Ever stared at a used iPad on a marketplace and wondered if it’s actually the "pro" model the seller claims? It happens. A lot. People often think finding the version of ipad by serial number is as simple as reading a code like a secret agent. It used to be. But Apple changed the rules.
If you have an older iPad, that serial number is basically a diary of its life. It tells you when it was born, which factory it came from, and exactly what its specs are. Newer ones? They're more like a locked vault. Since 2021, Apple shifted to randomized serial numbers. This means the old "decoder ring" methods don't work for the latest M4 iPad Pros or the redesigned iPad Airs.
The Mystery of the Randomized Serial
Honestly, it’s kinda frustrating. Before the change, you could look at the fourth and fifth characters of a serial number to see the year and week of manufacture. If you saw a "J" in the fourth spot, it was from the second half of 2012. Simple.
Now, if you buy a modern iPad, the serial is just a 10-to-12 character string of alphanumeric gibberish. It contains zero encoded data about the factory or the date. Apple did this to boost security and stop people from guessing serial numbers for fraudulent warranty claims. While that's great for Apple’s bottom line, it makes life harder for someone trying to verify a used purchase.
You've gotta use different tools now. You can't just "read" it yourself.
How to Actually Identify Your Version of iPad by Serial Number
Don’t give up. You can still get the info you need; you just need to let Apple’s servers do the heavy lifting for you.
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The Official Route (The "Check Coverage" Tool)
This is the gold standard. Go to Apple’s official Check Coverage page. Type in that string of letters and numbers.
What happens next is the magic part. The system won't just tell you if you have a warranty; it will literally display the Model Name at the top. It’ll say something like "iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation)" or "iPad mini (6th generation)." This is the most reliable way to verify the version of ipad by serial number because it pulls directly from Apple’s database.
The "About" Menu Shortcut
If the iPad is turned on and you have access to it, don’t even bother with the serial number lookup yet.
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Hit About.
Right there, you’ll see "Model Name." It tells you exactly what you’re holding. But here's the kicker: if you tap the "Model Number" (the one starting with an M), it toggles to a shorter code starting with "A." That "A" number, like A2696, is the regulatory model number.
Why the "A" Number is Your Best Friend
Sometimes the serial number feels like overkill. The "A" number is etched on the back of almost every iPad ever made—except the very newest ones where it's moved to the software or the box.
If you see A2133, you have an iPad mini 5. If it says A1822, it's a 5th gen iPad from 2017. These codes are immutable. They don’t change based on where the iPad was sold or which carrier it uses. Basically, if you can find the "A" number, you don't even need to look up the version of ipad by serial number.
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The Used Market Trap
Buying used is where things get sketchy. Sellers might genuinely not know what they have. Or they might be trying to pull a fast one.
I’ve seen listings for an "iPad Air 5" that were actually an iPad Air 4. They look identical on the outside. Both have the flat edges. Both use USB-C. Both support the Apple Pencil 2. The only real way to tell without digging into the processor settings is to run that serial number through the Apple portal.
If a seller refuses to give you the serial number? Walk away. There is no legitimate reason to hide it unless the device is iCloud locked or reported stolen.
What the Serial Number Still Reveals (On Older Models)
If you're dealing with "vintage" tech—stuff from before 2021—the old rules still apply. It's actually pretty cool.
- First 3 digits: The factory code (e.g., DL, DM, or DQ).
- 4th digit: The half-year of manufacture.
- 5th digit: The specific week.
- Last 4 digits: The "Configuration Code" that identifies the color and storage.
It was a geek’s paradise. You could tell if your iPad was made in the Foxconn factory in Chengdu just by looking at the first two letters. But again, if your iPad was made in the last few years, this "language" is dead.
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Practical Steps to Take Now
If you're holding an iPad right now and need to be 100% sure of its identity, do this:
First, check the Settings > General > About screen for the Model Name. It's the fastest way. If the device is wiped or you're buying it online, get the serial number and put it into Apple's Check Coverage site. If the site says "Valid Purchase Date" but doesn't show the model name (which rarely happens), cross-reference the "A" model number found in the same "About" menu with Apple's official "Identify your iPad model" support page.
Check for a "Model Axxxx" engraving on the bottom of the back casing. On the newest iPads, if it's not there, look for it in the fine print on the original box or the regulatory settings. Once you have that "A" number, you have the definitive version of your hardware.
Finally, verify the storage capacity in the About menu as well. A serial number lookup identifies the model, but knowing if you have 64GB or 256GB is just as important for the value of the device.