What kind of phone do I have?

It might sound like a funny question about something that’s always in your hand, but you might find yourself asking “what type of phone do I have?” — especially if it’s been a while since you bought it. The question often comes up if you want to switch to a new carrier, trade in a phone, troubleshoot problems or pick up accessories like a case or screen protector.  

How do I know what kind of phone I have?  

Here’s an easy guide to checking the type of phone you’re using:  

On iPhones: Go to Settings -> General -> About. You’ll find details including model, serial number, SIM card information and the IMEI (your phone’s unique International Mobile Equipment Identity number).  

If you can’t access that — say your phone display is frozen or the battery’s dead — you could also use another device to sign in to your phone plan and look at the account details section for the model. Or log into your Apple Account (formerly known as Apple ID) and click on Devices for more-complete information.  

To get really old-school, if you saved the box the phone came in, the barcode on it will show model, serial number and IMEI.  

On Android phones: The approach can vary by the manufacturer of your smartphone running on Android but check the back of the device first, it may be printed there. Then try Settings -> About Phone. You may have to tap to a third level, such as Status, to see details about your model and IMEI.  

If you can’t use your phone for that, try logging in to your phone plan to check the account details for device information. If you kept the phone’s packaging, check it for details as well.  

When do I need to know the type of phone?  

Some common scenarios will require you to know the phone model you have, and sometimes additional info like the IMEI number and serial number. Here’s when it may come up: 

When switching carriers 

When you change carriers, you can bring your own phone — but you’ll have to make sure it’s compatible with the new service. You’ll use your phone brand and model, and often the IMEI, to check.  

Use the steps above to gather the info. Also, many phone models support dialing *#06# to get a display of the IMEI number.  

The new service provider’s website will have a place to input the information and check that your device is compatible.  

When trading in your phone 

If you’re sticking with your carrier but want a new phone, chances are you can trade in the current one to get some money off the new one, credit toward your monthly bill, or a prepaid card loaded with the trade-in value. Search on your carrier’s website for “trade-in” to check the value and get details about how to proceed. Or you can stop by a physical store, if the carrier has them.  

When selling your phone or buying one secondhand 

You’ll need to input phone model and often the IMEI if you plan to sell a phone you longer need on a marketplace like Swappa, Gazelle, or eBay. The IMEI is typically checked to make sure the phone isn’t locked to a carrier or reported as stolen.  

Similarly, before buying a used phone, you will want to make sure the phone’s unlocked and not stolen. Most secondhand marketplaces will check devices they buy to resell, but if you’re buying directly from someone you can search for “IMEI checker” online or in app stores for a quick way to verify status. 

When troubleshooting problems and buying accessories 

It’s handy to know which phone model you have when searching online for support or calling your carrier for help. Similarly, some accessories like screen protectors and cases are sized to fit specific phone models. 

To have info on hand if your phone’s stolen 

If your phone goes missing, it helps to have the model, serial number, and IMEI to help with suspending service and filing a police report. Reporting the device stolen flags the IMEI so that carriers won’t provide service and secondhand buyers won’t accept the phone.  

Make a note of the information for your phone, and while you’re at it make sure you have “find my phone” services set up. See Google’s checklist for Android phones, or Apple’s Find My explainer.   

On Android phones, if you have the Find My Device app you can use it to locate or disable a missing device, and you also use it to look up the IMEI without having the phone present.  

For iPhones, you’ll be able to use your Apple Account to find the model, serial and IMEI. You can also remove sensitive items like Wallet and Apple Pay cards in that view. If you plan to file an AppleCare+ theft and loss claim, don’t remove the iPhone from your Apple Account until that has been fully processed.