The need to “break through” imei appears among iPhone owners in 2 cases. The first is the acquisition of not a new gadget from Apple. And the second is the purchase of the device through an unofficial store. Let's say it can be the purchase of the device "from hand".
Checking the serial number on the official Apple website will allow you to determine the 100% authenticity of the device. Also, the serial number of the iPhone can be checked by other methods - through the gadget itself, according to the inscriptions on the package.
Remember that any iOS device from Apple must be checked for authenticity before purchase. This machine will entitle you to warranty repairs, support services, and other benefits.
To check the iPhone by serial number, you first need to find out this combination of numbers. And then it will be easy to get data about the iPhone on the Apple website. Or try the tested gadget through another source.
And how to check an iPhone by IMEI on the Apple website - read our article.
In fact, there are plenty of resources on the network that allow you to carry out this procedure. But experts recommend using one of the two. For what reason? Simply because they do not need to pay for information, and there is no doubt about the reliability of the information received. All data - you can be sure - will be 100% accurate.
We are talking, firstly, about the resource on which the device was purchased. And the second is, you guessed it, the manufacturer's website. The latter method will be discussed in detail today.
How to check IMEI on an Apple resource on the network?
Especially for you - step by step instructions. The procedure is very easy - just 3 steps. Each of them is not very difficult. So let's get started.
1 The first thing to do is to determine the IMEI of our gadget. This is done easily, because the number is indicated in the device settings and on the packing box in which the device was delivered. And if you could throw away the packaging, no one bothers to enter the gadget menu and quickly get the information you need. 2 Next, you need to go to the Apple resource on the network, to a special section where the verification is performed. In the field, you need to drive in the number determined in the first step and click on the continue button. 3 Quickly get the results. Here we will see detailed information about the gadget - its color, version, technical support end period, and more. A message will also appear asking you to activate the device if this operation has not been done before.After the final step, we can already conclude that Phone. We can also find out if the body of the gadget has been changed, and whether the serial number belongs to our device.
Remember that the instructions above will allow you to check not only mobile iOS gadgets, but also all other Apple products for authenticity. This also includes a number of accessories, TV set-top boxes and more.
However, besides checking IMEI, there are other ways to find out if the iPhone is real or fake.
Several ways to check the iPhone for originality
1 An excellent method is to download iTunes to a PC or laptop, if you have already done so. Then connect your gadget to it. And if you don’t have a fake in front of you, the utility will quickly recognize the phone, and it will be great to interact with it. This method is 100% correct. But he has a minus - after all, a laptop may not be at hand. 2 Another easy but reliable way to check is to turn on the device, enter the main menu and carefully look at the clock and calendar icons. The latter should display the current date (of course, if the element is configured). And if the settings were not made, the date that is currently set in the “OS” should be. The clock should also display the time, and the second hand should move. This picture is always present in the original devices. But in fakes, this is not in sight. So even a simple glance at the display may be enough to identify a gross fake. 3 The original menu necessarily contains the App Store icon. A dishonest seller can deceive you for as long as it suits, saying that the attachments have been deleted and you need to re-download it, that it is not in this model of the device, and other nonsense. When checking a potential purchase, do not be lazy and check the presence of the App Store in the list of gadget applications. 4 In addition to the store mentioned above, the menu should also contain other software from the developer (for example, mail, tips, Game Center and much more). Chinese craftsmen usually make mistakes here, and this or several programs will be missed. Remember that it is impossible to remove standard elements from the device.
The cost of Apple gadgets does not always allow you to purchase a device in a store from an authorized dealer. Therefore, it is often practiced to purchase an iPhone from hand at a more affordable price. Against this background, in addition to real sellers, a lot of scammers have appeared who sell stolen or completely fake devices. Let's figure it outhow to check iphone for authenticitybefore the completion of the purchase and do not become a victim of a scammer.
Checking on the official Apple website
As a rule, when buying a smartphone in a store, the risk of acquiring a fake is zero. But buying a gadget from your hands is a risky venture, no matter how you look at it. Therefore, before you complete the purchase and transfer the money to a private seller, you should carefully check the smartphone. A respectable seller will not resist and will allow the buyer to verify the quality and authenticity of the device.
Checking by serial number
The serial number of the device is indicated on the packaging and in the device settings. The first thing to learn is that it should come with the original box. This condition is mandatory, since the future owner will need the packaging in case of contacting technical support.
So, turn on the device, go to the settings menu, open the "General" section and open the "About this device" tab. In this section, find the serial number and check it against the information on the box. If the data does not match, then you should refuse to purchase. 
