If you’re wondering how to find iPad model, you don’t need to guess based on the screen size, color, or appearance. Apple has several generations of iPad, and many of them look remarkably similar.
Knowing exactly which iPad you own can be useful when you’re buying a case, choosing an Apple Pencil, checking software compatibility, troubleshooting a problem, selling the device, or looking for replacement accessories.
The easiest method is through the Settings app, but there are several other ways to identify your iPad if you can’t access the device. In this guide, we’ll show you how to find iPad model using the model name, model number, serial number, physical characteristics, packaging, and other identification methods.
Why Is It Important to Know Your iPad Model?
You might think all iPads are basically the same, but different models can have very different hardware and accessory compatibility.
Knowing your exact model can help you determine:
- Which Apple Pencil works with your iPad
- Which keyboard is compatible
- What size case you need
- Whether your iPad supports cellular connectivity
- Which iPadOS versions it can run
- How much storage your model offers
- Which accessories fit correctly
- How much your used iPad may be worth
- Which replacement parts you need
For example, two iPads may look almost identical but have different dimensions or connector arrangements.
That’s why identifying the exact model is better than simply saying, “I have an iPad.”
How to Find iPad Model in Settings
The fastest method is usually through the Settings app.
Step 1: Open Settings
Tap the Settings app on your iPad.
Step 2: Tap General
Scroll down and select:
General
Step 3: Tap About
At the top of the General menu, tap:
About
You’ll see several details about your device.
Look for:
- Model Name
- Model Number
- Serial Number
- Software Version
- Capacity
The Model Name is often the easiest way to identify your iPad.
For example, it might say something similar to:
iPad Air
or:
iPad Pro
or:
iPad mini
What Is the Model Name?
The Model Name tells you the general iPad family.
Examples include:
- iPad
- iPad mini
- iPad Air
- iPad Pro
However, the model name alone may not tell you the exact generation.
For example, there have been multiple generations of iPad Air and iPad Pro.
If you’re buying an accessory, you may need to know the generation or exact model number.
How to Find the iPad Model Number
The Model Number is one of the most useful pieces of information when identifying an iPad.
Go to:
Settings → General → About
Find:
Model Number
You’ll usually see an identifier that can be tapped to switch between different representations of the model information.
If the displayed value begins with a letter and number combination, tap it.
It may change to an A-number, such as:
Axxxx
The A-number is particularly useful for identifying the exact hardware model.
What Is an A-Number?
Apple uses hardware model numbers that look like:
Axxxx
The exact number identifies a specific iPad model.
This is more precise than simply knowing that you have an “iPad Air” or “iPad Pro.”
For example, different generations can have different A-numbers even when their names are similar.
When shopping for a case or replacement accessory, comparing the A-number can help you avoid buying the wrong item.
How to Find iPad Model Without Turning It On
What if the iPad won’t turn on?
You still have several options.
Depending on the model, you may be able to find identifying information:
- On the back of the iPad
- On the original box
- On the purchase receipt
- In your Apple Account device list
- Through a previously paired Apple device
Older iPads may have the model information printed in very small text on the rear housing.
Check the Back of the iPad
Turn the iPad over and inspect the back.
On some models, you’ll find small text containing regulatory and identification information.
Look carefully near the bottom.
You may find a model identifier beginning with A followed by four digits.
Because the text can be extremely small, good lighting or a phone camera’s zoom feature can help.
Check the Original iPad Box
If you still have the original packaging, this can be one of the easiest identification methods.
Look for the label on the box.
Depending on the packaging, it may contain information such as:
- iPad model
- Storage capacity
- Color
- Serial number
- Part number
- Other product information
Compare the information on the box with the iPad itself if you’re unsure whether the packaging belongs to the device.
Check Your Apple Account
If you previously connected the iPad to your Apple Account, you may be able to see information about it from another Apple device.
Open your Apple Account settings and review your list of devices.
Select the iPad to see available device information.
This can be useful if the iPad is currently unavailable or won’t turn on.
How to Find iPad Model From the Serial Number
The serial number is another unique identifier.
You can find it by going to:
Settings → General → About
Look for:
Serial Number
The serial number identifies your individual device rather than simply identifying the model family.
Important Difference
Model number: identifies the hardware model.
Serial number: identifies your specific device.
If you’re trying to determine exactly which iPad you have, the model number is usually more useful.
Avoid publicly sharing your serial number because it is a unique device identifier.
How to Find iPad Model From Settings When You Can’t Find Model Name
If you’re inside:
Settings → General → About
and don’t immediately see the model you need, scroll through the information carefully.
You may see several entries.
The important ones are:
Model Name
The general product name.
Model Number
The hardware identifier.
Serial Number
The unique identifier for your specific iPad.
Capacity
The storage size of the device.
Use these together when identifying the exact iPad.
How to Find Out Which Generation of iPad You Have
Knowing the family isn’t always enough.
You may need to determine whether you have, for example:
- A particular iPad generation
- A particular iPad Air generation
- A particular iPad mini generation
- A particular iPad Pro generation
The most reliable approach is to find the A-number and match it to Apple’s model information.
