How to check if iPhone is original or refurbished

Are you thinking of buying an iPhone? If so, it’s important to make sure that you’re getting an original one, not a refurbished or fake one. Refurbished iPhones are those that have been returned to Apple or a carrier and have been repaired and restored to like-new condition. Fake iPhones are counterfeit devices that are often made with low-quality materials and may not work properly.

How to check if iPhone is original or refurbished

In this blog post, we will discuss how to check if an iPhone is original or refurbished. We will also provide some tips for buying an original iPhone.

1. Check the model number.

The model number of an iPhone can be found on the back of the phone, on the box, and in the Settings app. The first letter of the model number will tell you whether the iPhone is original, refurbished by Apple, or refurbished by a carrier or third-party vendor:

Original iPhone: The model number starts with “M” or “P”.
Refurbished by Apple: The model number starts with “F”.
Refurbished by a carrier or third-party vendor: The model number starts with “N”.

For example, the model number of an original iPhone 13 Pro is A2641. The model number of an iPhone 13 Pro that has been refurbished by Apple is F2641.

2. Check the IMEI number.

The IMEI number is a 15-digit number that is unique to each iPhone. You can find the IMEI number by going to Settings > General > About.

To verify the authenticity of your iPhone, you can enter the IMEI number into an IMEI checker website. There are many IMEI checker websites available, such as IMEI.info and IMEI.org.

These websites will typically provide you with information about the iPhone, such as the model number, carrier, warranty status, and whether the phone has been reported lost or stolen.

3. Check the warranty status.

Original iPhones come with a one-year warranty. Refurbished iPhones may or may not come with a warranty, depending on the seller.

To check the warranty status of your iPhone, you can go to Settings > General > About. Under the “Legal” section, you will see the warranty information for your iPhone.

If the warranty status is expired, you may still be able to get help from Apple if your iPhone has a defect. However, you will likely have to pay for the repairs.

4. Inspect the physical condition of the iPhone.

When inspecting the physical condition of the iPhone, look for any signs of wear and tear, such as scratches, dents, or cracks. Original iPhones are typically in good condition, while refurbished iPhones may have some minor blemishes.

Here are some things to look for:

The screen should be free of scratches or cracks.
The body of the iPhone should be free of dents or major scratches.
The ports should be clean and free of debris.
The buttons should be responsive and not stuck.

If you find any major problems with the physical condition of the iPhone, you should not buy it.

5. Ask the seller about the iPhone’s history.

If you are buying the iPhone from a private seller, ask them about the iPhone’s history. Find out how long they have had it, why they are selling it, and if it has ever been repaired.

Here are some questions you can ask the seller:

How long have you had the iPhone?
Why are you selling it?
Has the iPhone ever been repaired?
Does the iPhone come with all of the original accessories?

The seller’s answers to these questions can help you to determine whether the iPhone is a good deal.

How to check if iPhone is refurbished by serial number

There are two main ways to check if your iPhone is refurbished by its serial number:

1. Check the Model Number:

This is the easiest and quickest way.
Go to Settings > General > About.
Look for the Model Number near the top of the page.
The first letter of the model number will tell you if it’s refurbished:
- M: New iPhone from Apple.
- F: Refurbished iPhone by Apple or a carrier.
- P: Personalized iPhone with engraving.
- N: Replacement iPhone from Apple.

2. Check Coverage Status:

This method provides more information about your iPhone’s warranty and service coverage.
Go to Apple’s Check Coverage website: https://checkcoverage.apple.com/
Enter your iPhone’s serial number in the field and click Continue.
If your iPhone is eligible for service and warranty, it’s most likely not refurbished.
If the website shows “This device is not eligible for warranty service,” it could be refurbished or have other issues.

additional tips and information

here are some additional tips and information you need to keep in mind for checking if an iPhone is original or refurbished:

Buy from a trusted seller. The best way to ensure that you are getting an original iPhone is to buy it from a trusted seller, such as an Apple authorized reseller or a reputable online retailer.
Beware of deals that seem too good to be true. If you see an iPhone for sale that is much cheaper than the average price, it is likely a fake.
Check the serial number. The serial number of an iPhone is a unique identifier that can be used to verify its authenticity. You can find the serial number on the back of the iPhone, on the box, and in the Settings app.
Use an IMEI checker website. There are many IMEI checker websites available that can help you to verify the authenticity of an iPhone. You can enter the IMEI number into one of these websites to get information about the iPhone, such as the model number, carrier, warranty status, and whether the phone has been reported lost or stolen.
Inspect the physical condition of the iPhone. When inspecting the physical condition of the iPhone, look for any signs of wear and tear, such as scratches, dents, or cracks. Original iPhones are typically in good condition, while refurbished iPhones may have some minor blemishes.
Ask the seller about the iPhone’s history. If you are buying the iPhone from a private seller, ask them about the iPhone’s history. Find out how long they have had it, why they are selling it, and if it has ever been repaired.

Conclusion:

Buying an original iPhone can be a great way to save money. However, it is important to make sure that you are getting an original iPhone and not a refurbished or fake one. By following the tips in this blog post, you can be more confident that you are getting an original iPhone that will last for years to come.