Finding out the Model Number of your Phone
Knowing the exact model name and number of your cell phone is important for several reasons. You may need this information when getting a new phone case, troubleshooting issues, or selling your device. Luckily, it’s easy to find the model name and number on most smartphones with just a few taps. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to locate this key information on iOS and Android devices.
Checking Settings on Your iPhone
For iPhones running iOS, the quickest way to find the model name, number, and other details is by checking the Settings app.
Here’s how:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap “General”.
- Next, choose “About”.
- On the About screen, you’ll see the model name, such as “iPhone 12 Pro Max”, along with the model number, serial number, and iOS version.
- If your iPhone won’t turn on, you can contact Apple Support and provide the serial number from the back of the device to get the model number.
This method works for all iPhone models, including those with eSIM support. By checking Settings > General > About, you’ll always be able to find the key details about your iPhone.
Checking the Back of Your iPhone
For older iPhone models like the iPhone 5s or earlier, the easiest way to find the model number is by checking the regulatory information on the back of the device.
Here’s how to find it:
- Turn your iPhone over so the back is facing up.
- Locate the regulatory text printed on the back. It will be very small print.
- Search for the model number which starts with “A” followed by 4 digits, such as A1549 or A1634.
- The model name, iOS version, and serial number can also be found in the regulatory information.
Checking the back of your iPhone is useful if you need the model number and don’t have access to the Settings menu. Just be sure to look closely at the tiny print to accurately read the info.
Checking Settings on Your Android Phone
Finding the model name and number on an Android phone is also very straightforward. The key details can be found in the Settings menu.
Here are the steps:
- Open the Settings app on your Android smartphone.
- Scroll down and select “About phone”.
- Look for “Model number” and “Android version” on the About phone screen.
- You may also see the device name, serial number, and other specs here.
- For Samsung phones, choose About Phone > Model number to find the info.
- On a Google Pixel phone, go to Settings > About phone > Model & hardware > Model.
Checking About phone in Settings is the go-to way to find model details on any Android device. For exact steps, refer to the manufacturer’s support site.
Locating Model Information on the SIM Tray
Some newer smartphones print the model name or number on the SIM card tray. This can be handy if you need the information but don’t have access to the Settings menu.
Here’s how to find it:
- Locate the SIM card slot on your smartphone. It’s typically on the side or top edge.
- Use the SIM tool included with your phone to eject the tray.
- Remove the SIM tray fully and look inside the tray slot.
- Search for the model name or number printed inside the slot.
- On an iPhone, it may be near the top, closer to the screen. On Androids, it’s often on the bottom.
- When done, replace the SIM tray carefully back into the slot.
While not present on every smartphone, the SIM tray is one more place to look for the device model details. Just take care not to damage the tray when removing it.
Finding Model Info Behind the Battery
On older smartphone models, the battery is removable, allowing you access to the model number sticker behind it.
Here are the steps to try this:
- Make sure your phone is powered off.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to safely remove the back cover.
- Use care when removing the battery according to the proper technique.
- With the battery removed, look for a white sticker with the model name or number.
- The regulatory info is also often printed here.
- When finished, carefully replace the battery and back cover.
While less common with modern sealed batteries, behind the battery compartment is one last place to look on select older devices. Just take precautions when handling the battery.
Contacting Your Carrier or Manufacturer
If you can’t locate the model name or number through any of these methods, you can also contact your carrier or device manufacturer for assistance.
Provide any details you have, such as:
- Serial number
- IMEI or MEID number
- Date of purchase
- Carrier
Free IMEI Checker Online for Phone
With one or more of these details, customer support can help identify your exact smartphone model. They may ask you to perform a device reset or use certain dialer codes to display the model number.
Stay patient and have your information ready when contacting support. This should be the last resort to find your model details if all else fails.
Frequently Asked Questions About Finding Your Model Number
1. Why do I need to know my smartphone model name/number?
Knowing your exact model name and number is important for several reasons:
- Identifying the correct device specs and features
- Finding the right replacement parts, like batteries
- Determining compatibility with cases and accessories
- Troubleshooting performance or technical issues
- Selling or trading in your phone
- Accessing proper support resources for your specific model
2. Where can I find the model number if my phone won’t turn on?
If your phone won’t power on, try these options:
- Remove the SIM card tray and check inside the slot for the model number
- Check the regulatory text printed on the back of the device
- Contact your carrier with the IMEI/MEID or serial number to identify the model
- On an iPhone, call Apple Support with the serial number from the back
3. What does the model number look like?
Model numbers are a combination of letters and numbers, such as A1688 for an iPhone or SM-G960U for a Samsung.
iPhones start with A, M, or F. Androids often start with letters like SM for Samsung or G for Google. Letters indicate the model and region.
4. Can I find my iOS version without accessing Settings?
Yes, the iOS version is included in the regulatory text printed on the back of iPhones. You can also ask Apple Support to identify your iOS version by providing the serial number from the back of your iPhone.
