
How to Check If Your New iPhone is Original or Fake,
Ensuring the authenticity of a new iPhone is very important to avoid losses, especially because this iPhone is a premium device with a high price. With increasing cases of counterfeit electronic devices, including iPhones, thorough inspection steps are essential before you are satisfied with your purchase. Below are some of the most complete guides on how to check whether your new iPhone is genuine or fake.
1. Check Packaging and Accessories
Original Apple Packaging
Of course, genuine Apple products always come with premium packaging and are not easily imitated. The original iPhone packaging box is made with high precision, including neat and elegant details. Make sure the Apple logo is printed clearly, without blurring or blemishes. The writing on the box must also match the model you purchased, including the product name, storage capacity and color of the device.
Accessories in the Box
Original iPhones come with standard Apple accessories, such as a USB-C charging cable, stickers, and a user guide. Check whether these accessories are of premium quality without any defects. Fake accessories often look cheap with materials that feel light or different from the original.
2. Verify IMEI Number
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is the identity for cellphones, including iPhones. You can use the IMEI number to verify authenticity with the following steps :
Steps to Check IMEI :
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Select the General menu > About.
- Scroll down until you find the IMEI number.
After getting the IMEI number, open the official Apple website at checkcoverage.apple.com. Enter the IMEI number and other information, then check if your device is registered. If the iPhone is not detected or an error message appears, then the device is probably fake.
3. Check the design and physical quality
Some things to pay attention to include :
- Apple Logo on the Back: The Apple logo on the back of a genuine iPhone has a subtle reflective effect, unlike fake devices which often have a blurry logo or are pasted on carelessly.
- Material and Finishing: Original iPhones use high quality aluminum or glass. The weight feels proportional to its size. If your device feels light or uses plastic, it is likely a fake iPhone.
- Ports and Buttons : Check the charging port, speaker holes, and physical buttons. On a real iPhone, all these elements are arranged flawlessly. Counterfeit products often have loose or misaligned ports or buttons.
4. Run iOS and Apple Exclusive Features
To be sure, check your device with the following steps :
- App Store Access : Open the App Store on your device. Counterfeit devices usually cannot access the App Store, because they run imitation operating systems that are incompatible with Apple's ecosystem.
- Check the Face ID or Touch ID feature: This security feature is an exclusive part of the iPhone. Try setting up Face ID or Touch ID on the device. If the device is having difficulty or the feature is not working at all, it is likely a fake device.
- System Performance : The original iPhone offers smooth performance with smooth screen transitions. Fake devices often experience lag, as they use low-quality hardware and software.
5. Check Price and Place of Purchase
Price is often an indicator of whether an iPhone is genuine or fake. If the price is too cheap compared to the official price at the Apple Store, there is a big possibility that the product is fake. Here are some tips :
- Avoid Unofficial Sellers: Make sure you buy your iPhone from an official Apple store or trusted distributor partner.
- Check the Official Warranty : The original iPhone comes with an official Apple warranty. You can verify the device warranty by entering the IMEI number on Apple's official website.
6. Use Third Party Apps to Check Authenticity
You can use third-party apps to check the specifications and compare them to the original iPhone standards. Some of these popular apps to check iPhone authenticity include :
- CPU-Z : This app provides complete details about the hardware used in your iPhone.
- Lirum Device Info Lite : This app helps you verify whether the device specifications match the iPhone model you purchased.
7. Check the Serial Number
The iPhone serial number can be used to verify its authenticity. This serial number can of course be found in the Settings menu or on the packaging box. To check, visit Apple's official website and enter the serial number. If the serial number is not recognized, your device is not an authorized product.
8. Battery and Charging
The original iPhone of course uses a high-quality battery that supports the fast charging feature. You can also do the following checks to start checking :
- Charging Speed : The original iPhone charges quickly and stably. If your device charges too slowly or is unstable, this could be a sign of a fake device.
- Battery Capacity : In the Settings > Battery menu, check the maximum capacity of the battery. Fake iPhones often show nonsensical battery information.