Trying to figure out what iPad you have can be surprisingly confusing. Maybe you inherited an older iPad, bought one secondhand, or simply forgot which model you own. With so many versions of the iPad, iPad Air, iPad mini, and iPad Pro, telling them apart by appearance alone isn’t always easy.
The good news? You don’t need to be a tech expert to identify your iPad.
Your iPad contains several pieces of information that can reveal its exact model, including the model name, model number, serial number, storage capacity, and software version. In most cases, you can identify the device in less than a minute by opening the Settings app.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to figure out what iPad you have, explain where to find the model number, show you how to identify older iPads, and cover what to do if your iPad won’t turn on.
Why Is It Important to Know Which iPad You Have?
Knowing your exact iPad model isn’t just useful trivia.
It can help you determine:
- Which accessories are compatible.
- Which Apple Pencil you can use.
- What type of charging cable you need.
- Whether a keyboard case will fit.
- How much storage your iPad has.
- Which iPadOS versions it supports.
- Whether a repair part is compatible.
- What your iPad may be worth when selling it.
- Which troubleshooting instructions apply to your device.
For example, two iPads can look almost identical while supporting completely different Apple Pencil models or accessories.
That’s why identifying the exact model is better than simply saying, “I have an iPad.”
What Information Identifies an iPad?
There are several identifiers you may encounter.
| Identifier | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| Model Name | General product name |
| Model Number | Helps identify the exact hardware model |
| Serial Number | Unique identifier for your individual iPad |
| Storage Capacity | How much storage your iPad has |
| iPadOS Version | Which software version is installed |
| IMEI | Cellular identity for supported iPads |
The model number is especially useful when you’re trying to distinguish between generations.
How to Figure Out What iPad You Have in Settings
The easiest method is to use the Settings app.
Step 1: Open Settings
Find the Settings app on your iPad.
It has a gear-shaped icon.
Tap it.
Step 2: Tap General
In the Settings sidebar, select General.
You’ll see various information and configuration options.
Step 3: Tap About
At the top of the General section, tap About.
This page contains important information about your iPad.
Step 4: Look for Model Name
Find Model Name.
You may see a description such as:
- iPad
- iPad Air
- iPad mini
- iPad Pro
Depending on your iPadOS version, the exact wording and available information may vary.
If Model Name already identifies your specific iPad generation, you may not need to do anything else.
Step 5: Find the Model Number
Next, look for Model Number.
This is the important part if you need to identify the exact generation.
The model number may initially appear in a format that begins with a letter.
Don’t worry if it doesn’t look like the model number you expected.
Tap the Model Number.
On supported versions of iPadOS, tapping it changes the displayed value to an A-number, such as an identifier beginning with “A.”
That A-number can then be used to determine the exact iPad model.
How Do I Find the iPad Model Number?
The model number is one of the most reliable ways to identify your iPad.
Go to:
Settings → General → About → Model Number
If the displayed value starts with a letter, tap it to switch to the corresponding hardware model number.
For example, you might see an identifier formatted like:
A####
The exact number depends on your iPad.
Once you have it, you can use Apple’s model-identification information or a reputable model database to determine which generation you own.
Why Does My iPad Show Two Different Model Numbers?
This confuses many people.
You may see something like a letter followed by numbers in Settings and then notice that tapping it changes the number.
That’s normal.
One identifier is associated with the product configuration, while the A-number is the hardware model identifier commonly used to distinguish iPad models.
So if you’re trying to identify your exact iPad generation, make note of the A-number.
How to Identify an iPad by Its Model Number
Once you’ve found the A-number, you can use it to identify your iPad.
For example, suppose your iPad shows:
A####
Search for that exact model number alongside the word “iPad.”
The result should identify the corresponding iPad generation.
This method is much more reliable than guessing based on appearance.
Why?
Because Apple has released many iPads with similar designs.
How to Find Your iPad Model Without Turning It On
What if the iPad won’t turn on?
You still have options.
Depending on the iPad model, you may find identifying information printed on the device itself.
Check the Back of the iPad
Turn the iPad over and inspect the back.
Older iPads may have small text containing a model number.
Look carefully near the bottom.
You may see an identifier beginning with:
Model A####
Use that number to determine the iPad model.
Newer iPads may not provide the same amount of visible information on the back, so this method isn’t equally useful for every generation.
How to Identify an iPad From the Serial Number
Your iPad also has a unique serial number.
You can find it in:
Settings → General → About
The serial number identifies your individual device rather than simply identifying the model family.
It can be useful when:
- Contacting Apple Support
- Checking service information
- Managing a repair
- Registering a device
- Confirming device details
However, if your goal is simply to determine which iPad generation you own, the model number/A-number is generally more useful.
Important Privacy Tip
Don’t publicly post your complete serial number.
If you’re asking for help online, there’s usually no reason to share the full serial number with strangers.
How to Identify Your iPad Using the Model Name
If your iPad is relatively new, the About page may provide enough information immediately.
