Buying a new or used iPhone? Wondering how reliable are refurbished iPhones? Here’s how you can tell the origin of the iPhone. The model number of the device is handy when it comes to checking if your iPhone is new or refurbished.
Buying a refurbished iPhone from Apple is different than buying it from your carrier, even though both the devices are “Certified.” Here is how you can tell if your iPhone is New or Refurbished.
If the model number of the iPhone starts with the letter ‘M,’ then it is a NEW iPhone. If on the other hand, the model number starts with letter ‘F,’ it’s a carrier-refurbished model and when it starts with the letter ‘N,’ it indicates that it is an Apple Replacement device.
This is different than the model number that you find printed on the back of the iPhone starting with the letter ‘A.’
Finding the model number of your iPhone is easy. Tap on Settings > General > About and scroll down to the Model section. This setting will show you the nine-digit model number that you can use to determine the origin of your iPhone.
M – your iPhone is new
F– your iPhone is refurbished (refurbished by Apple or a carrier)
N – your iPhone is an Apple replacement phone
P – your iPhone was personalized with engraving
On newer iPhones such as the iPhone 8 and higher, the model number is also visible in the SIM tray slot. You will need to remove the SIM tray and look.
Apple-certified refurbished–Apple’s refurbishment process
What we love about purchasing refurbished iPhones (or any device) from Apple is that they all include the same one-year warranty just like new devices!
Get additional Appel Care coverage for refurbished!
Plus you can purchase the additional Apple Care coverage for an additional fee–again, just like new devices!
What does refurbished iPhone mean?
Apple backs up its stringent quality check and warranty process when it comes to refurbished iPhones. According to Apple,
“Before we put an Apple Certified Refurbished product up for sale, it undergoes a rigorous refurbishment process to make sure it’s up to Apple’s high standards. We back it with our standard one-year limited warranty. And you have the option of purchasing AppleCare to extend your coverage further.
You will receive a “like new” device with genuine Apple replacement parts (as needed) that has been thoroughly cleaned and inspected. Refurbished iOS devices come with new battery and outer shell. Every device will come with all accessories, cables and operating systems. All Apple Certified Refurbished products are packaged in a brand new white box and are sent to you with free shipping and returns.”
The refurbishment process at Apple does the following before it is available for sale.
Full functionality testing and any defective modules identified in testing are replaced.
Apple Watch and Apple Pencil devices that require replacement parts are not included in the Apple Certified Refurbished Program.
Sent to a thorough cleaning process and inspection.
Repackaged (including appropriate manuals, cables, new boxes).
Includes either the Operating System originally shipped with the unit or, in some cases, a more recent version.
Put into a Final QA inspection before being added to sellable refurbished stock.
When you purchase an Apple refurbished iPhone, you can also buy the AppleCare warranty with it. This extended warranty provides you with services for up to two years.
If you are on the hunt for a less expensive but good quality iPhone, you should definitely check out Apple’s own website that lists out the refurbished devices.
When Apple provides you with a replacement iPhone, it can be either a new iPhone, model number starting with the letter ‘M’ or it can be a replacement iPhone with the model number starting with the letter ‘N’. Both products are quality products.
Carrier Refurbished iPhone
The Apple-certified refurbished iPhone is different from the carrier certified refurbished models and it is easy sometimes to get confused between the two. In the case of a carrier-refurbished model (the model number starting with ‘F’), the carrier itself manages the refurbishment process.
For example, when you buy a certified pre-owned Verizon iPhone, Verizon inspects the device.
According to Verizon’s website,
“At Verizon, we thoroughly inspect all Certified Pre-Owned phones and devices to like-new condition. Devices go through a complete 100+ point checklist to ensure they measure up to Verizon’s standards.
The inspection includes a variety of close-up looks, including:
A visual cosmetic inspection
An advanced functional, manual and electronic inspection
The latest software and hardware updates
At Verizon, each Certified Pre-Owned phone comes with a battery, wall charger, user guide, and a 90-day warranty from the date of purchase. “
As you can see the warranty on a Verizon certified pre-owned is only 90 days. Apple’s refurbished iPhones come with a year warranty.
What’s Different About Buying a Refurbished Device From Apple Versus a Carrier or Third-Party?
One big difference between getting a refurbished iDevice through Apple versus a Carrier (or third-party) is that all Apple Refurbished products come with a new battery AND and the same one-year warranty that any new Apple hardware comes with.
It’s a deal that’s hard to beat!
When Buying a Refurb, Make Sure You Check Current Warranty Status
When you buy a used iPhone, you can also check to see what sort of warranty coverage if any is available for the iPhone.
