What Kind of Phone Do I Have?

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.

What Model is My Phone? Find Your Smartphone's Make and Model

If your phone is in working condition, you can check its model name and number by opening its settings app. 

For iPhone Users:

1. Navigate to Settings: Head over to Settings > General > About.
2. Find Your iPhone’s Model Name: The “Model Name” section will tell you the general model of your iPhone.
3. Find Your iPhone’s Model Number: Underneath the Model Name, you'll see "Model Number," which represents your phone model and other details, like its color and storage capacity.

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:

1. Open Settings: Navigate to the Settings app.
2. Go to About Phone: Scroll down to the bottom and tap “About Phone.”
3. Locate Your Info: You'll see the model name, number, and other useful details. If you need more specifics, a quick online search of the model name will give you more information.
   

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?

What If I Can’t Turn On My Smartphone?

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:

• Locate the SIM Card Slot: Look for a tray with a small hole on the edge of your iPhone.‍
• Remove the SIM Tray: Grab a SIM card removal tool or a paperclip and push the tip into the hole until the tray pops out.‍
• Find the Model Number: Check the upper side of the opening (the side with the screen) for the iPhone model number, which usually starts with "A.

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.

Find Your Phone Model By Logging Into Your Wireless Carrier Account

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: 

• Go to Settings > General > About.
• Scroll down to the “Network” and “Carrier” sections.

Android Phones:

• Open your device's Settings app and select, “About Phone.”
• For carrier info, tap SIM status and check under "Network."

What Is My Smartphone’s Operating System?

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:

1. Open Settings: Go to the Settings app.
2. Navigate to General: Scroll down a bit and select General.
3. Check Software Update: Tap on Software Update at the top of the General page. Here, you’ll see the current OS version and whether there’s an update available. If there is, you can start the update right from this screen.

Alternatively, you can also:

1. Open Settings: Visit the Settings app.
2. Select General: Tap on General just like before.
3. Tap About: This time, instead of Software Update, tap About. You'll see information about your device, including the current iOS version.
   

How to Find What Version of Android I Have:

1. Open Settings: Head to your device's Settings app.
2. Find Your Info: Scroll down and tap on "About phone" or "About tablet," then look for "Android version." You'll also see details like the "Android security update" and "Build number."
   

Get the Latest Android Updates:

• When Notified: Open the notification and tap the update action.
• If You Missed It: Open Settings, tap "System," then "Software update." Follow the on-screen steps to check your update status.
  

How Do I Find the IMEI Number on My Smartphone?

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:

• Settings: Go to Settings > General > About. Scroll down to find IMEI.
• While Setting Up the Device for the First Time: Turn on the iPhone and tap the info button at the bottom right when "Hello" is displayed in many languages. 

On Android:

• Settings: Open the Settings app, tap "About Phone," and scroll down to find the IMEI.
• Use the "Google Find My Device" App: Open the app and find your phone at the top left. Tap the information icon to see the IMEI.
  

How Do I Use This Info to Upgrade to a New Phone?

Navi's free and unbiased Phone Deal Finder below can help you find the best phone deals when it's time to upgrade. Just tell us the phone you want, the make and model of the phone you have, and we’ll show you the latest cell phone offers you qualify for based on your criteria—all in just a few seconds!

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The Bottom Line

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.