How to check if an iPhone is fake or genuine: a comprehensive guide

If you buy an iPhone from the Apple Store, you have nothing to worry about. However, if you purchase from unauthorised or unverified third-party sellers, you’re at risk of buying a fake iPhone. So, if you want to know how to tell if an iPhone is fake, here’s a guide on how to check if an iPhone is original.

Check the packaging 

One of the first and easiest steps for verifying an iPhone is checking the packaging. Apple is known for its meticulous attention to detail, including packaging, so iPhones have sturdy boxes with high-quality images and precise text. Unboxing a new iPhone takes time, and the accessories inside should match Apple’s standard. If you notice loose packaging, mismatched accessories, and poor-quality images and text on the packaging, chances are that the device is fake.

Verify the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number

Every phone comes with an IMEI number. This unique identifier number is allocated to each mobile device, including iPhones. This 15-digit number is unique to each phone, and network providers use it to authenticate devices on their networks. Verifying the IMEI number is the easiest way to check if an iPhone is genuine without opening the box. Each iPhone comes with an IMEI number printed on the packaging. Copy this number, visit Apple’s Check Coverage page, and key in the copied IMEI number into the Serial Number box. If the iPhone is genuine, it should show the phone’s details, but no information will be displayed if the device is fake.

Match the IMEI number on the box with that in the Settings app

An extra step you can take to confirm if the iPhone is genuine using the IMEI number is to match the IMEI number on the box and that given in the Settings app. To check the Settings app’s IMEI number, navigate to Settings, tap on General, and then go to the About section. Scroll down to locate the IMEI number, then match it with the one on the box. You can also see the phone’s IMEI number on the SIM tray (except for the iPhone 14 series); all numbers should match.

Check the build quality of the phone 

iPhones are known for their premium, sturdy build, and when you hold an iPhone, you can feel its premium construction, crafted from metal or glass with no loose parts or gaps. The buttons click firmly, and the Apple logo on the rear should feel smooth to the touch. Pay close attention to the display quality, screen size, thickness, and weight; they should all match the specifications of the official model. Unlike Android phones, iPhones have the lightning connector at the bottom, and any charging port other than this should be a red flag (except the iPhone 16, which uses a USB-C port for charging). Scrutinise these external features, and if any part is missing or seems out of place, there’s a possibility the device is counterfeit.

Check the iPhone’s serial number

Apple products, including iPhones, have unique serial numbers. You can use this number to verify the authenticity of your iPhone through Apple’s website. To get the device’s serial number, head to the Settings app, then General, and select About. You will see the serial number. Just hold the serial number field to copy it. Open Apple’s Check Coverage website to verify the serial number, and if the device is genuine, Apple will provide you with the device’s details. However, if you get a message saying, “Please enter a valid serial number,” the device is likely a fake iPhone.

Verify the App Store

Verifying the App Store is another simple way of checking if an iPhone is genuine. Simply visit the App Store on your device. Fake devices usually don’t have the App Store because that feature is exclusive to iOS devices. With fake devices, when you open the App Store, you’ll be redirected to the Play Store or another random store.

Verify iOS while setting up

iPhones use iOS, which offers a unique user interface compared to Android. When setting up your iPhone, you’ll be prompted to create an Apple ID – anything else will indicate that the device is counterfeit. Most Android smartphones will require a Google account when setting up; if you see this, the device is certainly fake.

Confirm if it’s Siri

Siri is Apple’s voice assistant and one feature that fake iPhones cannot replicate. Most fake iPhones will substitute Siri with Alexa, Google Assistant, or other voice assistants. Another way to check if an iPhone is genuine is by activating Siri. So, press the side or Home button, and when the voice assistant comes up, ask it, “Who are you?” If Siri is set up, it should reply, “I’m Siri,” which is another way to check if your device is genuine.

Check Systems App

The iPhone has its own store for iOS apps called the App Store, and as discussed, it is one of the ways to check if an iPhone is genuine. iPhones also have essential system apps that cannot be deleted, like Safari, Music, Health, Calculator, Compass, and more. If you notice any of these apps missing, there is a likelihood that the device is fake.

Visit the Apple Store or Apple Service Provider

It’s improbable that a fake iPhone could pass all these checks, but if you believe your device is fake, visit the nearest Apple Store or Apple Service Provider. Here, the device can undergo diagnostic tests performed by a specialist to verify whether the iPhone is genuine.

Some more tips and tricks to check if an iPhone is genuine

iPhones have several features that are only available on iPhones or Apple products. You can use these features to try and establish if your iPhone is genuine. For example, you can:

• Try to AirDrop a photo from your iPhone to another Apple device. If this works, then you’re in luck. However, avoid being misled by AirDrop workarounds between an Android phone and a Mac.

• Try AirPlaying media from the iPhone if you have an AirPlay-compatible smart TV. 

• Try plugging in your iPhone and using CarPlay to play music if you have a car that supports CarPlay. 

• Try setting up the new iPhone using Quick Start. If you can’t use Quick Start to set up the phone, chances are it’s fake.

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