Is your iPhone real? Check the serial number before it's too late
You've just bought an iPhone. Second-hand via Marktplaats, or new with a suspiciously low price. Now doubt creeps in: is this device real? Every year, thousands of fake iPhones are sold in the Netherlands. These are clever counterfeits that look exactly like the original. But here's the funny thing: most buyers only check their serial number when problems arise.
It's often only when those new AirPods won't pair, or when purchased accessories aren't recognized, that alarm bells start ringing. By then, it's often too late. While checking your serial number literally takes two minutes. Two minutes that can save you months of trouble and hundreds of euros. A serial number not only tells you if your iPhone is real, but also reveals if the device is stolen, how much warranty you still have, and if the device is still supported by Apple at all.
Prevent a bad purchase and opt for 100% certainty:
- Certified Refurbished iPhones - Save on the price of new, but with the 100% guarantee that you have a legitimate, thoroughly checked Apple device in your hands.
- Apple's Official Serial Number Checker - Instantly check the warranty status and authenticity of your Apple serial number.
- Original iPhone Accessories - Only real iPhones work flawlessly with certified chargers and cases. Protect your device optimally.
Where can you find your iPhone's serial number?
An iPhone's serial number can be found physically and digitally in several places. It's smart to always compare these locations: if the numbers don't match, you'll immediately know the device has been tampered with.
| Location | How to check? |
|---|---|
| In the software | The easiest way. Go to Settings > General > About. Here you can directly copy the number by pressing and holding it. |
| On the packaging | Do you still have the original box? The serial number is always on the barcode sticker on the outside. Ideal if the phone no longer turns on. |
| On the SIM card tray | On almost all iPhone models (from iPhone 4s to the newer series), the serial number or IMEI number is engraved very small on the SIM card tray. |
| On the casing | On older models such as the iPhone 5, 6, and 7, the number is also engraved on the aluminum back. This has been omitted on newer models. |
Perform the official Apple check
Once you've noted the serial number, navigate to checkcoverage.apple.com. This is Apple's own free, official verification tool. Enter the number and immediately pay attention to the following three crucial details:
- Is the model correct? An iPhone 14 Pro must appear as exactly an iPhone 14 Pro in the tool. If the database shows a different model, the software is falsified.
- The activation date: If you buy a device sold as 'brand new in box', but Apple indicates that the coverage expired two years ago, something is wrong.
- The warranty status: Is the status green or does it show a valid purchase date? Then you can be sure you're dealing with a legitimate Apple product.
Do you get an error message that the serial number is not recognized? Double-check for typos (such as a '0' instead of an 'O'). If the message persists, you unfortunately have a counterfeit.
Additional checks for second-hand devices (IMEI & Find My)
When buying second-hand via platforms like Marktplaats, you'll want to go one step further. In addition to the serial number, every phone has a unique IMEI number (found in the same place in the settings).
With this IMEI number, you can check via independent databases (such as imeipro.info) whether the device is registered as stolen or missing. If you buy a stolen phone, Apple can remotely block the device permanently.
The 'Find My iPhone' status: Always test on the spot whether the iCloud lock is removed. If 'Find My iPhone' is still enabled on the previous owner's Apple ID, the phone is unusable for you. Always ask the seller to disable this via Settings > Apple ID > Find My > Find My iPhone before transferring money.
Warning signs of fake iPhones
Counterfeiters are getting smarter, but the hardware often gives a lot away. When performing a physical check, pay attention to the following clear differences:
| Characteristics of a real iPhone | Alarm bells (Possible fake iPhone) |
|---|---|
| ✔ The official App Store opens and downloads iOS apps. | ✖ The 'App Store' secretly opens a disguised Google Play Store (Android). |
| ✔ The screen responds smoothly and the bezels are thin and symmetrical. | ✖ The screen stutters, has a thick 'chin' at the bottom, or dull colors. |
| ✔ Solid build quality of glass and premium metal/titanium. | ✖ Device feels noticeably light or 'plastic' and the buttons rattle. |
| ✔ A realistic, market-based (second-hand) price. | ✖ An iPhone 15 Pro offered brand new for €300. If it seems too good to be true, it almost always is. |
What to do if you find a fake serial number?
If you discover after purchase that the serial number is fake or stolen, act immediately:
- Online platform (Marktplaats/eBay): Did you pay with buyer protection? Report the dispute immediately to the platform to freeze your payment.
- Private sale (cash): Unfortunately, the chance of success is smaller, but always report fraud to the police. Carefully save all chat conversations, phone numbers, and advertisement texts.
- Store purchase: A company is legally obliged to deliver a legitimate product. Go back immediately with proof of the serial number. If they don't cooperate? Then contact the Legal Aid Centre or the consumer association.
Prevention: How to avoid a bad buy?
The best way to prevent frustration is simple: buy your devices from a reliable party. If you want a second-hand price, but also the 100% certainty of a checked serial number, a clean iCloud, and complete authenticity, then a certified refurbished reseller is the smartest choice.
Furthermore, always ask for the serial number in advance from a private seller. An honest seller will share it with you immediately. If the seller doesn't want to give the number? Then walk away from the deal immediately.
Choose carefree and safe: Why risk hundreds of euros on Marktplaats? At Leapp, every refurbished iPhone is checked on 50+ points by technicians, including an official database check of the serial number and battery health. You get a 2-year warranty and save significantly on the new price.
Conclusion: Prevent problems with a quick check
Discovering a fake serial number after purchase is extremely frustrating, but with two minutes of checking beforehand, you completely prevent this problem. Make it a habit to immediately verify every Apple product (whether it's an iPhone, iPad, or a set of AirPods) via the official tool.
Do you want absolute certainty without the hassle of Marktplaats checks and the risk of fraud? Then don't take any risks and choose a certified refurbished device from Leapp. This way, you can be sure that your serial number is correct, your iPhone is 100% real, and you can enjoy your new acquisition with peace of mind. Those two extra minutes of attention are always worth it!