You can also combine several clues:
- Model name
- Model number
- Screen size
- Number of cameras
- Connector type
- Home button
- Speaker arrangement
- Apple Pencil compatibility
The A-number should be the primary identifier when you’re trying to distinguish between similar generations.
How to Identify an iPad by Screen Size
Screen size can help narrow down your options.
Common iPad categories have included various sizes such as:
- Smaller mini models
- Standard iPad sizes
- Medium and larger Air models
- Larger Pro models
However, screen size alone isn’t enough.
Several different generations can share similar display dimensions.
Use screen size as a clue rather than definitive proof.
How to Identify an iPad by the Home Button
Look at the front of the iPad.
Does it have a physical Home button?
If yes, you’re likely dealing with an older-style iPad.
If there is no Home button, you’re likely looking at a newer design.
But this still doesn’t tell you the exact generation.
Many different iPad models have no Home button.
How to Identify an iPad by the Connector
Look at the charging port on the bottom edge.
Depending on the model, your iPad may have:
- Lightning
- USB-C
This can narrow down the possible models.
However, connector type alone isn’t enough to identify the exact generation because multiple iPad families can use the same connector.
How to Identify an iPad by Camera Design
The rear camera can provide another clue.
Depending on the generation and model, an iPad may have:
- A single rear camera
- Multiple rear cameras
- Additional sensors
- Different camera layouts
Camera design can help distinguish certain models, but it shouldn’t be your only method.
How to Identify an iPad by Speakers
Look around the edges of the device.
Different iPad models have different speaker configurations.
Some models have:
- Two speakers
- Four speakers
- Speaker grilles positioned differently
This can help narrow down the model family.
Again, use it together with the model number rather than relying on appearance alone.
How to Find iPad Model If the Screen Is Broken
If the display is damaged but the iPad still powers on, connect it to a computer or inspect the device information through an account or supported management method.
If you can’t access Settings, check:
- The back of the iPad.
- The original box.
- Your purchase documentation.
- Your Apple Account device list.
- Any computer where the iPad was previously recognized.
If the model number is printed on the back, that can be enough to identify it.
How to Find iPad Model From a Computer
If you’ve previously connected your iPad to a computer, device-management or synchronization software may display identifying information.
Connect the iPad using a compatible cable.
If the computer recognizes it, look for the device details.
Depending on the operating system and software you’re using, you may see:
- Device name
- Model
- Serial number
- Software version
- Storage information
This can be particularly helpful if the iPad’s touchscreen isn’t working.
How to Find iPad Model From the IMEI
If you have a cellular iPad, it may have an IMEI.
You can typically find it under:
Settings → General → About
The IMEI identifies the cellular device.
However, the IMEI isn’t usually the best method for determining the exact iPad model.
Use the model number or A-number instead.
Also, avoid publicly sharing your IMEI.
How to Find Out If Your iPad Is Wi-Fi or Cellular
The About page can also help.
Open:
Settings → General → About
Look for cellular-related information.
A cellular iPad may show identifiers such as:
- IMEI
- EID
- Modem firmware
You may also see cellular settings in the main Settings menu.
A Wi-Fi-only iPad won’t have cellular hardware.
How to Identify an iPad From Its Storage Capacity
Storage can provide another clue.
Your iPad might have a capacity such as:
- 32 GB
- 64 GB
- 128 GB
- 256 GB
- 512 GB
- 1 TB
- 2 TB
The available capacities vary by model and generation.
However, storage capacity should not be used by itself to identify the device because multiple models can have the same storage option.
How to Find iPad Model for Buying a Case
This is one of the most common reasons people search how to find iPad model.
Don’t buy a case based solely on the words “iPad Air” or “iPad Pro.”
Instead:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap About.
- Find Model Number.
- Tap it if necessary to reveal the A-number.
- Use that exact model identifier when checking case compatibility.
This can prevent you from buying a case that is slightly too large, too small, or has the wrong camera cutout.
How to Find iPad Model for Apple Pencil Compatibility
Apple Pencil compatibility varies among iPad models.
If you’re planning to buy an Apple Pencil, first identify:
- iPad family
- Generation
- Model number
- Connector type
Don’t assume that every Apple Pencil works with every iPad.
Checking your exact model first can save you from buying an incompatible accessory.
How to Find iPad Model for a Keyboard
The same principle applies to keyboards.
Different iPad sizes and generations can require different keyboard accessories.
Before buying one:
- Find your iPad model.
- Check the exact generation.
- Confirm the screen size.
- Check the connector and accessory compatibility.
- Verify that the keyboard specifically supports your model.
How to Find iPad Model for Software Compatibility
Your iPad model also matters when checking whether it supports a particular version of iPadOS.
Go to:
Settings → General → About
Find the model information.
Then compare it with the system requirements for the software you want to install.
Don’t assume that because one iPad can run a particular version of iPadOS, every iPad can run it.
What If the Model Number Starts With a Letter?
This can cause confusion.
You may see a longer part or model identifier that doesn’t look like the A-number.
That’s normal.
Tap the Model Number entry in the About section if available.
It may switch to the hardware identifier that looks like:
A####
That A-number is generally the useful identifier for determining the exact hardware model.
