What are the most reliable official ways to verify that an Apple product is genuine before buying it?

Start with the serial number or IMEI

Every Apple check needs the device's identifier first. On iPhone and iPad, you can usually find the serial number in Settings > General > About, on the device back, in the SIM tray, or on the box [5][7][28][34]. The IMEI is also in Settings > General > About, or you can dial *#06# [29][66].

Apple serial numbers are normally 11–12 characters long, and they use the digits 0 and 1 instead of the letters O and I [8][27][55]. Also, a letter "S" shown before the serial number in a box barcode scan is not part of the serial number [9][56]. Those details help you spot a serial that looks wrong before you run any checks.

Use Apple's official Check Coverage page

The clearest official first step is Apple's own coverage checker. Go to checkcoverage.apple.com and enter the serial number [1][4][14][31]. This page checks warranty status and eligibility for support and extended coverage [6][10][31][35].

Here is what the result should look like:

• A valid Apple serial number should return a result, even for an old out-of-warranty device. At minimum it should show a valid purchase date and show phone support and repairs/service as expired [15].
• If Apple cannot match the serial to a product, the page says something like "we're unable to check coverage for this serial number" [16].

Warranty and support coverage starts from the device's purchase date [3][13]. If the product was bought from an Apple Store or Authorized Reseller, that purchase should appear in Apple's records, so a matching coverage result is a good sign [2][12][51].

Other Apple-controlled checks

There are a few more Apple-controlled places to look, depending on whether you can use the device or the seller's Apple Account.

• On the device itself, go to Settings > General > AppleCare & Warranty on iPhone or iPad, then tap the device [36][42][46]. On Mac, go to the Apple menu > System Settings > General > AppleCare & Warranty [37][42].
• At mysupport.apple.com, sign in with an Apple Account, choose the device, and view support details or proof of coverage [38][39][41]. You may need two-factor authentication set up on the Apple Account to see proof of coverage [39][43].
• At appleid.apple.com, sign in and choose Devices to see Apple devices linked to that Apple Account. This can work even without the physical device in hand [47].

These are useful because they rely on Apple's own records, not just on what a seller says.

Check Activation Lock before buying used

For used iPhones and iPads, Apple says to make sure the device is erased and no longer linked to the previous owner's account before you buy [58]. Here are the official signs to look for:

• A device protected by Activation Lock shows an "iPhone Locked to Owner" screen when turned on [59].
• If setup asks for the previous owner's Apple Account information, the device is still linked to their account. Do not take ownership until it is removed from that account [60].
• The "Hello" screen means the device is ready for a new owner [61].
• Each time an iPhone or iPad is activated or recovered, it contacts Apple to check whether Activation Lock is on [62].

Apple used to offer a public online Activation Lock checker at icloud.com/activationlock, where you could enter a serial number or IMEI [67][70]. Apple removed that tool, and the page now returns a 404 error [67][69]. So don't rely on that old link.

Some non-Apple online checkers let you enter an IMEI or serial number to check iCloud status and Lost Mode [63][64]. If a device shows as in Lost Mode, it was likely lost or stolen, and you should not buy it [65].

Do not trust the serial number alone

A serial number check is a good start, but it is not proof by itself. Duplicate serial numbers exist, and counterfeit devices can carry stolen or copied serial numbers [17][24]. Community advice also warns that used equipment from online marketplaces is especially risky, and a serial number alone won't give you full assurance [18].

Before buying, ask the seller for the serial number from Settings > General > About and compare it with the number on the original box. If they do not match, the device may have been replaced or tampered with [48]. Also check the model number in Settings > General > About: the first letter usually means M for new, F for refurbished, and N for replacement [49]. Another useful cross-check is to make sure the device supports Find My, compare its appearance with official images from Apple's website, and look at the packaging and documents for high quality [25].

The most reliable official approach is to combine Apple's coverage check with an on-device Activation Lock check and careful cross-checking, rather than relying on any single lookup.