To check whether the iPhone has been renovated, first check the model number in the settings: go to Settings > General > About, click "Model" to display the model number, and start with "F" to be the official refurbished device. Secondly, use the serial number to verify through Apple's official website: copy the serial number to access Apple's warranty query page. If the description indicates "refurbishment", it is confirmed as a refurbished machine and pay attention to whether the warranty start date is abnormal. Finally, check the original packaging and accessories: the back of the refurbished machine will be marked with "Refurbished" or a label from certified refurbishers such as Apple Renew to check whether the IMEI number on the packaging is consistent with the mobile phone. The above steps can effectively determine whether the iPhone is renovated.

If you're buying a used iPhone or receiving one as a gift, it's important to verify whether it's new, refurbished, or even a repackaged secondhand device. Apple does a good job labeling refurbished devices, but not everyone plays by the rules. Here's how to check if an iPhone is new or refurbished without relying solely on what the seller says.

Check the Model Number in Settings

Every iPhone has a unique model number that can tell you a lot about its origin — including whether it's new, unlocked, carrier-locked, or refurbished.

To find it:

• Go to Settings > General > About , then scroll down and tap on "Model Name" to reveal the model number (it starts with an "M" for new devices).
• Look at the first letter of the model number:
  • M = New retail unit
  • F = Refurbished unit
  • P = Personalized (engraved) retail unit

This is one of the most reliable ways to tell the history of the device. If the model number starts with “F,” it was officially refurbished by Apple or a carrier.

Use the Serial Number to Verify Through Apple

Apple keeps detailed records of every iPhone ever sold, so checking the serial number through their system can give you clear insight into the phone's background.

To do this:

• Go to Settings > General > About and copy the serial number.
• Visit Apple's Check Coverage page .
• Enter the serial number and follow the prompts.

What to look for:

• If it says “Refurbished” under the device description, it's definitely a refurbished unit.
• Check the warranty status — refurbished iPhones usually come with a one-year warranty from Apple or the seller.
• If the coverage starts significantly before the current date, it might have been activated long ago, which could mean it's not new.

This method isn't foolproof, especially if someone replaced the logic board or tampered with the serial number, but it's a solid starting point.

Inspect the Packaging and Accessories

If you still have the original box, take a close look at it. Apple clearly marks refurbished units on both the packaging and the device itself.

Look for:

• A small “Refurbished” label printed on the back of the box.
• Stickers or markings indicating it came from Apple Renew or another certified refurbisher.
• Whether the included accessories match what should be in a new box (eg, USB cable, SIM tray tool, no charging brick on newer models).

Also, compare the IMEI number on the box with the one listed in Settings > General > About . If they don't match, that's a red flag — the phone may have been swapped or tampered with.

In short, the easiest way is to check the model number in Settings — if it starts with an “F,” it's refurbished. You can confirm further using Apple's coverage checker and inspecting the original packaging. These steps are simple, free, and effective.

Basically that's it.

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