How to Check if an iPhone Is Original or Fake
To check if an iPhone is original, match the serial number in Settings > General > About with Apple's official coverage page (checkcoverage.apple.com), confirm the IMEI matches the box and *#06#, and look at Parts and Service History for replaced parts. Also make sure the iPhone is not iCloud locked or carrier locked. These checks take about ten minutes and catch fakes, refurbished units and phones with non-genuine parts.
Updated 22 October 2026
1. Check the serial number on Apple's website
Go to Settings > General > About and note the serial number. Open checkcoverage.apple.com on any device and enter it. A genuine iPhone shows its exact model and colour. A brand new, never-activated phone usually shows a message asking you to activate it, while an activated phone shows coverage or purchase information.
If the site says the serial is invalid, or the model shown does not match the phone in your hand, do not buy it.
2. Match the IMEI everywhere
Dial *#06# to see the IMEI numbers. Compare them with Settings > General > About and with the label on the box. All three must match. On many older iPhones the IMEI is also printed on the SIM tray. A mismatch can mean a swapped box, a replaced board or a tampered phone.
You can then send the IMEI to 8484 to check its PTA status, as explained in how to check PTA status (How to Check PTA Status of Any Mobile Phone).
3. Read the model number
In Settings > General > About, tap the Model Number line once to see the part number, such as one starting with M, F, N or P: - M: a normal new retail unit - F: a refurbished unit sold by Apple or a carrier - N: a replacement unit issued by Apple service - P: a personalised (engraved) unit
The letters after the slash show the region, for example LL/A for the USA. This also tells you the SIM setup: US models from the iPhone 14 onwards are eSIM only. The model shown here should match the model printed on the box and the result on Apple's coverage page. A refurbished or replacement unit can be a fine phone, but it should never be sold to you as new box pack.
4. Look at Parts and Service History
On recent iOS versions, Settings > General > About shows a Parts and Service History section when a part has been replaced. It can show the battery, display, camera or other parts as 'Genuine Apple Part' or 'Unknown Part'. 'Unknown Part' means a non-genuine or unverified part was fitted.
If this section is missing, it usually means no parts change has been recorded, which is what you expect on a new phone.
5. Make sure there is no iCloud lock
Activation Lock links an iPhone to the owner's Apple ID. If it is still on, the phone cannot be set up by a new owner. A new box pack phone should go straight to the Hello screen. On a used phone, check Settings > [name] is signed out and Find My is off, and ask the seller to erase the phone in front of you. Never accept a phone that asks for someone else's Apple ID password after a reset.
6. Check for carrier lock
Go to Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock (called Network Provider Lock on some versions). It should say 'No SIM restrictions'. If it shows any carrier lock, the phone is locked to a foreign network and is the kind sold as 'JV' in Pakistan. Read iPhone JV vs PTA vs Non PTA (iPhone JV vs PTA vs Non PTA: What Each Term Really Means) before buying such a phone.
7. Check the software and settings
Fake iPhones run a modified Android system made to look like iOS. Signs to watch: - Settings > General > Software Update should connect to Apple and show the current iOS - The App Store should open and sign in with an Apple ID - Siri, FaceTime and iMessage should be available - Settings > General > About should show storage and capacity that match the box
A fake phone often fails at the App Store or software update step.
8. Check the battery and hardware
Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health to see maximum capacity, and on iPhone 15 and newer the cycle count in Settings > General > About. Then test Face ID, all cameras, speakers, microphone, charging and the buttons. Look at the screws near the charging port and the frame for marks that suggest the phone was opened. Our iPhone battery health guide (iPhone Battery Health: How to Check It and What Is Normal) explains what numbers are normal.
9. Box and accessories
A box pack iPhone comes in Apple's retail box with the cable for that model. Recent iPhones come with a USB-C cable and no charger or EarPods. The box label shows the model, capacity, serial and IMEI, which must match the phone. Printing should be sharp and the seal neat. Box checks alone are not enough, because boxes can be copied, but a mismatch is a clear warning.
10. Buy from a seller who lets you check
The best protection is time to test the phone. Fake and heavily repaired iPhones are usually sold quickly, in a rush, with excuses about why you cannot open the box or check Settings. A real seller has no problem with you checking the serial, IMEI and parts history. Our iPhone 16 and 17 series are Non Custom box pack and our iPhone 11 to 15 series are used Non PTA units with 95–99% battery health, all with original IMEIs, and you get a 7-day checking warranty to run every check above. Browse Non PTA iPhone (iPhone Prices) models; current prices are shown on each model page.