If the numbers match, then you should check it on the official website of the manufacturer http://www.apple.com/en/ . In the upper right corner of the page, find the "Support" section and go to it. Locate the "Warranty and Repair" tab and open the "Check Warranty Status" link. In the form that appears, enter the serial number of the gadget and captcha. Click "Continue" and if the serial number matches the original device, the user will see information about the owner's rights to service and support. Opposite the “Valid date of purchase” item, there should be a checkmark in a green circle, this is a confirmation of the originality of the smartphone.
If the site reported that the number is incorrect, check the dialing again. If the combination of characters is correct, but the resource does not recognize the device, you have a fake.
Check by IMEI
Few people know about IMEI. Moreover, not everyone knows where to find the right number. There are several options for this case.
This code is a combination of 15 digits. Mention that the number must match everywhere. If, for example, the SIM tray has different data, this does not necessarily indicate that you have a fake in your hands. Most likely, the gadget was just being repaired.
You can verify the authenticity on the site http://www.imei.info/ . To do this, you need to enter the combination in a special form and click on the check. After that, the page will open data about the gadget to which this number belongs. Therefore, if the smartphone is found in the database, then you have the original.
CNDeepInfo is another service that allows you to check iPhone by IMEI. In addition, it gives an understanding of the quality of the hardware of the gadget. Enter the number in the field and click "Check". As a result, the system will issue a certificate confirming that the gadget is original and is not on the list of stolen ones. In addition, the user will receive a transcript of the number itself. As well as a block of additional information, but it is available for a fee. In case of theft, the owner can add his device to the list of stolen devices on this resource and make it much more difficult for fraudsters to sell.
upon visual inspection
It is best to buy an iPhone with hands in a complete set: in a box and all related accessories. But sellers are not always able to provide a complete set, and often selling at a low price is the result of a lack of packaging and components. In such circumstances, it is worth carefully examining the appearance of the device. In addition, we will tell you a few tricks on how to be sure to distinguish a Chinese fake, the latter, by the way, do not always have obvious differences from the original.
- Support for multiple SIM cards. The original iPhone works with only one chip, which is removed from the smartphone using a special needle.
- A removable battery is a sure sign that you have a fake. The battery and iPhone are a single design.
- The presence of a retractable antenna. Chinese craftsmen, for unknown reasons, supply all fakes with this device. The original gadget does not have any antennas.
- Screen quality. The original device has a display created using a special technology with very dense pixels, which ensures high clarity and image quality. If the display shows graininess in the image, then you should refuse the deal.
- Resolve a question, how to check iphone for authenticitylogo will help. Chinese masters of fakes apply the “Apple” with paint or even use a sticker. If this is noticed, then you are guaranteed to be dealing with a scammer.
- The stylus included with your smartphone is a sure sign that you are being fooled. Not only Apple, but also other manufacturers have not used resistive displays in production for a long time.
- A heavy sensor will also be a sign of a fake. The original smartphone has a very sensitive sensor, any difficulties in use are excluded. As a test, you can grab the shortcut of one of the applications and drag it across the screen, the icon should move freely around the entire perimeter and not break from the capture.
- The presence of touch buttons is permissible only for crafts. The real iPhone has only one Home button and it is physical.
- Open the device settings and in the main section, find the "Software Update" item. If not, feel free to give up your smartphone.
- The voice assistant is a distinctive feature of the original, which has not yet been faked. Press the Home button and hold for a few seconds. If there was no response from the system and Siri was not activated, then, alas, you are being sold a copy.
- Fake devices most often have an Android platform or even self-written software. Try opening the Device Market. In the first case, you will be redirected to Google Play, in the second, nothing will open.
Every phone has an IMEI. What is it, why is it needed, where to see it and what information can be found on IMEI iPhone, read in our material.
What is IMEI?
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique phone identifier. It is "sewn" into the iPhone at the factory. IMEI is automatically sent to the operator when connected to the network.
How to find IMEI iPhone?
IMEI iPhone can be found in five ways:
- Dial on iPhone *#06#
2. Go to Settings - General - About this device, scroll to IMEI, hold to copy IMEI
3. Look at the back of the iPhone box
5. Connect your iPhone to your computer, launch iTunes, open the section with your iPhone. The IMEI is written under the “Capacity” line, if the line shows other information (phone number or ICCID), press several times to switch to the IMEI display. 
What can you find out by IMEI iPhone?
By IMEI you can find out very important information about the iPhone.
Apple has two services for checking IMEI.
The first one checks the status of iCloud Activation Lock. If it is enabled, then when selling or buying an iPhone, the new owner will not be able to sign in with their Apple ID and use the iPhone.