To check the service coverage, you will need the serial number of the iPhone which can be found at Settings > General > About. Once you have the serial number, you can go to Check Coverage and enter the serial number.
With the busy end of the year season coming up, there might be many iFolks who are looking to buy used or certified pre-owned devices. We are hoping that this information will be useful to you.
M and N devices are both new. N devices are apple back stock devices meant for replacement. Whereas M is meant to be sold directly. N devices might often times show an earlier manufacture date than M because apple needs to have replacements ready day one, if something happens to your device they either try to repair it or completely replace with the N one.
I have a iPhone 12. I can’t get and sounds when I get an email or text. Saw where u had a recal. On phones made from Oct 20 2020 to April 2021. My model is m g9n3l l/a. Serial gdndmdrtod4c. Is my phone in the recal. Because when I get a text or email. I have no sound
Hello there on my model number it has 5G and then the M can someone explain why is the 5G there on the model number as I don’t have it on my iPhone 12 Pro Max
I forgot to mention that in addition to my iPhone 7 having a “N”, with an actual 100% Factory Battery, it has a 12 month Apple Warranty from the date I actually received my iPhone. And while it arrived in a white box, it looks brand new, not a single flaw. It was wrapped as a new iPhone and other Apple products I have purchased in the past.
Lucky me.
Thanks again for your most informative article.
Curt
Thank you very much for this article. It answered all of my questions about my iPhone 7. It’s makes me appreciate my phone much better, because I have the “N” model, plus the true status of the battery is 100%.
Hi, I am interested to buy used iPhone 11 Pro. I checked the series number but it’s neither starts with any of the four letters you mentioned MNPF. Rather the serial number starts with” C”. I am wondering which category is this ?
I have a 256 GB iPhone XS Max, on the glass back it says “Remanufactured by Asurion” and the model number starts with N, my question is if my iPhone is new or refurbished?
I bought Apple iPhone XR thru Apple online customer sales and the price was close to $1000 but when I finally got around to find a carrier Verizon and the setup of my BYOD with help of Verizon staff as I could not activate over phone cause I forgot what my 4 digit security pin so I had to go in person .
Everything was great til maybe a month later when iMessage encryption broke and I was sim swapped and lost my LTE connection that went to OTA activation! I am over 60 and was freaked so I called Apple and returned the new iPhone expecting to get a new iPhone XR but what i got was a model N and it had to be used as scratches on screen glass!
But the encryption issues got even worse with crazy stuff like settings secure privacy settings getting turned off and then a call from my bank stating I had a $750 charge for vzwdigital chat and if it was fraud !! Oh yes it was but worse this debit card from my bank I only use on my iPhone XR under wallet and associated with cell ph number !
I am within 2 months limited warranty and called Apple and demanded I get the replacement value of the iPhone I bought and then I would purchase a different more reliable model and pay the difference since the original iPhone XR deemed defective maybe within 30 days of setting it up with a carrier but when I return it I expected a brand new iPhone with M model number not a N and scratched screen glass but express replacement lady I ordered and paid in full $ 1300 for iPhone 11 Pro Max 256gb well she said Apple would give me $249 for my iPhone XR and I would get the new phone within 3 days but it had been over week and they keep delaying the order and I plan to contest the fee they want to give me for my iPhone XR !
Any one had issues similar to mine ?
Cathy
I bought a certified pre owned iphone from Apple direct and it has an “F” letter for the first character of the model number, I think your article needs updating?
I am always searching like this topics on internet but not get fully information like this i am thankful to you for sharing this such a best post please keep writing……
I purchased a new iPhone 8 Plus in September from T-Mobile within six months my screen went totally black where l couldn’t make calls or send texts however my phone was still receiving calls.
I took it to an Apple store in San Antonio Texas to exchange it since it has been six month, they gave me a replacement phone which I know is a refurbished phone because I looked at the model number.
Three tech assured me it was a new phone.
I want to know why they lied and why they didn’t give me a new phone since my phone was six months old and under a warranty for a year they gave me a replacement (refurbished) phone and the warrenty is only for 90 days.
When Apple replaces iPhones under warranties, you get a new phone or a refurbished phone (it must be thoroughly tested and equivalent to new device.) So a refurb is usually a good iPhone too–and sometimes better since it goes through more extensive testing that a new device. When Apple refurbishes a phone, the battery and any damaged parts are replaced, and the phone gets thorough inspections and tests.
To check if your replacement (or orginal) iPhone was refurbished, go to Settings > General > About > Model and see if it begins with “N”.
