• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

AppleToolBox

Tools and Fixes for Mac, iPad, iPhone & iWatch

Search posts

  • About
  • Contact

CONNECT WITH US

CATEGORIES

  • iPhone
  • iPad
  • iPod
  • Apple Watch
  • Mac/MacBook
  • AirPods
  • Apple TV
  • News
  • Apple Services
  • HomePod
  • Reviews

SITE

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Advertise

Search posts

You are here: Home / iPhone / How Do I Know If My iPhone Is New or Refurbished?

How Do I Know If My iPhone Is New or Refurbished?

By Andrew Martin 20 comments Last updated April 12, 2021

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.

Related articles

  • How to transfer AppleCare for a used Mac
  • How to Set up a Used iPhone or iPad
  • Buying a Used MacBook? Essential Tips to Consider
  • Getting the new 2020 iPad Pro? Trade or sell your existing Apple device
  • Buying Apple Products From Amazon Renewed? Here’s What You Need to Know
  • How to prepare before selling or buying a used iPhone
  • How to thoroughly erase an old iPhone for trade-in or sale
  • 7 creative ways to repurpose and reuse your old iPhones and iPads

iPhone Model Number

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.Check if iPhone is New or Refurbished, How-To

  • 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.Check if iPhone is New or Refurbished

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.How-To Check if iPhone is New or Refurbished

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.

Related Posts:

  • Is AppleCare+ Worth It? Everything You Need To Know
    Is AppleCare+ Worth It? Everything You Need To Know
  • Should I sign up for Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program?
    Should I sign up for Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program?
  • How to transfer an AppleCare+ plan to a new device
    How to transfer an AppleCare+ plan to a new device
  • How to transfer eSIM from old iPhone to new iPhone
    How to transfer eSIM from old iPhone to new iPhone
  • How To Use Dual SIM and eSIM on iPhone 11, XR, SE, & XS
    How To Use Dual SIM and eSIM on iPhone 11, XR, SE, & XS
  • iOS 13 or iPadOS problems and how to fix them - Troubleshooting Guide
    iOS 13 or iPadOS problems and how to fix them -…
  • It Costs a Lot of Money to Repair an iPhone 12
    It Costs a Lot of Money to Repair an iPhone 12
  • How to transfer AppleCare for a used Mac
    How to transfer AppleCare for a used Mac
  • AirPods Pro---The Complete Guide
    AirPods Pro---The Complete Guide

Reader Interactions

Write a Comment Cancel reply

Show 20 Comments

  1. cleveland austin grant says

    January 3, 2023 at 12:22 PM

    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

    Reply
  2. Hassan says

    October 24, 2022 at 5:17 AM

    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

    Reply
  3. Curt says

    August 27, 2022 at 11:48 AM

    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

    Reply
  4. Curt says

    August 27, 2022 at 11:16 AM

    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

    Reply
  5. AFARI HIENNO DANIEL says

    May 18, 2022 at 6:07 AM

    I now know the difference,Thank you

    Reply
  6. Tej says

    April 14, 2022 at 12:32 PM

    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 ?

    Reply
  7. Diana says

    November 6, 2021 at 2:07 AM

    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

    Reply
  8. Sandra Wallace says

    September 5, 2021 at 3:34 PM

    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,

    Reply
  9. Kurt says

    May 12, 2021 at 12:25 AM

    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?

    Reply
  10. Paula says

    April 29, 2021 at 2:03 PM

    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?

    Reply
  11. Cathy Anderson says

    September 24, 2020 at 10:28 AM

    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

    Reply
  12. Deoyin says

    August 10, 2020 at 12:40 PM

    My Model Number starts with 3 instead of M,N,F or P and it is a brand new IphoneX

    Reply
  13. Freddy says

    May 14, 2020 at 12:31 PM

    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?

    Reply
  14. victorwhi560 says

    July 22, 2019 at 5:12 AM

    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……

    Reply
  15. Marian says

    January 25, 2019 at 1:45 PM

    I buy from Apple 1 iphone 7 plus refurbished and its have “F” on model number

    Reply
    • La Shaun says

      March 27, 2019 at 6:13 AM

      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.

      Reply
      • SK says

        March 27, 2019 at 7:31 AM

        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.

        Reply
      • KH says

        April 17, 2019 at 3:11 PM

        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.

        Reply
  16. Benji says

    October 29, 2018 at 5:21 PM

    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”.)

    Reply
  17. Yogesh Khetani says

    December 7, 2017 at 10:42 PM

    Thanks to the help.

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • How to Change the Color Profile on Your Mac
  • How to Turn Safari Search Suggestions On and Off on iPhone and iPad
  • How to Change Login Picture on Mac
  • Problems Using External Hard Drive With Mac: How to Fix
  • How to Delete Notes in the Notes App on iOS, iPad, and Mac
  • How to Use ChatGPT on iPhone and iPad

Connect with us

Footer

ABOUT

  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Advertise
  • Privacy
  • Terms of Use

GUIDES

  • iOS 13 & iPadOS
  • Apple ID
  • iCloud
  • App Store
  • iTunes
  • FaceTime
  • iMessage
  • Siri
  • Books and iBooks
  • Game Center
  • AirPlay

CONNECT

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • FeedBurner
  • YouTube

© Copyright 2010-2023 Guiding Tech Media · All Rights Reserved

This site and its content are in no way affiliated or endorsed by Apple, Inc. · Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited