How to Check if Your iPhone is Original or Fake (2025 Guide)

Purchasing a new iPhone is thrilling, especially during festival offers like Republic Day when prices get reduced and a lot is offered. However, the advent of fake and refurbished phones that pretend to be new has made it imperative for consumers to check the Authenticity of their iPhones before or after purchase.

Whether you've just unboxed a new phone or are planning to purchase one online or in person, the following guide will help you verify whether your iPhone is genuine or counterfeit using simple, practical steps.

Why It's Important to Verify Your iPhone's Authenticity

Fake iPhones are becoming more and more sophisticated in design, but they still do not have some key features like:

• iOS software
• Apple services like iCloud and Siri
• Quality components
• Genuine App Store access

Use the following verification methods to protect yourself from scams, particularly when purchasing from third-party sellers.

1. Inspect the Unopened iPhone Box

A genuine iPhone box is crafted from high-quality materials and features a thoughtful design. Fake boxes are slightly flat, and the text is faded or too bright.

What to look for:

• The "iPhone" lettering on the box should not appear purple or wonky.
• Look for misspelled or crooked text on the back of the box.
• Unboxing experience: The slow-opening boxes, designed by Apple, use vacuum pressure. If it opens too rapidly, then that's a red flag.

2. Check the IMEI Number Online

The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is a 15-digit code unique to each mobile phone.

How to check the IMEI:

• Find the IMEI number on the box or SIM tray.
• Go to Apple's official page: checkcoverage.apple.com
• Input the IMEI and the captcha code.
• Click "Submit" to see the phone details.

If no results are shown, the iPhone will likely be fake.

3. Match the IMEI on the Device and the Box

To compare:

• Settings → General → About
• Scroll and find the IMEI number.
• Enter *#06# for quick access.
• Verify that the SIM tray contains an equivalent IMEI (not iPhone 14 series).

If the numbers vary, then your phone could be refurbished or counterfeit.

4. Verify Purchase Validity on Apple's Website

You can also verify your iPhone with its Serial Number:

Steps:

• Settings → General → About
• Copy the serial number.
• Paste it at: checkcoverage.apple.com
• It will show the model, purchase date, and warranty details.

It may be an unregistered or counterfeit device if you don't receive any information.

5. Check the Model Number Code

Model numbers help identify whether the phone is new, refurbished, or a service replacement.

• Go to Settings → General → About, and look at the Model Number.
• PrefixMeaning
• M New, original iPhone
• F Refurbished model
• N Replacement unit
• (Blank) Custom-engraved unit

If you spent your money on a new iPhone and got an F or N, it's not new.

6. Test Siri Functionality

Siri is exclusive to genuine Apple products.

How to check:

• Press the Power Button long enough
• The iPhone is fake if Siri won't function or activate another assistant, such as Google.

7. Check the iOS Operating System

iPhones rely on iOS, but the clones try to mimic it by wrapping an Android skin.

Steps to check

• Head over to Settings → General → Software Update.
• It's fake if it's neither iOS nor prompts for a Google account during setup.

8. Check Internal Components

Actual iPhones may contain non-genuine components if they are refurbished or modified.

On iOS 15.2 or later iPhones:

• Go to Settings → General → About
• Look down to Parts and Service History
• If you check the Unknown Part, you'll see a non-Apple piece was used.

9. Test the App Store and System Apps

Open the App Store. If it leads to Google Play, it's not an iPhone.

• Look for fundamental apps, such as Safari, Health, Music, and Compass. These are undeletable on genuine iPhones.

Missing apps may be a sign of a jailbroken or counterfeit device.

10. Examine Network & Connectivity Features

Genuine iPhones have:

• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• NFC (for Apple Pay)
• AirDrop
• Mobile networks (4G/5G)

If your phone doesn't have these, it's likely fake.

11. Physically Examine the iPhone

Genuine iPhones will always have:

• Lightning port (and not USB-C)
• Pentalobe screws alongside the port
• Metal & glass premium finish
• Apple logo on the back
• Properly aligned cameras and notch

Compare the phone to the photos on apple.com. Poor build quality or slight misalignment is a huge red flag.

12. Use Quick Start & iTunes Sync

• Hold your old iPhone next to the new one to initiate the Quick Start setup.
• Plug in the new iPhone to iTunes or Finder on Mac.
• It could be fake if the device isn't recognized or won't sync.

Conclusion

Counterfeit iPhones can look authentic but do not offer Apple's typical performance, security, and ecosystem benefits. Always verify authenticity using Apple's methods, including physical inspection and an IMEI or serial number check, before purchasing a new or used iPhone.

Do not buy if there seems to be something wrong. When in doubt, purchase from Apple-approved dealers or the Apple Store.

FAQs

1. How can I verify if my iPhone is genuine using its IMEI?

Visit checkcoverage.apple.com, enter your IMEI, and verify the device information.

2. Does Siri function on all genuine iPhones?

Yes. If Siri fails, your phone might be a replica.

3. Are iOS-supported fake iPhones?

No. Fake iPhones run Android-based skins that mimic iOS, lacking many functional Apple features.

4. How do I know if my iPhone is refurbished?

Check the Model Number. If it begins with "F" or "N," it's a replacement or refurbished.

5. What are the indications of an imitation iPhone box?

Poor printing, incorrect text, and easily opening lids are major red flags.