How to Check if iPhone Is Refurbished or New

This guide shows you exactly how to tell whether an iPhone is brand new or refurbished, using only the phone itself and its serial number. You’ll learn the official Apple status check, the physical signs to look for, and what to do if the results are unclear.

What You’ll Need

• The iPhone you want to check (powered on or off)
• Access to the phone’s Settings app (if it turns on)
• A computer or another device with internet access for the serial number lookup
• The original box or receipt (optional but helpful)

Step-by-Step

1. Find the serial number. Go to Settings > General > About and scroll down to “Serial Number.” If the phone won’t turn on, look at the SIM tray – on most models the serial number is printed on the tray itself. You can also find it on the original box barcode.
2. Copy the serial number. Tap and hold the serial number text in Settings to copy it. This avoids typos when you paste it into the check tool.
3. Open Apple’s coverage check page. On any browser, go to checkcoverage.apple.com. This is Apple’s official warranty and support status page.
4. Enter the serial number. Paste or type the serial number into the field, enter the CAPTCHA if shown, and click “Continue.”
5. Read the result. The page will show either “Valid Purchase Date” or “Please activate your iPhone.” If it says “Valid Purchase Date,” the phone is a genuine Apple product with a confirmed purchase date – this is what a new or Apple-refurbished unit will show. If it says “Please activate,” the phone has never been activated or the date wasn’t recorded.
6. Check the model number. Go back to Settings > General > About and look at “Model Number.” It starts with a letter:
   • M – Brand new, sold by Apple or an authorized retailer.
   • F – Refurbished by Apple (sold through Apple’s official refurbished store).
   • N – Replacement unit (sent by Apple for a warranty swap, often new but can be refurbished).
   • P – Personalized (engraved) model, usually new.
7. Look at the physical condition. A brand-new iPhone has zero scratches, a sealed box with plastic wrap, and no fingerprints under the screen. A refurbished one may have minor cosmetic wear, but Apple’s refurbished units are cleaned and come with a new battery and outer shell – so they should look almost new. If you see heavy scratches, dents, or a loose screen, it’s likely a third-party refurbishment.
8. Check the battery health. On iOS 16 and later, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. A new iPhone shows 100% maximum capacity. A refurbished one may show less, but Apple’s refurbished units are required to have a new battery, so anything below 100% suggests a third-party refurb.
9. Verify the warranty status. On the same Apple coverage page, check “Estimated Expiration Date.” A new iPhone typically has a 1-year limited warranty from the purchase date. If the warranty is already expired or very short, it’s likely refurbished or used.
10. Check activation lock status. Go to Settings > General > About and look for “Carrier Lock.” If it says “No SIM restrictions,” it’s unlocked. A refurbished phone may still have a carrier lock from its previous owner – you can check with the carrier using the IMEI number.

Common Mistakes

• Confusing “refurbished” with “used.” Apple’s refurbished iPhones are tested, cleaned, and come with a new battery and shell. A used phone from a private seller is not the same – it may have wear and tear.
• Relying only on the model number. Some third-party refurbishers change the housing and may alter the model number. Always combine the model letter with the coverage check and physical inspection.
• Ignoring the “Please activate” message. This can mean the phone was never activated, but it can also mean the serial number was replaced (e.g., after a motherboard swap). It’s a red flag.
• Trusting the box. The box can be fake or reused. The serial number on the box should match the one in Settings – if it doesn’t, the phone has been swapped.
• Not checking the SIM tray. On older models, the serial number is printed on the SIM tray. If it’s missing or doesn’t match, that’s a sign of a replacement part.

Tips

• Always run the serial number check on Apple’s official site – third-party sites may be scams or collect your data.
• If you’re buying a used iPhone, ask the seller for the serial number before you meet. Run the check first – if it shows “Please activate,” walk away.
• Apple’s refurbished products come with a 1-year warranty, same as new. If the seller claims it’s refurbished but offers no warranty, it’s likely not Apple-certified.
• For a quick check, the model number letter is the fastest indicator – but it’s not 100% reliable because third-party repairs can change it.
• Check the “Parts and Service History” in Settings > General > About (iOS 15.2+). If it says “Unknown Part” for the battery or screen, the phone has been repaired with non-Apple parts.

Troubleshooting

What if the coverage check says “Please activate your iPhone”? This usually means the phone was never activated with Apple. If you bought it as new, contact the seller – it may be a stolen or lost phone that was never sold. If you’re the first owner, you can activate it by inserting a SIM and connecting to Wi-Fi.

What if the model number starts with “F” but the coverage check says “Valid Purchase Date”? That’s normal – Apple’s refurbished phones are registered as valid purchases. The “F” is the official indicator.

What if the serial number doesn’t match between the box and the phone? Stop the purchase immediately. This is a strong sign of a swapped or counterfeit device. Do not buy it.

What if the battery health is below 100% on a “new” phone? A brand-new iPhone should read 100%. If it’s lower, the phone is either used or refurbished. Ask for a refund or a different unit.

What if the phone is activation locked (iCloud locked)? This means it’s still linked to the previous owner’s Apple ID. You cannot bypass this legally. Ask the seller to remove the lock or return the phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I tell if an iPhone is refurbished just by looking at the settings? Not directly – you need the model number and the serial number check. The settings only show the model letter, which is a strong clue.

Is an Apple refurbished iPhone as good as new? Yes, Apple’s refurbished iPhones are tested, cleaned, and come with a new battery and outer shell. They also get a 1-year warranty, same as new.

What does “F” mean in the model number? It stands for “Refurbished” – specifically, Apple-certified refurbished. These are sold through Apple’s official refurbished store.

Can a third-party refurbisher make a phone look new? Yes, they can replace the screen and battery, but they cannot change the serial number or the model letter. The coverage check will still show the original purchase date, which may be years old.

Does a new iPhone always have 100% battery health? Yes, a new iPhone should show 100% maximum capacity. If it’s lower, the battery has been used.

Is it safe to buy an Apple refurbished iPhone? Yes, it’s a reliable way to save money. Just make sure it’s from Apple’s official refurbished store, not a third-party seller claiming to be refurbished.

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