How to tell if an iPhone is fake or real
Looks and packaging are easy to copy. The serial number and the software are much harder to fake.
Photo by Thai Nguyen on Unsplash
Fake iPhones are common on marketplaces and in street sales. Many copy the look of a real one, so do not trust the case, the box or a quick glance. These checks use Apple's own records and the phone's software, which are much harder to fake. Do them before you pay.
Check 1: The serial number on Apple's Check Coverage page
- 1
Open Settings › General › About and note the serial number.
If you cannot turn the phone on, the serial number is also printed on the box and, on some models, on the SIM tray.
- 2
Go to Apple's Check Coverage page and enter the number.
- 3
Compare what Apple shows with what you are buying.
The model name should match what the seller says. If Apple says it cannot find the number, or shows a different model, treat it as a warning sign.
Check 2: Match the IMEI and serial in three places
Dial *#06# to show the IMEI. Compare it with the IMEI in Settings › General › About, with the sticker on the box, and with the number on the SIM tray or the back of the phone. If any of them do not match, the phone or the box may not be what it claims. Our guide to finding the IMEI number shows every method.
Check 3: The software
- A real iPhone runs iOS, with Settings and the App Store in the same layout you see on other iPhones. A fake often runs a changed version of Android made to look like iOS.
- Check that you can sign in with an Apple Account and download an app from the App Store.
- Check that Face ID or Touch ID can be set up, if the model should have one.
- Look at the model number in Settings › General › About. It should match the generation the seller claims.
Check 4: Parts and Service History
On recent iPhones with recent iOS versions, Settings › General › About › Parts and Service History shows whether the screen, battery and camera are genuine Apple parts. A genuine iPhone can still have repaired parts, so this does not prove the phone is fake. It tells you what has been replaced, which matters for the price.
Check 5: Find My and Activation Lock
A real iPhone can still be stolen or locked to someone else's Apple Account. Before you pay, ask the seller to sign out of their Apple Account and turn off Find My in front of you. If the phone asks for another person's Apple Account after you erase it, do not buy it. See our guide to checking if a phone is stolen.
Check 6: The price, the seller and the paperwork
- A price far below the usual used price is the biggest warning sign.
- Buy from a seller you can contact again, and pay in a way that you can dispute.
- Ask for a receipt that lists the serial number or IMEI.
Old tips that do not prove anything
Many pages still repeat checks from old iPhones, such as holding the Home button to test Siri or counting grooves on screws. Newer iPhones have no Home button, and modern fakes copy many physical details. Weight, box print quality and the gap around the screen can hint at a problem, but they cannot prove a phone is real. Use the serial number and the software first.
Refurbished is not fake
A refurbished iPhone is a genuine iPhone that was repaired or reconditioned. It often has a new battery or a new case. That is different from a counterfeit. See how to check if an iPhone is refurbished, and read our checklist for buying a used phone.
Frequently asked questions
How can I check if my iPhone is original?
Find the serial number in Settings › General › About and enter it on Apple's Check Coverage page. A real iPhone shows its model and coverage. If Apple does not recognize the number, be careful.
Can a fake iPhone pass the serial number check?
Some fakes copy a real serial number. Compare the model Apple shows with what you are buying, match the serial and IMEI in Settings, on the box and on the phone, and check that the phone runs iOS.
Is a refurbished iPhone fake?
No. A refurbished iPhone is a real iPhone that was repaired or reconditioned. Check the seller, the warranty and Parts and Service History in Settings.
How do I check if an iPhone is stolen or locked before buying?
Ask for the IMEI, check that Find My is turned off and the iPhone is not on Activation Lock, and confirm it is not carrier locked. Do not buy a phone that asks for the previous owner's Apple Account.
What to try next
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