If you’re wondering how to find out what iPad you have, you don’t need to guess based on its size, color, or appearance. Apple has released many iPad models over the years, and several of them look surprisingly similar.

Knowing your exact iPad model can help you choose the right case, keyboard, Apple Pencil, charger, software update, or replacement part. It can also tell you whether your iPad supports a particular feature or app.

The easiest method is usually right inside the iPad itself. In just a few taps, you can find the model name and model number. If your iPad won’t turn on, there are other ways to identify it using the model number printed on the device.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to find out what iPad you have using several simple methods, explain the difference between a model name and model number, and show you how to identify older iPads accurately.

Quick Summary: How to Identify Your iPad

Here are the easiest methods:

• Settings: Go to Settings → General → About.
• Model Number: Tap the model number in About to reveal the A-number.
• Back of the iPad: Some models have a model number printed on the rear.
• Apple Account: Your connected Apple devices may display your iPad’s information.
• Packaging: The original box can contain model information.
• Apple Support: Apple’s official model-identification information can help confirm the exact device.

For most people, Settings → General → About is the fastest method.

Why Should You Know Which iPad You Have?

At first glance, knowing your iPad model might not seem important.

But imagine buying a new case online and discovering that the camera cutout doesn’t line up. Or perhaps you’re looking for an Apple Pencil and aren’t sure which generation your iPad supports.

Your exact model matters.

You may need to identify your iPad when:

• Buying a protective case
• Choosing a screen protector
• Purchasing an Apple Pencil
• Buying a keyboard
• Checking iPadOS compatibility
• Troubleshooting a problem
• Selling your iPad
• Trading in your device
• Buying accessories
• Checking technical specifications
• Comparing your device with a newer iPad

Instead of saying, “I have a blue iPad with a big screen,” the model number gives you a much more precise answer.

What Information Can You Find on an iPad?

Your iPad stores several pieces of device information.

When you open the About page, you may see:

Information	What It Tells You
Model Name	The general iPad model
Model Number	The identifier for the hardware
Serial Number	Unique identifier for your specific device
Software Version	Your current iPadOS version
Capacity	Storage size
Wi-Fi Address	Network hardware information
Bluetooth	Bluetooth hardware information

For model identification, the two most useful entries are usually Model Name and Model Number.

How to Find Out What iPad You Have in Settings

This is the easiest method if your iPad turns on and you can access Settings.

Step 1: Open Settings

Find the Settings app on your Home Screen.

Its icon looks like a gray gear.

Tap it to open the settings menu.

Step 2: Tap General

In the Settings sidebar, scroll down and select:

General

This section contains many of your iPad’s system and device-management options.

Step 3: Tap About

At the top of the General page, tap:

About

You’ll now see detailed information about your iPad.

Look for:

Model Name

and

Model Number

These two fields are particularly useful for identifying your device.

How to Find the Exact iPad Model Name

The Model Name field may tell you something like:

• iPad Pro
• iPad Air
• iPad mini
• iPad

However, the model name alone may not tell you the exact generation.

For example, there have been multiple generations of the iPad Air and iPad Pro.

That’s why the model number can be useful for precise identification.

What Is an iPad Model Number?

The model number is a hardware identifier assigned to an iPad model.

You’ll typically see an alphanumeric code beginning with the letter A, such as:

Axxxx

The exact number depends on your iPad.

Don’t confuse the model number with the serial number.

Model Number

Identifies the particular iPad hardware model.

Serial Number

Identifies your individual physical device.

Think of the model number as the name of a car model and the serial number as the unique identification number of one particular car.

How to Find the A-Number of Your iPad

This is a useful trick that many people miss.

Go to:

Settings → General → About

Find Model Number.

Tap the model number.

The displayed value may change between an identifier beginning with M or another character and an A-number.

The A-number is useful when comparing your iPad with Apple’s model lists.

How to Identify Your iPad Using the Model Number

Once you have the A-number, you can use it to determine the exact iPad model.

For example, suppose your iPad displays an A-number.

You can search Apple’s official iPad model-identification resources and compare that number with the published model list.

This method is particularly useful when several generations have similar names or physical designs.

How to Find Your iPad Model if It Won’t Turn On

What if your iPad has a dead battery or won’t start?

You still have options.

Check the Back of the iPad

Depending on the model, you may find small text on the rear housing.

Look carefully around the lower section.

You may find a model identifier beginning with A.

Use that number to identify the device.

Keep in mind that newer iPad designs and regional variations can make the printed information less obvious than it was on older models.

How to Identify an iPad Using the Original Box

Still have the box?

It can make identification easy.

Look at the label on the packaging.

Depending on the packaging and region, you may find information such as:

• iPad model
• Storage capacity
• Color
• Model identifier
• Serial number
• Configuration details

If you’re selling your iPad, keeping the original box can also make it easier to verify the exact configuration.

How to Find Your iPad Model Through Your Apple Account

If your iPad is associated with your Apple Account, you may be able to view it from your Apple device list.

On an Apple device, open your account settings and look under the list of connected devices.

Select your iPad to see available device information.

This can be especially useful if the iPad isn’t currently in your hands.

However, if you need the exact hardware model, verify the information using the iPad’s model number whenever possible.

How to Identify an iPad by Its Screen Size

Screen size can provide a clue, but it shouldn’t be your only method.

Several iPad generations have similar dimensions and screen sizes.

For example, Apple’s iPad lineup has included:

• Compact iPad mini models
• Standard iPad models
• Larger iPad Air models
• Larger iPad Pro models

Two devices can look almost identical while belonging to different generations.

So if you’re buying a case or accessory, don’t rely solely on screen size.

How to Identify an iPad by Its Design

Physical design can narrow things down.

Look for features such as:

• Home button
• USB-C port
• Lightning port
• Camera arrangement
• Flash
• Speaker placement
• Magnetic connector
• Apple Pencil support
• Front-camera position
• Overall body shape

These clues can help distinguish older and newer iPads.

But design alone can still be misleading.

The model number is much more reliable.

Does My iPad Have a Home Button?

The Home button is one of the easiest visual clues.

Older iPads generally have a physical Home button below the display.

Newer models use gesture navigation and have a screen that extends farther toward the edges.

If your iPad has a Home button, it is likely from an older design generation.

However, the Home button alone doesn’t tell you the exact generation.

How to Identify an iPad With USB-C

Another useful clue is the charging port.

Some newer iPads use USB-C, while many older models use Apple’s Lightning connector.

Look at the bottom edge of the iPad.

USB-C

USB-C has a small, rounded rectangular shape.

Lightning

Lightning is a smaller connector that Apple used on many earlier iPad generations.

Port type can narrow down your search, but again, it isn’t enough to determine the exact model by itself.

How to Identify an iPad by the Camera

The rear camera can also provide a clue.

Depending on the generation, an iPad may have:

• A single rear camera
• Multiple rear cameras
• A camera flash
• Different camera housing designs

The front camera location can also help.

Some newer iPads place the front camera along the landscape edge, while older models place it along the portrait edge.

Use camera design as a supporting clue rather than your primary identification method.

How to Identify an iPad Air

If your iPad is an iPad Air, you can narrow down its generation using several clues.

Look at:

• Model number
• USB-C or Lightning
• Home button
• Camera design
• Touch ID location
• Display size

The model number remains the most dependable way to distinguish between generations.

How to Identify an iPad Pro

The iPad Pro lineup includes multiple generations and sizes.

To identify an iPad Pro accurately, check:

1. Settings
2. General
3. About
4. Model Name
5. Model Number

You can then compare the A-number with Apple’s official model list.

Physical features such as the number of cameras, connector type, and display size can provide additional confirmation.

How to Identify an iPad mini

The iPad mini is smaller than Apple’s other iPad families.

If your iPad has a compact body, it may be an iPad mini.

But several generations of iPad mini exist, so don’t stop at the word “mini.”

Check the model number to determine the exact generation.

This becomes especially important when buying:

• Cases
• Screen protectors
• Keyboards
• Styluses
• Replacement accessories

How to Identify a Standard iPad

The standard iPad lineup has changed considerably over the years.

Older versions have a Home button and Lightning connector, while newer designs may have:

• Edge-to-edge display
• USB-C
• Touch ID integrated into the top button
• Different camera placement

If your iPad simply says “iPad” under Model Name, use the model number to determine its generation.

How to Check Your iPad Storage Capacity

Storage capacity doesn’t necessarily identify the exact model, but it’s useful information.

Go to:

Settings → General → About

Look for the capacity information.

You can also open:

Settings → General → iPad Storage

This page shows how much storage is available and which apps are using it.

Common storage configurations vary by iPad generation.

How to Find Your iPad Model Without Settings

If you can’t access Settings, use this checklist:

Option 1: Look at the Back

Search for the small model number.

Option 2: Check the Original Packaging

Look for model information on the label.

Option 3: Check Your Apple Account

Find the iPad in your list of connected devices.

Option 4: Check a Purchase Record

An original invoice or retailer receipt may contain the model information.

Option 5: Contact Apple Support

If you’re still unsure, Apple’s support resources can help identify your device.

How to Find Out What iPad You Have From the Serial Number

A serial number identifies your individual iPad rather than simply identifying the model family.

You can find it in:

Settings → General → About

If you don’t have access to the device, it may also appear on original packaging or in your Apple Account device information.