Contact Apple again regarding your replacement iPhone 8 Plus–it should come with a warranty that matches your original purchase.
This is directly from Apple regarding their guarantee after service:
We guarantee our service, including replacement parts, for 90 days or the remaining term of your Apple warranty or AppleCare+ coverage, whichever is longer.
So if you purchased a new iPhone in September, any replacement should offer an Apple Care+ warranty through that date in 2019 since that is longer than 90 days.
If you purchased the additional Apple Care+ warranty for the old phone (the one you just replaced) that warranty should carry over to the new replacement phone as well.
When you call or contact Apple Support, make sure you have your original proof of purchase to reference to–and submit if asked.
I purchased a brand new Apple watch and soon after Apple determined it was defective, at no fault of mine.
They said they would send me a new replacement, instead, I got a refurbished.
I called to tell them it was supposed to be brand new and was told it was like new and I should be happy.
Apple WILL do this even if your item is still under warranty, whether it be two weeks, three weeks out and Apple’s fault, they will replace it with a refurbished item.
I escalated the situation and the next person I spoke with swore up and down it was not a refurbished watch, but it clearly stated it was when they said it was on the way.
It was sloppily packaged and had someone’s fingerprints on it.
So I paid good money for a brand new watch and was given a refurbished replacement soon after.
There needs to be a class action lawsuit started on this.
Apple Certified Refurbished products, available only from Apple’s own website: iPhone/iPad/iPod touch includes a NEW battery, (and a new outer shell).
Refurbished anywhere else: NO.
So, battery life is unknown when purchasing from anyone other than Apple, as you will never know how old the “refurbished” device is, as it is only inspected, what they refer loosely to as “refurbished” just means they checked it out and include manual and charger with it, or something like that, and some kind of short warranty, but, you cannot add AppleCare.
(Again, as already pointed out, Apple comes with same as new 1-year warranty, and you can add AppleCare to that. Apple’s service for the refurbished products they sell are treated exactly the same as new.
(Scroll to the bottom of Apple’s home page and find “Refurbished and Clearance”.)
Can you explain more about the difference between the N model and M one ?! What does a replacement device mean ?!
M and N devices are both new. N devices are apple back stock devices meant for replacement. Whereas M is meant to be sold directly. N devices might often times show an earlier manufacture date than M because apple needs to have replacements ready day one, if something happens to your device they either try to repair it or completely replace with the N one.
I have a iPhone 12. I can’t get and sounds when I get an email or text. Saw where u had a recal. On phones made from Oct 20 2020 to April 2021. My model is m g9n3l l/a. Serial gdndmdrtod4c. Is my phone in the recal. Because when I get a text or email. I have no sound
Hello there on my model number it has 5G and then the M can someone explain why is the 5G there on the model number as I don’t have it on my iPhone 12 Pro Max
I forgot to mention that in addition to my iPhone 7 having a “N”, with an actual 100% Factory Battery, it has a 12 month Apple Warranty from the date I actually received my iPhone. And while it arrived in a white box, it looks brand new, not a single flaw. It was wrapped as a new iPhone and other Apple products I have purchased in the past.
Lucky me.
Thanks again for your most informative article.
Curt
Thank you very much for this article. It answered all of my questions about my iPhone 7. It’s makes me appreciate my phone much better, because I have the “N” model, plus the true status of the battery is 100%.
Many thanks.
Curt
I now know the difference,Thank you
Hi, I am interested to buy used iPhone 11 Pro. I checked the series number but it’s neither starts with any of the four letters you mentioned MNPF. Rather the serial number starts with” C”. I am wondering which category is this ?
How can I update a phone with the model number N to the latest iOS??? I can’t seem to find a software update on here
This article answers my question about a model number that starts with m. It does not answer my question about a serial number that starts with F.
Thank you,
Serial number starting with FF is the factory code of a production plant in China. Where do you get the idea it means it’s a refurbished phone?
I have a 256 GB iPhone XS Max, on the glass back it says “Remanufactured by Asurion” and the model number starts with N, my question is if my iPhone is new or refurbished?
I bought Apple iPhone XR thru Apple online customer sales and the price was close to $1000 but when I finally got around to find a carrier Verizon and the setup of my BYOD with help of Verizon staff as I could not activate over phone cause I forgot what my 4 digit security pin so I had to go in person .
Everything was great til maybe a month later when iMessage encryption broke and I was sim swapped and lost my LTE connection that went to OTA activation! I am over 60 and was freaked so I called Apple and returned the new iPhone expecting to get a new iPhone XR but what i got was a model N and it had to be used as scratches on screen glass!
