The short answer
Meet in a safe public place, ask the seller to unlock the phone, and go through Settings with your own eyes. A genuine iPhone runs iOS, shows a model, serial number and IMEI that match the phone and box, and checks out on Apple's coverage page. Fakes, often running a different operating system dressed up to look like iOS, usually fail some of these steps. Just as important for a used phone: Activation Lock must be off, and the phone should not be reported lost or stolen. If anything feels wrong, walk away or ask Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider to check it.
1. Check Settings
- Open Settings, then General, then About. Note the model name, model number, serial number and IMEI.
- Check the software version under Settings, General, Software Update. A genuine iPhone shows iOS and can check for updates from Apple.
- On recent models and iOS versions, look for a Parts and Service History section in About. It can show whether certain parts, such as the screen or battery, are genuine Apple parts or have been replaced.
- Dial *#06# to display the IMEI. It should match what Settings shows and, on models that have one, the number on the SIM tray.
2. Verify the serial number with Apple
Enter the serial number on Apple's official coverage check page. It should return the same model and color you are holding. A serial that is not recognized, or belongs to a different device, is a strong warning sign. A valid result is not proof by itself, because serials can be copied, but together with matching Settings it is a good sign.
3. Test that it really runs iOS
- Open the App Store and search for an app. Fakes may open a different app store or show odd results.
- Try Siri, the Camera app and Control Center. Look for anything that behaves or looks unusual.
- Check for apps or menus that do not exist on iOS, or unusual settings screens.
4. Check Activation Lock and status
A genuine iPhone linked to someone else's Apple Account cannot be fully set up by a new owner. Before paying, ask the seller to sign out of their Apple Account and erase the phone (Settings, General, Transfer or Reset iPhone, then Erase All Content and Settings) in front of you. The phone should restart to the setup screen without asking for the previous owner's account. Also ask your carrier whether the IMEI is reported lost or stolen, or use a carrier or industry IMEI check you trust, and confirm whether the phone is carrier-locked.
5. Inspect the build
- Screen: compare brightness, color and touch response with a genuine phone if you can. A dim, grainy or unresponsive screen can mean a fake or a non-original replacement.
- Buttons and ports: buttons should click firmly, and the charging port should match that model.
- Finish: check the frame, camera bump and logo. Uneven gaps, loose parts or a slightly wrong camera layout are warning signs.
- Weight and size: compare with Apple's published specifications for that model. A big difference is a red flag.
6. Watch for seller red flags
- A price far below what similar phones usually sell for.
- Refusal to unlock the phone, show Settings or erase it in front of you.
- "Forgot the passcode" or "it's linked to my relative's account".
- Requests to pay before you see the phone, or by methods without buyer protection.
- A sealed box with a price that seems too good, from someone who is not an established seller.
If you are selling an iPhone
Back it up, sign out of your Apple Account, turn off Find My and erase it before handing it over. Show the About screen and battery health in your photos, and describe any repairs honestly.
Where WorthAI fits
WorthAI can help you identify the likely iPhone model from a photo and see what similar phones sell for, with the listings behind the estimate. The estimate assumes a genuine, unlocked phone in the condition you describe. WorthAI is not an authentication service, so use the checks above and Apple's own tools before you buy or sell.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if an iPhone is genuine?
Check the model, serial number and IMEI in Settings, enter the serial on Apple's official coverage page, and confirm the phone runs iOS and can reach the App Store.
What is Activation Lock?
It is a security feature linked to Find My. If it is still on, a new owner cannot set up the phone without the previous owner's Apple Account details.
Can a real iPhone have fake parts?
Yes. Screens, batteries and other parts may have been replaced with non-original ones. On recent models, Parts and Service History in Settings can show some of this.
Does WorthAI check if an iPhone is real?
No. WorthAI identifies the likely model and estimates what similar genuine phones sell for. Use Apple's tools and an in-person check for authenticity.