Check if Your iPhone Is Original or Not
How to Check if Your iPhone Is Original or Not.
Buying an iPhone can be exciting, but it’s also important to make sure that the device you purchase is genuine and not a fake or refurbished version sold as new.
Apple products are often copied by counterfeiters, so knowing how to verify your iPhone’s authenticity can save you from scams.
Here are some reliable ways to check if your iPhone is original and officially made by Apple.
1. Check the IMEI or Serial Number
Every original iPhone has a unique IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) or serial number that can be verified directly on Apple’s official website.
Steps to check:
1. Go to Settings > General > About on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down to find the Serial Number or IMEI.
3. Visit Apple’s Check Coverage website.
4. Enter the serial number and the verification code.
5. If your iPhone is genuine, Apple will display its warranty information, model, and activation status.
If the website shows an error or says the serial number is invalid, your iPhone might be fake or not officially registered with Apple.
2. Check the Packaging and Box
An authentic iPhone always comes in high-quality packaging with Apple’s logo clearly printed.
The box should include matching serial numbers - check that the number on the box matches the one in Settings > General > About.
The accessories (charger, cable, and manual) should be neatly packed and of high quality.
Fake iPhones often have blurred printing, misspelled words, or inconsistent logos.
3. Check the iOS System
All original iPhones run iOS, Apple’s official operating system.
To verify this:
Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
If it shows updates from Apple (e.g., iOS 17.1.1), your device is running the genuine iOS system.
Fake iPhones usually use Android with an iOS-like theme. You can tell by looking at the App Store - if it redirects to Google Play, it’s definitely not an iPhone.
4. Inspect Physical Appearance
Pay attention to small design details:
Apple’s logo on the back should be perfectly centered and reflective.
The body should feel premium and solid, not light or plasticky.
The buttons (volume, power, mute switch) should feel firm and responsive.
The Lightning port (charging port) should be perfectly aligned - fake phones often have irregular or poorly fitted ports.
5. Check Activation Lock and Apple ID
An authentic iPhone can be linked to an Apple ID and has a feature called Find My iPhone.
To check:
1. Open Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > Find My iPhone.
2. If this feature exists, the phone is genuine.
Fake iPhones won’t have access to iCloud or Find My iPhone because these are exclusive to Apple devices.
6. Test the App Store
Open the App Store on your device.
A genuine iPhone will connect only to Apple’s App Store.
If it opens Google Play Store or any third-party market, your iPhone is fake.
7. Connect to iTunes
You can also connect your iPhone to a computer using a Lightning cable.
Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina or later).
If iTunes recognizes the device immediately and shows the iPhone’s details, it’s an original Apple product.
If your computer doesn’t recognize it or identifies it as an “unknown device,” it’s most likely fake.
8. Check for Unusual Features
Some counterfeit iPhones have additional or missing features.
If you can remove the battery or insert two SIM cards, it’s not a genuine iPhone (Apple iPhones only have one or eSIM options).
Original iPhones also don’t have external memory card slots.
Conclusion
Always buy your iPhone from authorized Apple resellers or trusted marketplaces. Before paying, take a few minutes to verify the serial number and test the iOS system. A genuine iPhone will always offer smooth performance, premium build quality, and full Apple support — things a fake one can never truly replicate.
