What Kind of Phone Do I Have? Find Your Make and Model

There are really only three reasons you need to know exactly what phone you have: you are selling or trading it in, you are on the phone with support and they are asking for a model number, or you are trying to buy a case and cannot afford to guess wrong. Whatever brought you here, the answer is a few taps away - or, if the phone will not turn on, a few physical checks away.

How to Find Your Phone Model If It’s an iPhone or Android

The fastest way to find your phone’s make and model is to go right to the settings menu- it takes less than a minute and gives you accurate information instead of a guess based on what the phone looks like.

Finding Your Model on an iPhone

On an iPhone, go to Settings, then tap General, then tap About. You’ll see a line that says Model Name - this is the one you want. Right below it is the Model Number, which is a shorter alphanumeric code that identifies the exact hardware version.

You’ll also see a Serial Number and an IMEI on that screen. The serial number is exclusive to your personal device, and the IMEI is a universal identifier used by carriers to track phones on their networks. You don’t need either of them to find your model, but they’re helpful to have on hand if you ever need phone support.

Finding Your Model on an Android

Android phones follow a similar path, but the exact steps depend on your brand. On a Samsung, go to Settings and scroll down to About Phone, then tap Software Information. On a Google Pixel, the model name sits right at the top of About Phone. On a Motorola, look for About Phone near the bottom of the main Settings menu.

Whatever brand you have, the Model Number is the field to look for- it looks like a short code - something like SM-G991B or XT2201-1 - and it identifies your exact phone version.

If you skip this step and go by memory, you’ll end up with the wrong case or the wrong replacement part. Getting the model number right saves trouble later.

What Your Model Number Actually Tells You

Once you have that number in front of you, it’s worth learning about what it means. Model numbers aren’t random - they follow patterns that tell you quite a bit about the device you’re holding.

iPhone A-Numbers

Apple uses an A-number to identify each iPhone model. You might see something like A2633, and each part of that number carries meaning.

Two iPhone 13s can look the same on the outside but carry different A-numbers because of regional hardware differences or carrier lock status. That matters when you go to get a repair or sell the phone. Replacement parts and unlock eligibility can vary between them.

Samsung SM-Numbers

Samsung uses an SM-number system and it works in a similar way. A phone listed as SM-S901U is a Galaxy S22 - the U at the end tells you it’s a US carrier model. A version ending in B is usually sold in Europe.

That’s why two phones from the same product line can behave differently or support different network bands. If you’re buying a secondhand Samsung, that suffix tells you if it will work on your carrier before you hand over any money.

Finding Your Phone Info When the Screen Won’t Turn On

A dead screen right before a trade-in is frustrating. But you have more options.

The SIM tray is a first place to look. On some phones, the manufacturer engraves the model number directly onto the tray itself. Eject it with a pin or paperclip and check both sides under decent light.

If that comes up empty, flip the phone over. A lot of devices have a small printed label on the rear casing near the bottom edge - it usually lists the model number and sometimes the IMEI too. The text is small, so a magnifying glass or your camera’s zoom can help.

If the tray and rear casing turn up nothing, dig out the original box if you have it. The barcode label on the side or back will show the model, storage size, and IMEI - one of the best reasons to keep the box around, even years after you bought the phone.

If your screen is cracked but still receives calls or texts, try dialing *#06# from the phone app - a universal code that prompts most phones to display the IMEI on screen without needing to get through any menus.

Your carrier’s online account portal is another option and works even if the phone is dead. Log in, go to your account or device section, and your registered devices will be listed there with their IMEI numbers. Most carriers show this under a “My Devices” or “Device Details” tab.

Once you have the IMEI, you can look up the full model name and specs on your carrier’s website or through a free IMEI lookup tool. The IMEI is a unique 15-digit identifier assigned to every mobile device.

Storage Size and Carrier Lock - Why They Change What Your Phone Is Worth

Your phone’s storage size and carrier lock status are two facts that change what your model is actually worth: how much storage it has and if it’s locked to a carrier.

Storage size is listed right in the full model name. A 64GB iPhone 13 and a 256GB iPhone 13 are technically the same phone. But they don’t sell for the same price. The higher storage version holds more value at trade-in and on the secondhand market because buyers don’t have to compromise on space.

Carrier lock matters just as much. A locked phone only works with the network it was sold through. An unlocked phone works with any compatible carrier, which makes it more appealing to more buyers and interesting to more markets.

These two things combine to create a price difference between versions of the same model. Here are the facts that move the needle on value.

Storage tier - higher is worth more. Lock status - unlocked phones fetch more than locked ones. Condition - physical wear can affect price on top of everything else. Region - phones sold in different markets have different hardware and might not support all local networks.

Your storage size appears on the same settings screen where you found your model number. Carrier lock status is sometimes listed there too, or you can check under a “Carrier” or “SIM” section in your settings.

Knowing your exact model gets you in the door. But these extra facts are what let you give an accurate description to a buyer or get a number from a trade-in program.

Ready to Trade In? Here’s What to Do With That Model Number

If you’re selling or trading in, be honest about the storage tier and whether the device is locked or unlocked - those two things alone can change the value by a significant margin. Keep your IMEI number handy as well. Most places use it to verify the phone isn’t reported lost or stolen before completing a transaction.

• Is an IMEI number the same as a serial number? No. The IMEI is a 15-digit number used to identify the device on cellular networks. The serial number is a manufacturer-assigned identifier used for warranty and service purposes. A phone has both, and they are different.
• How do I find my phone’s model number if the phone won’t turn on? Check the original box if you still have it - the model number is printed on the barcode label. It is also physically printed inside the SIM card tray slot or on the back of some older devices.
• Can two phones look identical but have different model numbers? Yes. Manufacturers frequently release regional variants or carrier-specific versions of the same phone with slightly different model numbers, radios, or features. Always verify the exact model number rather than relying on the name alone.
• The IMEI does not directly tell you if your phone is unlocked, but you can enter it into your carrier’s unlock status checker or a third-party IMEI lookup tool to find out whether the device is locked, unlocked, or reported stolen.
• Where is the model number on a phone without a removable back? On most modern smartphones, go to Settings, then About Phone or About This iPhone. The model name and number are listed there. On iPhones, the model number is also etched in small print on the back of the device.
• What is the difference between a model name and a model number? The model name is the marketing label, like iPhone 15 Pro or Galaxy S24. The model number is an internal alphanumeric code that identifies the exact hardware variant, such as A2650 or SM-S921U. Trade-in platforms and repair shops typically need the model number, not just the name.