Look for:
Model Name
You might see:
- iPad
- iPad Air
- iPad mini
- iPad Pro
This tells you the product family.
But sometimes you need the generation too.
For example, knowing you have an iPad Air doesn’t necessarily tell you whether it’s an older or newer generation.
That’s when the model number becomes important.
How to Tell Which Generation of iPad You Have
Knowing the product family isn’t always enough.
You may need to identify the generation.
For example:
- iPad (specific generation)
- iPad Air (specific generation)
- iPad mini (specific generation)
- iPad Pro (specific screen size and generation)
The easiest approach is:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap About.
- Find Model Number.
- Tap the model number if necessary.
- Write down the A-number.
- Search that exact model number in Apple’s iPad model-identification resources.
- Compare the result with your device.
This eliminates most guesswork.
How to Identify an iPad by Its Physical Appearance
You can sometimes identify an iPad by looking at its design, but this shouldn’t be your first choice.
Why?
Because different generations can have:
- Similar screen sizes
- Similar colors
- Similar camera layouts
- Similar bezels
- Similar buttons
- Similar dimensions
Still, physical characteristics can provide useful clues.
Look at the Home Button
Does your iPad have a physical Home button?
If yes, you’re likely dealing with an older-style iPad design.
If there’s no Home button, you’re likely looking at a newer design.
However, this alone doesn’t tell you the exact generation.
Look at the Charging Port
Check the bottom edge.
You may have:
- Lightning
- USB-C
The connector can help narrow down the possibilities.
Check the Speakers
The number and placement of speaker openings can provide additional clues, particularly on iPad Pro models.
Check the Camera
Look at the rear camera.
Its shape and configuration can help distinguish certain models, but camera appearance should be used together with the model number rather than as your only identification method.
How to Identify an iPad Air
If Settings says you have an iPad Air, the next step is determining the generation.
Go to:
Settings → General → About
Find the model number and convert it to the A-number if necessary.
Then match that A-number against Apple’s model list.
This is important because iPad Air generations can differ significantly in:
- Processor
- Display
- Apple Pencil compatibility
- Keyboard compatibility
- Charging connector
- Camera system
- Storage options
How to Identify an iPad Pro
The iPad Pro family includes multiple generations and screen sizes.
This makes model identification especially important.
An iPad Pro can vary by:
- Screen size
- Generation
- Processor
- Display technology
- Camera system
- Connector
- Apple Pencil compatibility
Start with:
Settings → General → About → Model Number
Then identify the exact A-number.
Don’t rely solely on the fact that the device says “iPad Pro.”
How to Identify an iPad mini
The iPad mini has also gone through multiple generations.
If you own an iPad mini and want to know exactly which version it is:
- Open Settings.
- Select General.
- Select About.
- Find Model Number.
- Tap the number if necessary.
- Record the A-number.
- Match it to the corresponding iPad mini model.
This is particularly useful when buying a case because iPad mini generations don’t necessarily use identical dimensions.
How to Identify an Older iPad
Older iPads can be harder to identify because you may not have the latest software interface.
If the device turns on, check:
Settings → General → About
If the model number is available, write it down.
If the iPad doesn’t turn on, inspect the back for a small model identifier.
Older devices may also have design features that help narrow down the model, including:
- Home button
- Lightning connector
- Larger bezels
- Older camera design
- Different speaker layouts
Use physical characteristics only as supporting evidence.
Can I Identify My iPad From the Serial Number Online?
A serial number is unique to your individual iPad, while the model number identifies the hardware version.
If you’re trying to determine the exact model, don’t confuse the two.
A useful rule is:
Need to identify the hardware model? Use the model number.
Need to identify your individual device? Use the serial number.
For security and privacy, avoid publishing your full serial number on public forums.
How to Find Your iPad’s Storage Capacity
While you’re already inside the About section, you can check additional information about your iPad.
Storage capacity can help distinguish configurations and is useful when selling or troubleshooting the device.
You can also check available storage through:
Settings → General → iPad Storage
You’ll see how much storage is being used and which apps or files are taking up space.
Remember that the advertised storage capacity and the amount of usable space won’t necessarily be identical because the operating system and other system data require storage.
How to Check Which iPadOS Version You Have
Your iPad’s software version can also be useful when identifying or troubleshooting it.
Go to:
Settings → General → About
Look for the software version information.
You can also check for updates through the Software Update section under General.
Why does this matter?
Because certain features, settings, and troubleshooting instructions can vary depending on the iPadOS version.
Why Can’t I Identify My iPad From the Appearance Alone?
This is a common question.
The biggest problem is that Apple has released many iPads with overlapping designs.
Two devices might have:
- Similar dimensions
- Similar colors
- Similar screens
- Similar buttons
- Similar cameras
Yet they may be different generations.
That’s why the model number is the most practical starting point.
Think of physical appearance as a clue, not a final answer.