The second displays information about the iPhone's warranty status and eligibility for service support. If you're buying an iPhone but doubt it's brand new, enter the iPhone's IMEI and check the activation status.
If you entered the iPhone IMEI and saw the message “You need to activate iPhone”, then the iPhone is really new. If the iPhone has already turned on, you will see the following items:
- Actual purchase date
- Right to service and repair
- Technical support by phone
On third-party sites like this and this, you can see when and where the iPhone was bought, whether it is on the list of stolen ones, the warranty expiration date, and other useful information.
Then, when contacting law enforcement, indicate the IMEI of your iPhone so that they can track its location.
The serial number helps to fully identify the device of any well-known brand.
There are many sites that allow you to check the phone in just a few minutes and find out, for example, whether it is real, whether it is wanted, etc.
Let's see why check, in what cases it is simply necessary to do this, how to find a check site and how to figure it out.
Why check iPhone serial number?
In the case of the iPhone, there is even an official website in Russian for this.
Using the Apple website, you can not only check whether the device that fell into your hands really belongs to this particular brand, but also what status it has in the company's service - whether it is under warranty and what kind of warranty obligations apply to it.
There are so many fake iPhones! And they are sometimes executed so skillfully that not every seasoned person can distinguish from a Chinese copy.
Therefore, when buying a device from your hands, you should be extremely careful. This is where the site-identifier comes to the rescue.
Official site-identifier
The site has a completely Russian-language interface and it is not difficult to understand it, you just need to follow the instructions.
You can go to the verification section from the page of the official website, or you can directly go to the desired resource by entering this request into the search engine.
If you want to check the device right now, just follow this link.
You will be here:
As you can see, everything is very clear, it is impossible to get confused here.
How to use the site?
Let's go through the basic steps. So, we are on the site page. What to do?
- You need to enter this very serial number in the search bar, then confirm that you are not a bot by entering a visual code (the code can also be voiced, and not shown if you click the speaker) and click "Continue". But what if you don't know your serial number? This problem is also easily solved. Here, under the code entry line, there is an interactive link to the instruction "How to find the serial number". Click her. You will be here:
How find serial number:
But what if there is no access to the device itself? (For example, an iPhone is stolen and needs to be reported missing.)
Then you can try the following:
Here, in the site tab for identification "How to find the serial number" it is suggested to get more detailed information on how to find the number by selecting the type of device.
If you don't understand, click the icon "iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, iPod" and get more detailed instructions.
So, the serial number has been found, you just need to enter it in the search bar. Now you can "Continue".
A page will load containing detailed information about your device.
It will take some time to load, so you will have to wait a bit.
First of all, you will find out if the serial number of this iPhone has been activated.
If not, you need to activate it and you will see a notification about it.
That's all - the information is received. As you can see, everything is extremely simple.
What will you learn about the desired instance thanks to these simple operations?
What can be learned from the serial number?
First, you'll find out if it's actually an iPhone, or . So, identification of the serial number will provide an indispensable service when buying an iPhone.
You can try to distinguish the original device by many signs, if you understand them, but it is the search engine for identifying serial numbers that will help you find out for sure, one hundred percent.
Everything is clear here: either the company released this device, or not.
So, if you are just going to purchase, be sure to use the opportunity to identify.
The second useful thing that you will find out by entering the device number in Apple's search engine is whether the device is under warranty, as well as the terms and specifics of the warranty obligation.
This is very important if you want to buy an already used iPhone from your hands. They can tell you anything, but the serial number will not lie.
Such information may also be needed if, for example, you have lost documents from an iPhone and do not remember what information they contained regarding warranty service.
What kind of warranty service you can get for this iPhone, you can find out by its serial number.
Here, on the information tab, it is proposed to receive technical support by phone.
So, if your device requires warranty service, or the information received does not satisfy you, you can use this opportunity.
Why activate a serial number?
If your device has been activated by serial number on the official Apple website, you get access to service.
Suddenly, some problems arise with the iPhone, you need help with settings, etc., you can contact the technical center and get the necessary information and help.
Apple offers to carry out a similar activation, or identification, for its other devices.
In addition to iPhones, you can break through the serial number, and, as well as accessories.
The list is long, here are some examples:
All these icons are located on the Apple website in the "How to find the serial number" tab.
If you want to get to this page now, click .
In addition to the list of company products that can be identified by serial number and instructions for finding the number, there are a couple more suggestions here.
What to do if iPhone is stolen?
A very important point, what to do if your beloved device is suddenly taken away, be it an iPhone or another device?
