How to Check if Your iPhone Is Original, Refurbished, or Fake

Buying an iPhone is exciting but with so many counterfeit and refurbished models floating around, it’s easy to get tricked into purchasing a fake one. Whether you’re buying online, getting a second-hand phone, or receiving it as a gift, it’s always important to check if your iPhone is genuine and Apple-certified.

In this guide, I’ll explain when and why you should verify your iPhone’s authenticity and share simple ways to check if it’s original, refurbished, or fake so you can buy with confidence and avoid scams.

When Should You Check if an iPhone Is Original? 

You should always verify your iPhone’s authenticity before or immediately after buying it, especially in the following situations: 

1. When buying a pre-owned or refurbished iPhone 

Used or refurbished iPhones can be great value, but the second-hand market is also where most counterfeits appear. Always verify the device before completing the purchase, even if it looks brand-new. 

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2. When the price seems too good to be true 

Apple products rarely get massive discounts. If someone offers a brand-new iPhone for half the retail price, it’s likely refurbished, stolen, or fake. So, double-check the model number, serial number, and IMEI before paying.  

3. When buying from an unofficial or online source 

If you purchased your iPhone from marketplaces like OLX, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or eBay, verify it the moment you receive it. Many fake or stolen iPhones are sold online disguised as legitimate. 

4. After a repair or replacement 

If your iPhone has been repaired, especially outside of an Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP), check that no counterfeit parts were installed. Apple’s “Parts & Service History” feature now lets you confirm this. 

5. If you received the iPhone as a gift or promotion 

Even if you didn’t buy it yourself, verify that the device is genuine before you start using it. Fake iPhones can expose you to security risks, poor performance, and no warranty protection. 

Why It’s Important to Verify iPhone Authenticity 

• Avoid scams: Counterfeit iPhones may look real but often fail within months, wasting your hard-earned money. 
• Ensure performance: Only genuine iPhones run iOS properly and receive software updates. 
• Protect your privacy: Fake iPhones can be loaded with malware that steals personal data. 
• Avoid legal issues: You could unknowingly buy a stolen iPhone. 
• Access warranty & support: Only original devices qualify for Apple warranty and official service. 

10 Ways to Check if Your iPhone Is Original or Fake 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to verifying your iPhone’s authenticity. 

1. Check the IMEI and Serial Number on Apple’s Website 

Your iPhone’s IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) and Serial Number are unique identifiers so it’s the easiest way to verify if the iPhone is original. 

To verify your device’s Serial Number: 

1. Go to Settings → General → About.
   
2. Copy the Serial Number. 
3. Visit Apple’s official warranty checker: checkcoverage.apple.com. 
4. Enter the serial number and confirm the CAPTCHA.
   

If Apple recognizes your device as Valid Purchase and shows warranty details, it’s genuine. Otherwise, if it says “invalid serial number,” the phone is fake or unregistered. 

Next, ensure the the IMEI shown in the same Settings page and on the one on its box matches. You may also dial *#06# to see the IMEI number. 

2. Verify the Model Number 

Each iPhone model number reveals whether it’s new, refurbished, replaced, or personalized. Find it under Settings → General → About → Model Number. 

• M – Brand new, purchased retail 
• F – Refurbished by Apple 
• N – Replacement for a service request 
• P – Personalized/engraved by Apple 

Note: These letters appear only in the first character of the model number and may vary slightly by region. 

Now, you may find out if someone is trying to sell you a refurbished phone in the name of a new one.

3. Examine the Physical Design Carefully 

Apple iPhones have a distinctive build quality that’s hard to replicate. Check for:

• A sleep/wake button, an Action Button, a Camera Control button, and volume controls on the sides of the device.
• Apple logo centered and polished (not printed or glued) 
• High-quality glass and metal finish 
• Lightning or USB-C port depending on model
• Pentalobe screws near the charging port 
• Correct camera layout and notch for your model. Compare with Apple’s official photos to confirm.

Counterfeit iPhones often feel lighter, have plastic frames, or incorrect button placement. 

4. Ensure the iPhone’s internal parts are not changed

Some customers report scam with serviced iPhones. The device is original, but it may be repaired with non-Apple parts due to some malfunctions. So, the iPhone can not provide the same user experience with those parts installed.

To find if the screen is original or not:

• Turn on True Tone in the display.
• Enable Night Shift.
• Check if you are getting Haptic Feedback.

Also, if you have an iPhone 11 or later running latest iOS versions and if it has gone through any service replacements, you should be able to see the details from Settings → General → About → Parts & Service History. 

• If it says Genuine Apple Part, you’re safe. 
• Used Genuine Apple Part for original parts previously used in another device.
• If it shows Unknown Part, the component may be non-genuine. 

5. Test Network & Connectivity Features 

All real iPhones support: 

• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirDrop
• Apple Pay through NFC

If the phone cannot connect to Apple Pay, AirDrop, or iCloud services, it’s likely fake or jailbroken. 

6. Use Quick Start or iTunes for Setup 

Bring your old iPhone near the new one during setup and Apple’s Quick Start feature should appear automatically. 

If it doesn’t, or if your Mac or PC fails to recognize the iPhone, or it couldn’t install the iCloud backup, the phone might not be genuine.

7. Verify the Operating System (iOS) 

Only genuine iPhones run iOS, not fake ones disguised as iOS. Go to Settings → General → Software Update and check iOS version and updates with build number.

Also, when you set up your new iPhone, it asks you to create an Apple ID. If it prompts you to enter your Google account or anything else, the iPhone is not original.

8. Check for Default Apple Apps 

Every iPhone includes pre-installed system apps that can’t be deleted, such as:

• Safari
• Messages
• Photos
• Phone
• App Store

Moreover, iOS uses FaceTime, Apple Maps, Apple Music, Mail. etc. proprietary apps. If you see the Google Play Store instead of the App Store, it’s a counterfeit. 

9. Activate Siri

Siri is solely Apple’s in-house technology. So, fake iPhone manufacturers can’t include Siri in their phones; instead, they use Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or other voice assistants. Try to activate Siri by pressing the power button for a long time. If it doesn’t pop up, the iPhone is not original.

10. Get It Verified by Apple 

If you’re still unsure, visit an Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider. They can run diagnostics to confirm if your iPhone (and its parts) are authentic Apple components. 

Be Aware of iPhone Scams 

Counterfeit iPhones are becoming more sophisticated some even come in Apple-like packaging. 

To stay safe: 

• Always buy from official Apple Stores or authorized resellers. 
• Avoid deals that seem “too good to be true.” 
• Verify IMEI and serial number before paying. 

Video: How to verify if your iPhone is Original or Fake

Final Thoughts

Your iPhone isn’t just a phone, it’s an investment that holds your data, photos, and identity. Checking its authenticity takes just a few minutes but can save you from losing money, privacy, and peace of mind. 

I hope this guide will provide the necessary information to buy the original iPhone. If you have any more doubts, let me know in the comments below!

Read more to confirm your iPhone is not fake:

• iPhone Tips and Tricks you must try
• 16 Tips to make iPhone safe and secure
• 10 Things to check before buying a used iPhone
• How to check if your Apple Watch is original or fake