not open, check the model number on the back of older iPhones or look at your Apple Account online.
Pro Tip
Take a screenshot of your Settings, General, About page and save it in a note. When you need the model, storage and serial number for a repair, resale or insurance claim, you will have everything without digging through menus.
Knowing your model matters when you buy a case, sell your phone, book a repair, check iOS support or choose an accessory. Below are 5 ways to identify your iPhone, from the quickest to the backup options, plus how to read the model number.
Method 1: Check Settings (Most Accurate)
- Open Settings.
- Tap General, then tap About.
- Look at Model Name. This is the marketing name, for example iPhone 16 Plus.
- Tap Model Number to see it change between the part number and the regulatory number, which starts with the letter A.
On older versions of iOS, About shows Model and the letters and numbers only, so use the steps in Method 4 to match the code to a name.
Method 2: Look Under Your Apple Account
- Open Settings.
- Tap your name at the top of the screen.
- Scroll down to the list of devices.
- Tap your iPhone to see its model.
This method is useful when you are signed in but cannot reach the About page, or when you want to check which of your Apple devices is which.
Method 3: Check the Back of the iPhone
iPhone 8 and older have the model number printed in small text on the back, near the bottom. It starts with the letter A followed by four digits. iPhone X and newer models do not have this text on the back, so use Settings instead.
Method 4: Match the Model Number to a Model
The model number in Settings looks like A3090 or a longer code such as MLPK3B/A. Here is how to read the longer code:
- The first letter shows where the phone came from. M means a new phone, F means refurbished, N means a replacement and P means personalised or engraved.
- The letters after the slash show the region the phone was sold for, for example B/A for the United Kingdom.
To turn a code into a name, search the A number on Apple’s Identify Your iPhone Model page, which lists every model. The regulatory number is the most reliable way to match a phone that has been repaired or resold.
Method 5: Use Physical Clues
If you cannot switch the phone on, use its design:
- Home button on the front: this is an iPhone SE, iPhone 8 or an older model.
- A notch at the top of the screen: this is a Face ID iPhone such as the iPhone X to iPhone 13, the iPhone 14 and 14 Plus, or an iPhone 16e.
- A pill shaped cutout called the Dynamic Island: this is an iPhone 14 Pro or a newer model.
- Three cameras on the back: this is a Pro model, while two cameras usually mean a standard model.
- A very thin body with one camera: this could be an iPhone Air.
These clues narrow the choice quickly, but always confirm with Settings or the model number, because several models look alike.
Other Details You Can Find on the About Page
While you are on the About screen, you can check:
- iOS version: needed to know which features you can use
- Capacity: the total storage of your iPhone, such as 128 GB or 256 GB
- Serial number and IMEI: useful for repairs, insurance and reporting a lost phone
- Network provider lock: shows whether your phone is locked to one carrier
- Warranty status: open Settings, General, About and look for the coverage line
If you are close to your storage limit, read how to free up iPhone storage.
Why Knowing Your iPhone Model Matters
- Buying a case or screen protector: they are made for exact sizes and camera layouts
- Selling or trading in: buyers ask for the model and storage size
- Apple Watch pairing: check which watches fit in our Apple Watch compatibility guide
- iOS updates: older models stop receiving the newest features
- Features: some tools, such as call screening on newer iOS, depend on your model, so see how to block No Caller ID on supported phones
- Comparing upgrades: see the iPhone 18 screen size and specs before you decide
Curious how your model fits into Apple’s timeline? Read the iPhone history every generation guide. Selling your phone soon? Follow the steps to factory reset an iPhone first.
More iPhone Setup and Device Guides
Once you know exactly which iPhone model you have, you can make the right changes for that device. Learn how to turn off iPhone vibration if you want quieter alerts, or see where to find downloads on iPhone when you need to locate files saved from Safari, Mail or other apps.
Which iPhone Should You Rent Instead of Buy?
If you need a specific model for a project, event, staff team or app testing, renting is often cheaper than buying and lets you pick the model that suits the job. Check the model on delivery so it matches your order, then return it when the work ends. See iPhone rental for businesses options, or ask our team which model fits your use case.
Rent Tech Devices for Business Events and Professional Use
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out what iPhone I have without unlocking it?
Look at the back of an iPhone 8 or older for the model number, or sign in to your Apple Account on a computer and check your devices. You can also use the design clues, such as a Home button or Dynamic Island.
Where is the model number on an iPhone?
Open Settings, tap General, tap About and find Model Number. Tap it to switch between the part number and the regulatory number that begins with A.
What is the difference between iPhone model name and model number?
The model name is the friendly title, such as iPhone 15. The model number is a code that identifies the exact variant, including the region and storage type.
How do I tell if my iPhone is a Pro model?
Pro models have three cameras on the back and a matching camera bump. You can also check Model Name in Settings, which shows the word Pro.
How can I tell how old my iPhone is?
Find the model name in Settings, then compare it with the release list in the iPhone history every generation guide. Each model shows when it was released.
What iPhone do I have if the About page shows only a code?
Older versions of iOS show only a model code. Match that code to Apple’s list of models, or check the design of your phone, its camera layout and its storage size.