How to Find iPad Model Using the Serial Number on the Box
If you have the box but aren’t sure which iPad it belongs to, compare the serial number printed on the box with the serial number shown in:
Settings → General → About
If they match, you can be more confident that the packaging belongs to that device.
How to Identify an Old iPad
Older iPads can be more difficult to identify because their designs may look similar.
Use multiple clues:
- Home button
- Camera
- Lightning connector
- Speaker arrangement
- Display size
- Rear markings
- Model number
The model number remains the most reliable identification method.
Can You Identify an iPad Just by Its Appearance?
Sometimes you can narrow it down, but appearance alone isn’t reliable enough for an exact identification.
Two generations may have:
- Similar dimensions
- Similar colors
- Similar bezels
- Similar cameras
- The same connector
That’s why the Settings-based model number method is preferable.
What Does “iPad (10th Generation)” Mean?
The generation tells you where the device falls within a particular iPad product line.
For example, an iPad with a newer generation number isn’t necessarily the same as an iPad Air or iPad Pro from the same year.
Apple has several product families.
Think of it like a car manufacturer offering multiple models in the same year. The year alone doesn’t tell you which vehicle you have.
How to Find iPad Model Before Selling It
If you’re preparing to sell your iPad, identifying the exact model helps you create an accurate listing.
Check:
- Model name
- Generation
- Storage capacity
- Wi-Fi or cellular
- Physical condition
- Battery condition where available
- Included accessories
Then make sure you properly erase your personal information before handing the device to someone else.
How to Find iPad Model Before Buying a Used Case
If you’re buying a used or inexpensive case, don’t trust a listing that simply says “fits iPad.”
Ask the seller for the exact compatible model.
If possible, compare the A-number.
This is especially important because cases designed for similar-looking iPads may have different:
- Camera openings
- Speaker openings
- Button positions
- Magnetic attachment areas
- Dimensions
Quick iPad Model Identification Table
| What You Check | What It Tells You |
|---|---|
| Model Name | iPad family |
| A-number | Exact hardware model |
| Serial Number | Individual device |
| IMEI | Cellular device identifier |
| Storage | Capacity |
| Screen size | Helps narrow models |
| Connector | Lightning or USB-C |
| Home button | Design generation clue |
| Camera layout | Model clue |
| Original box | Product information |
What Is the Fastest Way to Find Your iPad Model?
If the iPad works normally, use this method:
Settings → General → About → Model Name
If you need the exact hardware identifier:
Settings → General → About → Model Number → tap the number to reveal the A-number
That’s usually all you need.
Common Mistakes When Identifying an iPad
Guessing From the Color
Several generations may be available in similar colors.
Using Only Screen Size
Different models can have similar display sizes.
Looking Only at the Product Name
“iPad Air” doesn’t necessarily identify the generation.
Ignoring the A-Number
The A-number can distinguish between models that look almost identical.
Buying Accessories Before Checking the Model
This can lead to incompatible cases, keyboards, or Apple Pencil accessories.
Sharing Your Serial Number Publicly
Your serial number is unique to your device, so there’s usually no reason to post it publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to find iPad model quickly?
Open Settings → General → About. Look for Model Name for the product family and Model Number for more precise identification.
How do I find the exact generation of my iPad?
Go to Settings → General → About, find the Model Number, and tap it if necessary to reveal the A-number. The A-number can be used to identify the exact hardware model.
Can I find my iPad model without turning it on?
Yes. Check the back of the iPad, original packaging, purchase documents, or your Apple Account’s device information.
Is the serial number the same as the model number?
No. The model number identifies the hardware model, while the serial number identifies your individual iPad.
How do I find my iPad model for a case?
Go to Settings → General → About, find the Model Number, and use the exact model identifier when checking case compatibility.
Conclusion
Knowing how to find iPad model doesn’t require complicated tools. If your iPad is working, the quickest method is to open Settings → General → About and check the Model Name and Model Number.
If you need the most precise identification, look for the A-number associated with the model. You can also use the back of the iPad, original box, Apple Account information, or purchase documentation when the device can’t be accessed.
Before buying a case, keyboard, Apple Pencil, charger accessory, or other hardware, take a moment to identify your exact iPad. A few seconds of checking can save you from buying something that doesn’t fit or work with your device.
Summary: Key Takeaways
- Open Settings → General → About to identify your iPad.
- Model Name tells you the general iPad family.
- Model Number provides more specific hardware information.
- Tap the Model Number when necessary to reveal the A-number.
- The A-number is useful for identifying the exact hardware model.
- The serial number identifies your individual device.
- Cellular iPads may also display an IMEI.
- You can check the back of the iPad if it won’t turn on.
- The original box may contain model and serial information.
- Screen size, cameras, speakers, and connectors can provide additional clues.
- Don’t rely solely on appearance to identify an iPad.
- Check the exact model before buying a case or keyboard.
- Verify Apple Pencil compatibility using the exact iPad model.
- Keep your serial number and IMEI private.
- Identifying your iPad correctly makes troubleshooting, upgrading, selling, and buying accessories much easier.