But the encryption issues got even worse with crazy stuff like settings secure privacy settings getting turned off and then a call from my bank stating I had a $750 charge for vzwdigital chat and if it was fraud !! Oh yes it was but worse this debit card from my bank I only use on my iPhone XR under wallet and associated with cell ph number !
I am within 2 months limited warranty and called Apple and demanded I get the replacement value of the iPhone I bought and then I would purchase a different more reliable model and pay the difference since the original iPhone XR deemed defective maybe within 30 days of setting it up with a carrier but when I return it I expected a brand new iPhone with M model number not a N and scratched screen glass but express replacement lady I ordered and paid in full $ 1300 for iPhone 11 Pro Max 256gb well she said Apple would give me $249 for my iPhone XR and I would get the new phone within 3 days but it had been over week and they keep delaying the order and I plan to contest the fee they want to give me for my iPhone XR !
Any one had issues similar to mine ?
Cathy
My Model Number starts with 3 instead of M,N,F or P and it is a brand new IphoneX
I bought a certified pre owned iphone from Apple direct and it has an “F” letter for the first character of the model number, I think your article needs updating?
I am always searching like this topics on internet but not get fully information like this i am thankful to you for sharing this such a best post please keep writing……
I buy from Apple 1 iphone 7 plus refurbished and its have “F” on model number
I purchased a new iPhone 8 Plus in September from T-Mobile within six months my screen went totally black where l couldn’t make calls or send texts however my phone was still receiving calls.
I took it to an Apple store in San Antonio Texas to exchange it since it has been six month, they gave me a replacement phone which I know is a refurbished phone because I looked at the model number.
Three tech assured me it was a new phone.
I want to know why they lied and why they didn’t give me a new phone since my phone was six months old and under a warranty for a year they gave me a replacement (refurbished) phone and the warrenty is only for 90 days.
Hi La Shaun,
When Apple replaces iPhones under warranties, you get a new phone or a refurbished phone (it must be thoroughly tested and equivalent to new device.) So a refurb is usually a good iPhone too–and sometimes better since it goes through more extensive testing that a new device. When Apple refurbishes a phone, the battery and any damaged parts are replaced, and the phone gets thorough inspections and tests.
To check if your replacement (or orginal) iPhone was refurbished, go to Settings > General > About > Model and see if it begins with “N”.
Contact Apple again regarding your replacement iPhone 8 Plus–it should come with a warranty that matches your original purchase.
This is directly from Apple regarding their guarantee after service:
We guarantee our service, including replacement parts, for 90 days or the remaining term of your Apple warranty or AppleCare+ coverage, whichever is longer.
So if you purchased a new iPhone in September, any replacement should offer an Apple Care+ warranty through that date in 2019 since that is longer than 90 days.
If you purchased the additional Apple Care+ warranty for the old phone (the one you just replaced) that warranty should carry over to the new replacement phone as well.
When you call or contact Apple Support, make sure you have your original proof of purchase to reference to–and submit if asked.
Apple lied to me as well.
I purchased a brand new Apple watch and soon after Apple determined it was defective, at no fault of mine.
They said they would send me a new replacement, instead, I got a refurbished.
I called to tell them it was supposed to be brand new and was told it was like new and I should be happy.
Apple WILL do this even if your item is still under warranty, whether it be two weeks, three weeks out and Apple’s fault, they will replace it with a refurbished item.
I escalated the situation and the next person I spoke with swore up and down it was not a refurbished watch, but it clearly stated it was when they said it was on the way.
It was sloppily packaged and had someone’s fingerprints on it.
So I paid good money for a brand new watch and was given a refurbished replacement soon after.
There needs to be a class action lawsuit started on this.
Apple refurbished with a NEW battery:
Apple Certified Refurbished products, available only from Apple’s own website: iPhone/iPad/iPod touch includes a NEW battery, (and a new outer shell).
Refurbished anywhere else: NO.
So, battery life is unknown when purchasing from anyone other than Apple, as you will never know how old the “refurbished” device is, as it is only inspected, what they refer loosely to as “refurbished” just means they checked it out and include manual and charger with it, or something like that, and some kind of short warranty, but, you cannot add AppleCare.
(Again, as already pointed out, Apple comes with same as new 1-year warranty, and you can add AppleCare to that. Apple’s service for the refurbished products they sell are treated exactly the same as new.
(Scroll to the bottom of Apple’s home page and find “Refurbished and Clearance”.)
Thanks to the help.