Research-checked Last researched: 30 October 2026
Is this iPhone original, refurbished, or a replacement?
By the iphonefix.us editorial team · Research-based, last researched 30 October 2026.
Sellers love the word “original.” It sounds reassuring and it means almost nothing on its own, because a phone can be genuine Apple hardware and still be refurbished, a warranty replacement, or a personalised engraving order. The model number tells you which one it actually is, in about ten seconds.
Find the model number
Go to Settings, General, About. You will see a Model Number field showing something like MQ... — tap it once and it switches to a shorter identifier like A... The first letter of the longer part number is the code that matters:
| First letter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| M | Retail unit — bought new from Apple or an authorised seller. |
| F | Refurbished by Apple — genuine, but previously returned and refurbished. Should be disclosed and priced as refurbished. |
| N | Replacement unit — issued by Apple as a replacement for a faulty device. |
| P | Personalised unit — ordered with an engraving from Apple. |
None of these letters means “fake.” A refurbished or replacement iPhone is still an Apple device. The problem is only when a seller charges a new-phone price for an F or N unit, or hides the letter entirely.
What the serial number can and cannot tell you
Apple's coverage check, using the serial number, confirms the model, purchase date where available, and warranty or AppleCare status. It does not tell you whether the phone is stolen, carrier-locked, or Activation-Locked. Those need the separate checks in our used iPhone checklist — carrier lock in Settings, Activation Lock at setup, and a stolen-phone check with the IMEI.
The seller test
Ask the seller for the model number and serial number before meeting, and compare them with the phone in your hand when you meet. If the numbers do not match, or the seller refuses to share them, that is the end of the deal — no discount makes a mismatched phone worth it.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find the model number?
Settings, General, About, then tap Model Number once to switch between the part number and the model identifier. The first letter of the part number is the one that matters here.
What does a model number starting with F mean?
F means the device was refurbished by Apple. It is a genuine Apple refurbished unit, not a fake — but a seller should disclose it and price it accordingly.
Does checking the serial number tell me if a phone is stolen?
Not by itself. A serial check confirms the model and warranty status. Stolen status needs a separate check with the carrier or a stolen-phone checker, plus the Activation Lock and carrier checks in our used-phone guide.
Related: Used iPhone checklist · Activation Lock checks