You’re staring at a glass rectangle. Maybe you found it in a drawer, or maybe you're trying to sell it and realized you actually have no clue if it’s an iPhone 13 or a 14. They look identical, right? Honestly, most people just guess based on when they bought it. But "I think it’s the one from three years ago" doesn't help when you're buying a screen protector or checking if it’ll run the latest iOS 26.
Knowing exactly how to tell which iPhone I have isn't just about curiosity. It’s about not wasting money on the wrong charging cable or getting scammed on a trade-in.
Checking the Software: The No-Brainer Method
If the phone actually turns on and you have the passcode, this takes five seconds. Seriously. Stop squinting at the camera lenses and just let the software tell you.
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Go to Settings, tap General, and then hit About.
Right there, near the top, you’ll see "Model Name." It’ll say something like iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 17 Air. This is the definitive answer. But sometimes, people see the "Model Number" instead, which looks like a confusing string of gibberish starting with an M (like MHLV3LL/A).
That M-code is actually a "part number." It tells pros if the phone was sold new, refurbished, or as a replacement. If you tap that M-code once, it magically transforms into a shorter code starting with an A, like A3084. That "A-number" is the hardware's true social security number.
What if the Screen is Smashed?
This is where it gets kinda tactile. If the screen is black and won't wake up, you have to play detective with the physical hardware.
Apple used to make this easy. If you have an iPhone 7 or anything older, just flip it over. The model number (that "AXXXX" code) is literally etched into the aluminum on the back. It’s tiny. You’ll probably need a magnifying glass or a high-res photo from another phone to read it.
For anything newer than an iPhone 8, Apple stopped putting text on the back to make the glass look "cleaner." So, you have to look in the weirdest places:
- The SIM Tray Slot: Pop the SIM tray out with a paperclip. Look inside the empty slot under a bright light. On the side closest to the display, the model number is etched right into the frame. It’s incredibly small.
- The Charging Port: On the newest models—especially those without SIM trays like the U.S. versions of the iPhone 14, 15, 16, and 17—you actually have to look inside the USB-C or Lightning port. It’s etched on the top side (the side facing the screen).
Identifying by "Vibe" and Hardware Features
Sometimes you just want to know at a glance. You can narrow it down pretty quickly if you know what to look for.
The Charging Port is a Dead Giveaway
If it has a USB-C port (the rounded oval), it’s an iPhone 15 or newer. If it has the classic thin Lightning port, it’s an iPhone 5 through iPhone 14. If it has that giant 30-pin wide connector, you’re holding a relic from 2011 or earlier.
The "Action" Button vs. The Mute Switch
Look at the little switch above the volume buttons. If it’s a physical slider that shows a sliver of orange when silenced, it’s an older model. If it’s just a solid button (the Action Button), you’re looking at an iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max or any model from the iPhone 16 or 17 lineups.
The Titanium Factor
Pick it up. Does it feel surprisingly light and have a brushed, matte metal frame? That’s the titanium finish found on the 15 Pro, 16 Pro, and 17 Pro models. If it’s shiny stainless steel and heavy, it’s likely an iPhone 12 Pro through 14 Pro. If it’s matte aluminum, it’s a standard non-Pro model.
Why the "A-Number" Matters for Repairs
If you’re trying to fix a broken screen, knowing it's an "iPhone 16" isn't enough. Apple often makes different hardware versions for different parts of the world. A US-model iPhone might have different internal antennas or logic board layouts than one sold in Europe or China.
When you search for how to tell which iPhone I have, matching that A-number (like A3295) to Apple’s official support list is the only way to be 100% sure you’re getting the right parts.
Actionable Next Steps
Now that you know what you’re holding, here is what you should actually do with that information:
- Check Warranty Status: Take the Serial Number (found in the same Settings > General > About menu) and plug it into Apple’s "Check Coverage" website. This tells you if you still have AppleCare+ or if the phone is a "vintage" model that Apple no longer repairs.
- Verify Authenticity: If you bought the phone used and the model name in Settings doesn't match the physical look of the phone (e.g., it says iPhone 15 but has a Lightning port), you’ve got a fake.
- Update Your iCloud: Log into iCloud.com, check your "Devices" list, and remove any old iPhones you no longer own to keep your account secure.