If you’ve ever wondered, “How old is my iPad, really?” — you’re not alone. Many iPad users ask this question when their device starts feeling slower, when apps stop updating, or when it’s time to sell or trade it in. The truth is, knowing your iPad’s age can help you figure out whether it’s still worth keeping or if it’s time to upgrade.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through simple and practical steps to determine your iPad’s age. Whether you want to check the exact year it was manufactured, the release date, or just how long you’ve been using it, this article has got you covered.
Why Should You Care About Your iPad’s Age?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about why knowing your iPad’s age actually matters:
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Performance Issues – Older iPads may run slower or lag with modern apps.
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Software Updates – Apple stops updating older models after a certain point.
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Resale Value – A newer iPad is worth more if you’re planning to sell it.
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Battery Life – Over time, battery performance decreases significantly.
So yes, finding out your iPad’s age is more than just curiosity — it’s a smart move.
Step 1: Check the Serial Number on Your iPad
The serial number is your iPad’s unique ID, and it holds the key to finding out its manufacturing year.
How to Find Your iPad’s Serial Number
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Go to Settings > General > About.
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Scroll down until you see Serial Number.
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Note it down carefully.
This serial number can be used to track the exact age of your device.
Step 2: Decode the Serial Number
Apple doesn’t just throw random numbers together. The serial number actually tells you a lot about your iPad’s history.
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The 4th character usually indicates the year of manufacture.
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The 5th character tells you the week of that year.
For example:
If your serial number starts with DMQW1234, the letters in the 4th and 5th position help determine its manufacturing time frame.
Step 3: Use Apple’s Coverage Check Website
If decoding sounds too technical, don’t worry. Apple provides a simpler method.
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Visit checkcoverage.apple.com.
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Enter your iPad’s serial number.
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Apple will tell you the model and warranty details, which indirectly reveal the device’s age.
This is super handy if you don’t want to get lost in serial number codes.
Step 4: Check the Model Number
Another way to find out how old your iPad is: the model number.
How to Find the Model Number
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Open Settings > General > About.
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Look for Model Number (it starts with “A” followed by numbers).
Cross-Check With Apple’s Website
Once you have the model number, visit Apple’s website or search online for “iPad Model Axxxx.” You’ll instantly see the release year and generation.
Step 5: Look at the Release Year of Your iPad Generation
Every iPad generation has a launch year. For example:
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iPad 1st Gen – Released in 2010
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iPad 2 – Released in 2011
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iPad Pro 12.9” (3rd Gen) – Released in 2018
By comparing your model with this timeline, you’ll know the approximate age of your device.
Step 6: Use Third-Party Tools
If you prefer shortcuts, you can use free online tools that let you paste your serial number and instantly give you details. Some tools even show the manufacturing date, place, and warranty status.
Popular tools include:
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Chipmunk’s Apple Serial Number Info
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SNDeepInfo
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iUnlocker
Step 7: Check Purchase Date from Your Apple ID
If you bought your iPad brand new with your Apple ID, chances are you can check the original purchase date.
How to Check
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Log in to your Apple ID on a browser.
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Go to Devices and select your iPad.
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Sometimes, the purchase or registration date is displayed.
This will tell you when the iPad was first activated — pretty close to its “birthday.”
Step 8: Check Your Original Receipt or Box
Yes, this one is old school. If you still have the original receipt, invoice, or even the box, the purchase date is usually right there.
Fun fact: The back of the iPad box also lists the serial number, so you can match it up easily.
Step 9: Consider the iPadOS Version
Another way to guess your iPad’s age is by looking at the latest iPadOS it supports.
For example:
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If your iPad is stuck on iOS 12, it’s probably from 2013 or earlier.
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If it supports iPadOS 17, it’s fairly new.
This trick doesn’t give you the exact age, but it helps you place your iPad in a timeline.
Step 10: Contact Apple Support
When all else fails, Apple Support is your best friend. Just give them your serial number, and they can confirm the manufacturing date and purchase history.
How Old is Too Old for an iPad?
So, after finding out your iPad’s age, you might be asking: “Is it too old to keep?”
Here’s a quick breakdown:
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1–3 years old: Still modern and gets updates.
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4–6 years old: May face slower performance but still usable.
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7+ years old: Most likely unsupported by Apple and should be replaced.
Tips for Keeping Your Old iPad Running Smoothly
If you discover your iPad is older but still want to use it, here are a few tricks:
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Delete unused apps.
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Disable background refresh.
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Clear Safari history and data.
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Keep iPadOS updated (if possible).
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Use it as a secondary device for reading or streaming.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your iPad
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Apps keep crashing.
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Battery drains within a few hours.
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It no longer receives iPadOS updates.
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Storage is always full.
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Screen or performance issues are constant.
If most of these apply, it’s time for an upgrade.
Future-Proofing Your Next iPad Purchase
When buying your next iPad, make sure you get one that will last:
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Choose the latest generation available.
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Go for higher storage (it ages better).
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Consider an iPad Pro if you need performance longevity.
Conclusion
Finding out how old your iPad is doesn’t have to be complicated. Between serial numbers, model checks, Apple’s coverage tool, and even receipts, you’ve got plenty of ways to nail down its age. Once you know, you can decide whether to keep it, repurpose it, or finally upgrade to something shiny and new.
Remember, iPads are built to last, but like everything else in tech, they eventually slow down. Knowing your iPad’s age helps you make smarter choices.
FAQs
1. Can I find my iPad’s age without the serial number?
Yes! You can use the model number or check the iPadOS version to get an estimate.
2. How long do iPads usually last?
On average, iPads last 5–7 years before becoming outdated.
3. Is it worth keeping an old iPad?
If it still runs smoothly for basic tasks like reading or streaming, yes. Otherwise, consider upgrading.
4. Will Apple buy back my old iPad?
Yes, Apple has a trade-in program, but the value depends on the iPad’s age and condition.
5. What can I do with a very old iPad?
You can repurpose it as a digital photo frame, an e-reader, or even a kids’ entertainment device.