How to Find Your Phone's Model Number
Table of Contents
Why You Need Your Phone's Model Number
How to Check Phone Model on Android
Finding it in Settings
Checking the Device Label
How to Find iPhone Model Number
Using the About Phone Screen
Locating it on the Device
Phone Model Number vs. IMEI: What's the Difference
How to Find Phone Model Without Turning It On
Other Ways to Identify Your Device
Check the Original Packaging
Look at the SIM Tray
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: October 12, 2026
Why You Need Your Phone's Model Number
Knowing your phone's model number matters more than you'd think. Whether you're trading in your device, getting it repaired, or buying compatible accessories, the model number is your key piece of information. It tells technicians and retailers exactly what device you have. It helps with warranty claims. It ensures you buy the right charger, screen protector, or case.
At PHONEPROBS, we help customers identify their devices all the time. Many people confuse the model number with their phone number or serial number. That confusion costs time and money. Getting it right from the start saves headaches later.
The model number is different from other identifiers on your phone. Your phone number is what others use to call you. Your serial number is unique to your specific device. Your IMEI is a network identifier. The model number identifies the type and version of phone you own.
Pro Tip Most phones have their model number in multiple places. Check Settings first, it's the easiest method. If Settings doesn't work, you'll find it printed on the device itself or on the original box.
How to Check Phone Model on Android
Finding your Android phone's model number takes seconds. Android devices make this information easy to access through Settings. Open the Settings app on your home screen or in your app drawer. Scroll down and tap "About Phone" or "About Device." The exact wording depends on your manufacturer and Android version.
Look for a field labeled "Model" or "Model Number." This is what you need. Some phones also show "Device Name" or "Phone Model", these are variations of the same information. Write down the full model number exactly as it appears. Don't shorten it or leave off numbers or letters.
Finding it in Settings
The Settings method works on all Android phones. Here's the step-by-step process:
Open Settings from your home screen
Scroll to the bottom of the list
Tap "About Phone" or "About Device"
Look for "Model," "Model Number," or "Device Name"
The full model number appears next to one of these labels
Take a screenshot or write it down
Different manufacturers organize Settings differently. Samsung phones might label it "Model Number." Google Pixel phones might show "Device Model." Motorola devices often list it under "Phone Model." The location is always the same, the About Phone section, but the exact label varies. If you don't see it on the first screen, scroll down. There's usually more information below.
Checking the Device Label
Your Android phone's model number is also printed on the device itself. Most phones have it on the back cover, near the bottom. Look for small text that starts with letters like "SM-" for Samsung, "Pixel" for Google, or "XT-" for Motorola. This printed model number matches what you see in Settings.
If your phone has a removable battery (older models), the model number might be under the battery. For modern phones with non-removable batteries, check the back cover first. If the back is cracked or worn, try the SIM tray. Some manufacturers print the model number on the SIM tray or inside the SIM slot.
The original box also has the model number. Check the back or bottom of the box if you still have it. Retailers often print it on the receipt too.
How to Find iPhone Model Number
iPhones store their model information in Settings, just like Android devices. The process is slightly different, but equally straightforward. Open Settings and tap "General." Then tap "About." You'll see several pieces of information about your iPhone.
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Look for a field labeled "Model Name" or "Model Number." iPhone model names are usually more user-friendly than Android model numbers. You might see "iPhone 15 Pro" or "iPhone 14." But there's also a technical model number that looks like "A2846" or similar. Both are useful, depending on what you need.
If you're trading in your phone or getting it repaired, the technical model number (the letter-number combination) is often more precise. It identifies the exact variant, including which carrier it's locked to and which region it's from. The model name (like "iPhone 15") is what most people recognize.
Using the About Phone Screen
The About screen on iPhone is your go-to source. Here's exactly what to do:
Open Settings from your home screen
Tap "General"
Tap "About"
Find "Model Name" for the common name (e.g., iPhone 15 Plus)
Find "Model Number" for the technical identifier
The model name tells you the generation and size. The model number tells you the exact variant. For trading in your phone, you'll want both pieces of information. For ordering a case or screen protector, the model name is usually enough.
Some iPhone models have multiple variants. An iPhone 15 might be a regular, Plus, Pro, or Pro Max. Each has a different model number. This matters when buying accessories or getting repairs. A screen for an iPhone 15 Pro is different from a screen for an iPhone 15. The model number catches this distinction.
Locating it on the Device
Your iPhone's model number is printed on the back of the phone. Look near the bottom for small text. You'll see something like "A2846" or "A2847." This is the technical model number. It's also printed inside the SIM tray. Remove the SIM tray with the ejector tool that came with your phone. The model number appears on the plastic tray itself.
The original iPhone box also has the model number. Check the back or bottom of the box. If you're buying a used iPhone and don't have the box, the Settings method is your best bet.
Phone Model Number vs. IMEI: What's the Difference
The model number and IMEI are completely different identifiers. Many people mix them up. Understanding the difference saves confusion when you're talking to a technician or retailer.