Often, it is the loss of an iPhone that prompts you to turn to the search for its serial number.
Here, in the tab "How to find the serial number" you can find detailed information on how to be in this case.
interactive line "Report a missing or stolen Apple product" will send you straight to the instructions in a separate section.
The page looks like this:
As you can see, it is useful to get acquainted with this information even before the device was stolen.
Special tracking programs "Find iPhone" and "Find Mac" allow you to report the loss of an iPhone, or by putting the device on the balance of the devices you are looking for.
Also, these programs open access to personal data and make it possible, if necessary, to clear the available information.
Search programs will also allow you to find out the location of the device.
From here, you can navigate to clickable footnotes.
Also "Apple Watch and Mac Computer".
By clicking on the right one, you can try to find the stolen device if it is put on the balance of the Find iPhone and Find Mac search engines, and what to do if you need to find an iPhone without these search engines.
So, if suddenly your iPhone is gone, click the line "Missing or stolen iPhone, iPad, iPod touch".
The footnote will take you to a page with detailed instructions.
Here she is:
If you want to get to it now, click .
As you can see, the instructions here are more than detailed. It is proposed to find the device, both using the Find My iPhone and Find Mac programs, and without, both in the active state and in the off state.
Each paragraph describes what exactly needs to be done in each specific situation. You just need to read carefully.
After choosing the best search option for your circumstances, follow the active footnotes of the desired item and follow the instructions received.
The efforts made will not only increase the chances of finding a missing iPhone, but also help protect personal information.
To do this, using the Apple service, you can set or change passwords. Just follow this link :
Here you will also find instructions on how to protect yourself from financial fraud if your iPhone is lost.
If payments and bills are linked to your phone, you'll see how to block access to them temporarily.
In addition to all these usefulness with passwords and finances, a family search is offered. You can use it by clicking on the active footnote.
It is also proposed to use to report the loss to local law enforcement agencies.
If luck smiles and an iPhone is found, you will need to unlock accounts and cancel the status of the missing iPhone.
There is also a detailed instruction on how to remove the iPhone from the balance of the devices you are looking for.
As you can see, the serial number is a must! You can’t do without it if you need to get information about the originality of the purchased iPhone.
He will tell you about the warranty obligations and their terms. Also, thanks to the serial number, the company will provide invaluable assistance in finding the missing device.
So, feel free to use all these available gadgets of the Apple service in the sections of the official website.
Just read carefully, follow the instructions received and you will succeed!
How to check iPhone by serial number - detailed instructions (2019)
5 (100%) 1 vote[s]IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a control identifier of mobile equipment assigned to each device by a special certified service (BABT - a British telecommunications organization) with direct authorization in the network. And although initially IMEI was used exclusively when accessing mobile telecommunications, the identifier's powers have changed a lot.
First of all, IMEI is used when authenticating smartphones and tablets (of different brands, including Apple). If you can’t visually distinguish a copy from the original, and you need to know everything about the device you are purchasing - from the warranty to blocked services - then you can safely arm yourself with an identifier and check the originality on the official website.
IMEI is marked, as a rule, in different places - on the packaging, in the sales receipt, in the settings, sometimes in the warranty and is shown when the * # 06 # command is entered on the keyboard (it always works on the operating system). And yet sometimes questions arise during the search. How to check the iPhone for authenticity by IMEI on the Apple website?
7 Sure Ways to Find IMEI iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch
View in settings
Statistics and information about your Apple smartphone, tablet, or music player is stored in the "About this device" section.
There it is easy to find out how much free space is left on the internal memory, what version of the operating system is installed, and what serial numbers, and other numerical parameters, such as ICCID and SEID, are assigned to the device. In case of urgent need, it is immediately easy to deal with legal documents and license agreements.
The section is interesting, and even always at hand - it is worth repeating a short algorithm of actions.
Find out IMEI through the command
View IMEI on iPhone box
It’s worth dealing with IMEI even before buying Apple equipment, if a smartphone or tablet is purchased not in a certified store, where each device has received a “certificate from RosTest” without fail, but in a third-party institution where the devices were delivered from the USA or Europe.
The IMEI code found on the still packed box will allow you to find out a lot of information - for example, whether the factory warranty is available, whether the device turned on, whether the recovery process went through and whether the SIM tray was unlocked for any operators or assigned to some mobile provider.
If for some reason the information received does not suit or disagrees with the seller's offer, then you can safely refuse the transaction!
Mobile ID on the back of the box at the bottom, there is also a barcode and serial number information attached.
After opening the iPhone, the numbers should be compared - in case of any discrepancies, you should contact the seller.
