You’ve got an iPad in your hands, and you’re trying to figure out exactly what it is. Maybe you’re selling it on eBay. Maybe you’re buying a used one from a guy on Facebook Marketplace and want to make sure he’s not selling you an iPad Air 4 disguised as an Air 5. Or maybe you just need to know if it can run the latest iPadOS. Whatever the reason, you've probably realized that Apple doesn't make this easy. They don't print "iPad Pro 11-inch (4th Generation)" in big bold letters on the back. Instead, they give you a string of random characters.
Basically, to check ipad serial number for model details, you need to know where to look and, more importantly, what those numbers actually mean.
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The Serial Number vs. The Model Number
Before we dive in, let’s clear up a common point of confusion. People often use these terms interchangeably, but they are totally different.
Your Serial Number is a unique identifier for your specific device. Think of it like a Social Security number. No two iPads in the world have the same one. Your Model Number (the one starting with "A") identifies the version of the iPad. For example, "A2902" tells the world it's an 11-inch iPad Air (M2).
If you want the most granular details—like the exact date it was manufactured or the original warranty status—the serial number is your best friend.
Where to Find Your iPad Serial Number
Finding the number is the easy part, assuming the thing actually turns on.
Method 1: The Settings App
This is the "gold standard." It’s the most reliable way because it’s hard-coded into the software.
- Tap Settings.
- Go to General.
- Hit About.
- Look for the row labeled Serial Number.
If you tap the Model Number row once, it toggles between a long "part number" (like MUUK2LL/A) and the shorter "A-series" number (like A2123). Both are useful, but the serial number is what we're after for deep tracking.
Method 2: The Physical Backside
If the iPad is dead or the screen is smashed, flip it over. Look at the bottom. You’ll see some tiny text that requires hawk-like vision or a magnifying glass. It’ll say "Serial:" followed by the string.
Honestly, if you’re over 30, just take a photo of it with another phone and zoom in. It saves the headache.
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Why Checking the Serial Number Matters in 2026
Apple changed the game a few years ago. Before 2021, you could actually "decode" a serial number. The third character told you the year, and the fourth and fifth told you the week of manufacture. It was a neat trick for nerds.
But then Apple switched to randomized serial numbers.
Now, the serial number is just a 10 to 12-character alphanumeric soup. You can't look at it and guess the age anymore. This makes official tools much more important. If you’re looking at a newer M4 iPad Pro or the latest iPad mini, you have to use a database to get the specs.
Using the Official Apple Check Coverage Tool
This is the most "correct" way to check ipad serial number for model information. Apple’s own Check Coverage page is designed for warranty verification, but it’s a secret weapon for identifying models.
When you enter your serial number and that annoying CAPTCHA code, the results page will usually display a nice picture of your iPad and its official marketing name. It’ll say something like "iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) Wi-Fi."
This is the only 100% foolproof way to verify a device's identity. Third-party sites exist, but they can be laggy with new releases. Apple's database is the source of truth.
The "Refurbished" Secret in Your Model Number
While we’re talking about identification, check your Model Number (the long one in Settings > General > About). The first letter is a massive tell:
- M: Brand new device.
- F: Refurbished by Apple.
- N: Replacement device (usually from a Genius Bar warranty claim).
- P: Personalized/Engraved device.
If someone is selling you a "brand new" iPad but the model number starts with an F, they’re lying to you. It’s a refurb. It might be a great refurb, but it’s not "new-in-box" retail.
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Identifying Your Model via the "A" Number
If you can’t get the serial number to work, or you’re just in a rush, use the "A" number from the back of the case. Here is a quick reference for some of the most common recent models:
iPad Pro
The M4 Pro models are the big ones right now. If you see A2836, that’s an 11-inch M4 Pro. If it’s A2925, you’re looking at the 13-inch beast. Older models like the A2436 represent the 6th gen 12.9-inch.
iPad Air
The M2 Airs are everywhere. A2902 is the 11-inch M2, while A2898 is the 13-inch version. If you have an older A2588, that’s the M1 version (5th Gen).
iPad Mini
The latest "A17 Pro" mini (7th Gen) shows up as A2993. If it’s an A2567, that’s the 6th Gen with the A15 chip.
What to Do Next
Checking the serial number is just step one. Once you have the model confirmed, you should check the battery health. On an iPad, Apple doesn't give you a "Battery Health" percentage in Settings like they do on the iPhone (unless you have the absolute newest M4/M2 models).
For older iPads, you’ll need to plug it into a Mac and use a tool like iMazing or CoconutBattery. These apps read the internal log files and tell you the "Cycle Count." If an iPad has over 500-800 cycles, that battery is going to start feeling sluggish, regardless of how "new" the serial number says it is.
Verify the storage too. People constantly misremember if they bought the 64GB or 256GB version. The "About" screen will show you the "Capacity."
If you’re buying used, always check the Activation Lock. Go to Settings, and if a name is at the very top, the iPad is tied to an Apple Account. If the seller can't log out right in front of you, do not buy it. A serial number check won't help you if the device is iCloud-locked; it'll just be an expensive paperweight.
Actionable Next Steps:
To get the most out of your iPad, head to the Apple Check Coverage website and plug in your serial number. Not only will you confirm the model, but you can see if you have any remaining days to add AppleCare+. If the device is less than 60 days old, you might still be able to protect it against accidental damage, which is a lifesaver for those thin glass screens.