Spotting a Fake iPhone
1
Check the specifications on the packaging. If your new iPhone came in an iPhone box, the box should display a model number, serial number, and IMEI. These
numbers should match what you see when you open the Settings app and select General > About. If the specifications don’t match,
it’s possible your phone is a
clone.[1]
2
Verify the serial number at
https://checkcoverage.apple.com Entering the iPhone's serial number into Apple's warranty status website should display the model, warranty period, support
status, and other information
about the phone. If you see a
message that says "We're sorry, but this serial number is not valid," your iPhone is likely not authentic.
You can find your iPhone's
serial number in the Settings app under General > About.
3
Check the IMEI number at
http://www.imeipro.info. Each phone has a unique IMEI number. Searching for that number in a database will provide you details about the phone. If the IMEI number displays information about a different model, you'll know you've come across a fake.
To find the IMEI, dial *#06# on the keypad or check the SIM tray.[2]
4
Look for a memory card slot.
There are no models of Apple
iPhones that have memory card slots.[3] If your phone has a slot for any size memory card, it's likely an Android that has been
reworked to look like an iPhone.
5
Check the Apple logo on the
back of the iPhone. All iPhones
display an Apple logo on their
back sides. An authentic Apple logo should not feel raised or textured. If rubbing your finger across the logo feels different than rubbing across anywhere else on the back of the iPhone, the phone is likely not an original.
6
Compare the phone to a
confirmed iPhone of the same model. Hold both phones side-by-side and ensure they are the same size, and then do the same
for each edge. If you're using a newer model with a top-notch, make sure the notches are aligned the same exact way on both phones. If your phone is different from the confirmed original, it isn't authentic. You can also compare your phone to an image of a genuine iPhone from Apple's website. Go to https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201296 to view a complete list.
7
Look for Apple's default apps.
All iPhones come with certain
apps installed, including the App Store, Settings, Compass, and Safari. If you see a Play Store app on your iPhone, it's a dead giveaway that you're using an Android that was made to look like an iPhone.[4]
Check the Settings app for
standard iPhone menus like
Control Center, Siri & Search,
and iTunes & App Store.
All iPhones come with the
Safari web browser. If you
don't have Safari you don't
have an iPhone.