View IMEI via iTunes
Check IMEI in iTunes without Phone
View IMEI on the case of a smartphone, tablet or player
As in the case of the box, all important information about the device is stored not on the front, but on the back side, at the very bottom, where serial numbers and identifiers are listed.
This method does not work with all devices - but only starting with models of the 5 series, and on the rise. Most likely, the tradition will continue for many years to come.
View IMEI on the SIM card tray
The latter method is relevant for all Apple technology, but, unfortunately, does not lie on the surface. You can get the tray only using the "iceclip", and even the cover will have to be removed. But, if the other options did not fit, why refuse? 
Verification through the official Apple website
If the IMEI code is found, then it's time to proceed to a direct check of the purchased or not yet purchased device for originality and other parameters that facilitate further interaction with the service center, and for full information support from Apple. How to check iPhone by IMEI? Two ways:
Through the official website
Verification through a third party service
How to find out Apple ID by IMEI?
Apple ID is an official "identity" identifier that provides access to Apple entertainment content, as well as to specialized services and support departments (iTunes Store, App Store, iCloud - these services never work with those who have not registered an Apple ID and have not passed authorization). In fact, Apple ID is a real passport that opens any doors, provides security and at the same time keeps a lot of secrets.
The level of Apple ID capabilities, at least in the “apple” space, is much higher than the same IMEI, and therefore you should not count on access to confidential information through a mobile identifier (especially for free). The manufacturer keeps all important information behind seven seals and is trusted only by users who directly own the device.
Even through the official website, through the menu for recovering passwords and a personal account, no one will tell who previously owned the device along with IMEI, because the "passport" has long been withdrawn. The only way to find out the Apple ID is to try to contact the support service and persuade the technical support to reveal the cards. Most likely, nothing will come of such an undertaking. The Apple ID is either registered and pinned on the network, or belongs to someone else - along with a security question, important settings and confidential data (and recently two-factor authorization has also appeared - it's still scarier there!).
How to check if the "Find iPhone" function by IMEI is enabled?
As in the case of Apple ID, the “find iPhone, iPad or iPod” function check works without any connection with IMEI - users will have to go through authorization anyway, but not on the official website, but in the iCloud.com service. It is there that the developers offer to check the current location of any of the devices attached to the Apple ID. If the information is not received, or for some reason the search does not work, then the Find My iPhone function is not activated in the settings.
Previously, third-party resources also offered an additional check of the “Find iPhone” function by IMEI, and it was completely free. The identifier also displayed other information, such as the status of "stolen and blocked" and even offered to contact support directly.
Recently, such services have stopped displaying such valuable information to the public. From now on, only data related to the warranty, access to technical support and other information is available, such as where the iPhone, iPad and iPod were supposed to be sold, or under which operators the device is blocked.
How to find out the manufacturer's country by IMEI
When buying smartphones, tablets and players not in certified stores, you can stumble upon devices brought from different places - the USA, Europe, some Asian countries, and intended for sale in local stores, and not in Russia. As a rule, few people are interested in information about where Apple technology came from (what difference does it make from the USA whether it is a smartphone or from China, when the savings are in the face? Domestic retail offers exorbitant prices after paying VAT and RosTest services!), but sometimes deal with the place " birth” of technology is still worth it. And there are two reasons for that.
Firstly, sometimes the package bundle changes a lot (no, the classic Apple stickers are always in place) - we are talking primarily about chargers. If European analogues work with domestic Euro sockets, then chargers from the same Britain or the USA can be safely left until better times - for example, before a tourist trip in the indicated direction. Sometimes the instructions are available in certain languages.
Secondly, the manufacturer often blocks the ability to use different cellular operators in advance (you can check by IMEI using the methods listed above). Accordingly, inserting a classic Megafon or Beeline SIM card will not work even with a strong desire (even the option using special repair services can be safely dismissed - blocking not only at the hardware, but also at the software level).
And, since there are all chances to stumble upon something wrong, then it's time to get checked with a third-party service.
How to find out by IMEI a “refurbished” iPhone or not?
The instructions have already described a third-party service from the official one, which allows you to find out whether the iPhone has passed a technical rehabilitation course or whether the device is sold directly from the factory, in its original condition. But just in case, again:
- Go to a third party service.
- Enter the IMEI number on the main page. Confirm "humanity", wait for the procedure to complete.
- In the statistics that appear, find the item “Refurbished by Apple” (whether technical support was provided, whether parts were replaced). If it says “No”, then you can safely take it - everything is original, without any jambs.
- If “Yes”, and the user counted on “No”, then the seller is cunning and hides important information about the device.