The model number identifies the type of phone. It tells you whether you have an iPhone 15, Galaxy S24, or Pixel 10. It includes the manufacturer, the generation, and sometimes the regional variant.
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is unique to your specific phone. It's a 15-digit number that identifies your device on cellular networks. No two phones have the same IMEI.
Identifier | What It Is | Example | Where to Find It |
Model Number | Type of phone | A2846 or SM-S918B | Settings > About Phone, device back |
IMEI | Unique device ID | 354881234567890 | Settings > About Phone, dial *#06# |
Serial Number | Hardware identifier | F8L2J3K4M5N6 | Settings > About Phone, device label |
Phone Number | Network identifier | (256) 555-0123 | Contacts app, phone bill |
The IMEI matters when you're reporting a lost or stolen phone. It also matters for warranty claims and network activation. The model number matters when you're buying accessories or getting repairs.
To find your IMEI, open Settings and go to About Phone. Look for "IMEI" or "IMEI1" (phones with two SIM slots have IMEI1 and IMEI2).
Watch Out Never share your IMEI with strangers online. It can be used to track your device or activate it on another network. Share your model number freely, it's not sensitive. Guard your IMEI like you guard your Social Security number.
How to Find Phone Model Without Turning It On
What if your phone won't power on? Water damage, a dead battery, or a cracked screen might prevent you from accessing Settings.
Check the back of the phone first. The model number is printed there. You might need a flashlight to read it clearly if the back is dirty or damaged.
The original box is your best friend here. If you still have it, the model number is printed on the back or bottom. Take a photo of the box for future reference.
For iPhones, the technical model number is on the back near the bottom. It's a letter followed by numbers (like A2846). For Android phones, look for manufacturer-specific prefixes.
If the device is completely unreadable and you don't have the box, contact the carrier or retailer. Provide them with your account information. They can look up the model number in their system.
Other Ways to Identify Your Device
Check the Original Packaging
The original box contains all the information you need. Manufacturers print the model number, serial number, and IMEI on the packaging. The back or bottom of the box usually has a label with this information.
If you've kept the box, this is the easiest method. You don't need to turn the phone on. You don't need to open Settings. Just look at the label. Take a photo of it for your records. Store the photo in your cloud storage or email it to yourself.
The box also tells you the carrier (if applicable) and the storage capacity. This matters when you're trading in your device or buying compatible parts. A 128GB model is different from a 256GB model. The box makes this clear.
Look at the SIM Tray
The SIM tray is a small plastic or metal drawer that holds your SIM card. It's usually on the side of the phone. You can remove it without turning the phone on. The model number is often printed on the tray itself.
To remove the SIM tray, use the ejector tool that came with your phone. It's a small metal pin. Insert it into the tiny hole next to the SIM tray. Push gently until the tray pops out. Don't force it. Look at the tray.
This method works even if your phone is dead, locked, or damaged. The only requirement is that you can access the SIM tray. If the phone is severely damaged and you can't open the tray, you're back to the box or calling your carrier.
Some older phones don't have removable SIM trays. If your phone has a non-removable SIM slot, use one of the other methods instead.
Key Takeaway Your phone's model number is printed in at least three places: Settings, the device back, and the original box. You can find it without turning the phone on by checking the physical device or the packaging.
Conclusion
Finding your phone's model number is straightforward once you know where to look. Check Settings first, it's the fastest method. If that doesn't work, look at the back of the phone or the SIM tray. The original box is another reliable source. Understanding the difference between model number, IMEI, and serial number helps you communicate clearly with technicians and support staff.
When you need to trade in, repair, or upgrade your device, having the correct model number matters. We use that model number to give you accurate repair estimates, fair trade-in offers, and compatible replacement parts. Check our device inventory to see what models we currently have in stock, or learn more about our trade-in process to understand how we determine your device's value. Book your repair with us today and let our team handle the technical details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find my phone's model number?
Your phone's model number appears in multiple places: in Settings under About Phone (Android) or About Device (iPhone), printed on the device label on the back or inside the SIM tray, and on the original packaging or box. The easiest method is checking Settings first. If your phone won't power on, check the physical labels or packaging instead.
Is a phone's model number the same as its IMEI?
No. Your model number identifies the device type and hardware configuration (like iPhone 15 or Samsung Galaxy S24). Your IMEI is a unique 15-digit identifier for that specific device. You need the model number to find compatible parts or check specifications; you need the IMEI for carrier activation or if your phone is reported lost or stolen.
Can I find my phone model number without turning it on?
Yes. Check the physical label on the back of your phone, inside the SIM tray, on the battery (if removable), or on the original packaging and box. These printed labels display the model number even if the device is powered off, damaged, or won't turn on. This is the fastest method when your phone is unresponsive.
How do I check my phone model in Settings?
On Android: Open Settings, scroll to About Phone, and look for Model Name or Model Number. On iPhone: Open Settings, tap General, then About, and find Model. The exact wording varies by manufacturer and iOS version, but the information is always in the About section. If you're unsure, scroll through the entire About screen, the model appears near the top.
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