5. How can I find the model number if my battery isn’t removable?
On modern phones with sealed, non-removable batteries, follow these steps instead:
- Check Settings or About Phone in your system menu
- Look for model info printed inside the SIM card slot
- Find regulatory text with model details on the exterior
- Contact your carrier or manufacturer for assistance
Just avoid attempting to pry open sealed batteries – this can damage your phone and pose safety risks.
Key Takeaways:
- Every smartphone has a unique model name & number to identify exact specs and features.
- On iPhones, find this info in Settings > General > About. Also, check the regulatory text on the back.
- For Androids, look in Settings > About Phone > Model Number. Some print it on the SIM tray.
- If your phone won’t turn on, contact support using any details you have, like IMEI or serial number.
- Knowing your model name and number helps with troubleshooting, accessories, selling your iPhone or Samsung Galaxy phone, and much more.
By following the steps outlined here for your iPhone, Android, or other device, you can easily locate your cell phone’s crucial model name and number details. Keep this information handy any time you need to identify your specific smartphone model.
Finding Model Name, Number & IMEI for Different Phone Brands
Here’s a table with information on how to find the model name, number, and IMEI for various phone brands:
Brand | Model Name & Number | IMEI | Additional Information |
---|---|---|---|
Apple | Settings > General > About | Settings > General > About > Tap “Phone Number” under device name (Cellular models) | Check original packaging or iTunes/Finder for iPhone |
Samsung | Settings > About phone > Software information | Settings > About phone > Status > IMEI information | Look under the battery for some models |
Google Pixel | Settings > About phone | Settings > About phone > Build number (tap 7 times) > IMEI | It may also be on the original packaging |
LG | Settings > General > About phone | Settings > General > About phone > Status > IMEI information | Check under battery for some models |
HTC | Settings > About > System information | Settings > About > System information > IMEI | Check under battery for some models |
OnePlus | Settings > About phone | Settings > About phone > Status > IMEI information | Check the original packaging or the OnePlus website |
Sony | Settings > About phone | Settings > About phone > Status > IMEI information | Look under the battery for some models |
HP | Settings > About | Settings > About > Status > IMEI information | Check the original packaging or the HP website |
Motorola | Settings > About phone | Settings > About phone > Status > IMEI information | Check under battery for some models |
Lenovo | Settings > About phone | Settings > About phone > Status > IMEI information | Check under battery for some models |
Dell | Settings > About phone | Settings > About phone > Status > IMEI information | Check under battery for some models |
Razer | Settings > About phone | Settings > About phone > Status > IMEI information | Check the original packaging or the Razer website |
T-Mobile | Varies depending on phone model, often similar to other Android brands | Check original packaging or T-Mobile website | |
Amazon | Typically uses other brands’ hardware, follow instructions for those brands | Check original packaging or Amazon website | |
Maxwest | Varies depending on phone model, often similar to other Android brands | Check original packaging or Maxwest website | |
Sharp | Varies depending on phone model, often similar to other Android brands | Check original packaging or Sharp website | |
BLU | Varies depending on phone model, often similar to other Android brands | Check original packaging or BLU website | |
Iridium | Menu > Settings > Phone Info | Menu > Settings > Phone Info > IMEI | |
CAT | Varies depending on phone model, often similar to other Android brands | Check original packaging or CAT website | |
TCL | Varies depending on phone model, often similar to other Android brands | Check original packaging or TCL website | |
Oppo | Settings > About phone | Settings > About phone > Status > IMEI information | Check original packaging or Oppo website |
Meizu | Settings > About phone | Settings > About phone > Status > IMEI information | Check original packaging or Meizu website |
Nokia | Settings > About phone | Settings > About phone > Status > IMEI information | Check under battery for some models |
Orbic | Varies depending on phone model, often similar to other Android brands | Check original packaging or Orbic website | |
ZTE | Varies depending on phone model, often similar to other Android brands | Check original packaging or ZTE website | |
Nextbit | Settings > About phone | Settings > About phone > Status > IMEI information | Check original packaging or Nextbit website |
Acer | Varies depending on phone model, often similar to other Android brands | Check original packaging or Acer website | |
Blackphone | Settings > About phone | Settings > About phone > Status > IMEI information | |
Sonim | Varies depending on phone model, often similar to other Android brands | Check original packaging or Sonim website | |
NEC | Varies depending on phone model, often similar to other Android brands | Check original packaging or NEC website | |
Xiaomi | Settings > About phone | Settings > About phone > Status > IMEI information | Check the original packaging or Xiaomi website |
Alcatel | Varies depending on phone model, often similar to other Android brands | Check original packaging or Alcatel website | |
LeEco | Varies depending on phone model, often similar to other Android brands | Check original packaging or LeEco website | |
Pantech | Varies depending on phone model, often similar to other |