What If the Model Number Is Hard to Read?
If you’re reading the model number from the back of an older iPad, the text can be extremely small.
Try:
- Moving to a brighter area.
- Using your phone camera to zoom in.
- Taking a close-up photograph.
- Checking the Settings app instead.
- Looking for the number near the bottom of the rear casing.
If the iPad turns on, Settings is usually much easier than reading tiny text.
What If My iPad Is Disabled or Locked?
If your iPad is locked and you can’t access Settings, you may still be able to identify it physically.
Check the back for a model number if it’s present.
You can also use information associated with the device through your Apple account or purchase records if you have access to them.
If you have the original packaging, check the label.
The box may contain information that helps identify the exact model and configuration.
How to Identify an iPad From the Original Box
If you still have the original packaging, it can be extremely useful.
Look for the product label.
Depending on the packaging, you may find information such as:
- iPad model
- Storage capacity
- Color
- Serial number
- Other product identifiers
This can be particularly helpful if the iPad won’t turn on.
How to Identify an iPad Before Buying Accessories
Before buying an iPad case, screen protector, keyboard, or other accessory, identify the exact model first.
Don’t simply search for:
“iPad case.”
Instead, determine:
- Product family
- Generation
- Screen size
- Model number
Why?
A case designed for one iPad generation may not fit another even if both are advertised with the same general screen size.
The same applies to accessories such as keyboards and Apple Pencil models.
Why the Exact iPad Model Matters for Apple Pencil Compatibility
Apple Pencil compatibility varies between iPad models.
If you’re buying an Apple Pencil, don’t assume that every iPad supports every Apple Pencil version.
First identify your exact iPad model.
Then check which Apple Pencil models are compatible with it.
This small step can prevent an expensive accessory mistake.
Quick Comparison: Ways to Identify Your iPad
| Method | Accuracy | Works if iPad Is Off? |
|---|---|---|
| Settings → General → About | Very high | No |
| Model/A-number | Very high | Yes |
| Back casing | High for supported models | Yes |
| Original box | High | Yes |
| Physical appearance | Medium | Yes |
| Screen size alone | Low | Yes |
| Color alone | Low | Yes |
| Camera appearance alone | Low to medium | Yes |
The best approach is to start with Settings → General → About whenever possible.
What Should I Do After Finding My iPad Model?
Once you know the exact model, write it down somewhere safe.
You can then use that information to:
- Find compatible cases.
- Check Apple Pencil compatibility.
- Find the correct keyboard.
- Look up supported iPadOS versions.
- Check repair information.
- Estimate resale value.
- Troubleshoot model-specific problems.
- Purchase the correct charger or accessories.
Knowing your model turns vague searches into much more precise ones.
Instead of searching:
“How do I update my iPad?”
you can search:
“How do I update [exact iPad model]?”
That can make troubleshooting much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I figure out what iPad I have?
Open Settings → General → About and look at Model Name and Model Number. Tap the Model Number to reveal the A-number if necessary, then use that number to identify the exact model.
How can I tell which generation my iPad is?
Find the A-number under Settings → General → About and match it with Apple’s iPad model information. The A-number is more reliable than identifying the generation from appearance alone.
Can I identify my iPad if it won’t turn on?
Yes. Check the back of the iPad for a model number, inspect the original box if you have it, or use other device documentation that identifies the model.
Is the serial number the same as the model number?
No. The serial number uniquely identifies your individual iPad. The model number identifies the hardware model and is generally more useful when determining which iPad generation you own.
How do I know what case will fit my iPad?
First identify the exact iPad model and generation. Then check the case manufacturer’s compatibility information before purchasing. Similar-looking iPads aren’t necessarily interchangeable.
Conclusion
Figuring out what iPad you have doesn’t have to be complicated. In most cases, the fastest method is already built into the device.
Simply open Settings → General → About and check the Model Name and Model Number. If necessary, tap the Model Number to reveal the A-number, which can be used to identify the exact iPad model.
If your iPad won’t turn on, check the back of the device or its original packaging for identifying information.
Once you know your exact iPad model, you’ll have a much easier time choosing accessories, checking Apple Pencil compatibility, troubleshooting problems, researching software support, or preparing the device for sale.
So before buying that new case or searching for a solution to an iPad problem, take a minute to identify your device. Knowing exactly which iPad you own is the first step toward getting the right information and accessories.
Summary: Key Takeaways
- Open Settings → General → About to identify your iPad.
- Check Model Name for the product family.
- Check Model Number for more specific hardware information.
- Tap the Model Number to reveal the A-number when applicable.
- Use the A-number to identify the exact iPad generation.
- The serial number identifies your individual device, not just the model.
- If your iPad won’t turn on, check its back or original packaging.
- Don’t rely on color, screen size, or appearance alone.
- Identify your exact model before buying cases, keyboards, or Apple Pencil accessories.
- Keep your model information handy for future troubleshooting and software questions.