iPhone Text Effects: Tips and Tricks
April 21, 2025
Phones
Do you know what kind of phone you have? If not, that’s definitely something you’ll want to know if you're selling or trading in your device, troubleshooting an issue, or even just buying a new phone case. The good news is that identifying your smartphone is simpler than you might think, even if you're not particularly tech-savvy.
In this article, we'll walk you through how to find your smartphone's make, model, and other important details like its operating system and IMEI number.
If your phone is in working condition, you can check its model name and number by opening its settings app.
For iPhone Users:
But here’s a pro tip: tap on this section to reveal the base model number, which begins with “A.” This is helpful if you need to check if certain accessories are compatible with your device.
For Android Users:
Note, the steps described above are for accessing your phone’s settings if your iPhone or Android device is on the latest operating system. If your iPhone is not up to date with the latest iOS version or your Android phone isn’t on the most recent OS version, the process may vary slightly.
With just a few taps, you’ll know almost everything about your mobile phone. But what if you can’t turn it on?
Find a Company Logo
One of the easiest ways to identify your smartphone's manufacturer is to look for a logo. Most companies place their logo on the back of the device, especially if it has an all-screen display.
A number of brands, like Samsung, Nokia, and LG, make it straightforward by spelling out their names. Others, like Apple (with its iconic fruit logo), Google (a capital "G"), and Motorola (a stylized "M" inside a circle), use symbols.
Look for a Model Number on iPhones
If you have an Apple smartphone that's an iPhone 8 or later, you can find the model number by opening the SIM tray slot.
Remove the SIM Card Tray on iPhone:
If your iPhone uses an eSIM instead of a physical SIM card, the number will be tucked away in the Lightning or USB-C cable slot. Keep in mind that frequent use can wear away the tiny digits, making them difficult to read.
You can usually find the model number and other key information for iPhone 7 or older models on the back of the phone.
Look for a Model Number on Google and Android Phones
Some manufacturers will etch the model name or number on the back cover of their devices. If you see a name or a combination of numbers and letters, try searching it online to find more information about your phone.
However, more and more companies are now going for a sleeker look and often opt to hide or leave this information off the body of the phone itself, such as with the latest Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel line.
Look for a Home Button
Apple and other manufacturers moved away from including physical home buttons with their phones around 2017. If your iPhone has one, you can identify it as the budget-friendly iPhone SE or an iPhone 8 or older model. Samsung shifted away from physical home buttons with the Galaxy S8.
But there’s another way to figure out your phone’s model name and number, even if you don’t have the device in front of you.
If you're still having trouble identifying your mobile device through its settings menu or physical features, don't worry. You can find some of this info by signing into your wireless carrier's website or app.
While the steps may vary from carrier to carrier, logging in and visiting your account will often show you the phone's model and configurations, as well as the phone numbers linked to the device.
Not sure which carrier you're with? Here's a quick guide:
iPhones:
Android Phones:
If your phone is acting up or feeling sluggish, an upgrade might be in order — but first, we recommend making sure your software is up to date.
Keeping your phone's software current is important since updates often bring bug fixes, new features, and security patches from Apple and Google to keep your device safe from exploits. Not updating your software can leave your device open to security threats and may cause it to run slower or malfunction.
Here’s how to check and update your smartphone’s operating system:
How to Find What iOS Version I Have:
Alternatively, you can also:
How to Find What Version of Android I Have:
Get the Latest Android Updates:
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is like your phone's fingerprint — a unique 15-digit serial number identifying your device. Knowing it is helpful for insurance claims, unlocking your phone, and blocking it if it's lost or stolen.
The IMEI number is found in several places, such as the Settings app and the original packaging.
On iPhone:
On Android:
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Learning your smartphone’s make, model, and software details will help you manage your device, whether you're troubleshooting, upgrading, or just shopping for new accessories — and may save you time and frustration down the road.
Your phone's IMEI number can provide key information about it, such as its brand, model, release year, and other specs, without the need to see the device in person.
To find out what model your phone is, head to your settings menu. While the layout can differ depending on your device, you’ll usually find the details under Settings > About Phone. This section often shows information such as the model number.
To find out how old your phone is, check the sticker on the original box for a manufacturing date or look in your phone’s settings under "About" for clues in the serial number. You can also search the serial number or model online for more details.
Find the Model Number of Your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch | Apple
Identify Your iPhone Model | Apple
Apple iPhone Model Number Mean, Explained | Tab TV
Check & Update Your Android Version | Google
Get Help From Your Device Manufacturer & Mobile Carrier | Google
Mobile Operating System Market Share Worldwide, 2023-2024 | Statcounter
Find the Serial Number or IMEI on Your iPhone | Apple
What Is an IMEI Number? | Thales