Be careful about sharing your serial number publicly. It is device-specific information and isn’t something you need to post online just to identify the iPad model.

For ordinary model identification, the A-number/model number is generally the more useful identifier.

Why Is My iPad Model Number Different From What I Expected?

This can happen because Apple uses different model identifiers for different configurations or regions.

For example, Wi-Fi and cellular versions of the same general iPad generation may have different model numbers.

That’s normal.

If the model name looks correct but the number is different from one you found online, compare the complete identifier rather than assuming the iPad is a different generation.

What Is the Difference Between iPad Generation and Model Number?

These terms are often used interchangeably online, but they aren’t exactly the same.

Generation

Describes where a device belongs in a product family.

For example:

iPad Air (4th generation)

Model Number

A hardware identifier such as an A-number.

The model number is useful for distinguishing the exact hardware configuration.

Serial Number

Identifies your individual physical iPad.

Keeping these three concepts separate makes device identification much easier.

How to Identify Your iPad Before Buying a Case

This is one of the most practical reasons to identify your model correctly.

Don’t search for:

“iPad case”

and buy the first one that looks right.

Instead:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to General → About.
3. Find Model Name.
4. Find Model Number.
5. Identify the exact generation.
6. Check the case manufacturer’s compatibility list.
7. Compare camera, speaker, and button cutouts.

A case designed for a similarly sized iPad may still be incompatible.

How to Identify Your iPad Before Buying an Apple Pencil

Apple Pencil compatibility varies between iPad models and Apple Pencil versions.

That’s why identifying your iPad first is important.

Before buying an Apple Pencil:

1. Find your iPad model.
2. Confirm the generation.
3. Check Apple’s current compatibility information.
4. Verify the Apple Pencil model you plan to purchase.

This simple check can prevent an expensive accessory mistake.

How to Identify Your iPad for an iPadOS Update

Wondering whether your iPad can run a particular version of iPadOS?

First identify your exact model.

Then compare it with Apple’s current software compatibility information.

The process is:

Model → Generation → Supported iPadOS versions

Don’t rely only on the year you purchased the device. An iPad bought recently could have been an older model that remained in a retailer’s inventory.

Common Mistakes When Identifying an iPad

Avoid these common errors.

Mistake 1: Identifying It by Color

Multiple iPad generations can share similar colors.

Mistake 2: Using Only Screen Size

Different models can have similar display dimensions.

Mistake 3: Assuming “iPad Pro” Is Enough

There are multiple iPad Pro generations and sizes.

Mistake 4: Confusing Serial Number With Model Number

They’re completely different identifiers.

Mistake 5: Buying Accessories Before Checking the Model

Always verify compatibility first.

Quick iPad Identification Checklist

Use this checklist if you’re trying to identify your device quickly.

Check Inside the iPad

• Settings

• General

• About

• Model Name

• Model Number

• A-number

Check the Hardware

• Home button

• USB-C or Lightning

• Camera design

• Speaker layout

• Front-camera position

• Screen size

Check Other Sources

• Original box

• Apple Account device list

• Purchase receipt

• Apple support resources

What Should You Do After Finding Your iPad Model?

Once you know your model, save the information somewhere safe.

You can use it when:

• Searching for accessories
• Checking software compatibility
• Troubleshooting
• Selling your iPad
• Comparing specifications
• Looking for replacement parts

If you’re researching a particular accessory, always use the exact model and generation, not just “iPad.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I find out what iPad I have?

Go to Settings → General → About. Check Model Name and Model Number. Tap the model number to reveal the A-number if necessary.

2. How do I know what generation my iPad is?

Find your iPad’s model number and compare the A-number with Apple’s official iPad model-identification information.

3. Can I identify my iPad without turning it on?

Yes. Check the back of the device, original packaging, Apple Account device list, or purchase documentation. The exact options depend on the iPad model and what information you have available.

4. 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.

5. How do I know which case fits my iPad?

First identify the exact iPad model and generation. Then check the case manufacturer’s compatibility information before purchasing.

Conclusion: Finding Your iPad Model Is Easy

Learning how to find out what iPad you have doesn’t require technical knowledge.

The fastest method is:

Settings → General → About

From there, check the Model Name and Model Number. If you need more precise identification, tap the model number to reveal the A-number and compare it with Apple’s official model information.

If your iPad won’t turn on, check the back of the device, original packaging, Apple Account device list, or purchase documentation.

Remember, appearance alone isn’t always enough. iPad generations can look remarkably similar, so the model number is your best friend when buying accessories, checking software compatibility, or troubleshooting your device.

Once you’ve identified your iPad, you’ll have the information you need to choose compatible accessories and understand exactly which device you’re using.