How to Check if iPhone 16 is Original or Refurbished - 2024 Free Solutions

Method 1: Use Tenorshare iCareFone for Free [iPhone 16 Supported]

The simplest, and arguably the most convenient method to check if the iPhone 16 is original is with Tenorshare iCareFone. If you’re wondering how to check iPhone is original or not without any technical knowledge, iCareFone is simply the best option for you.

Besides handling your iPhone’s data for you, iCareFone also has a nifty feature to perform an accessibility test on your device. Through this test, you can find out whether all the functionality of a device is working normally. What's more, its iPhone test feature is completely free.

Follow the below-mentioned steps.

• Download and install Tenorshare iCareFone from the official download page. Connect your iPhone 16 to the PC. Tap “Trust This Computer” when asked on your iPhone’s screen. Open iCareFone.

• On the home page of iCareFone, click “Test Report” button under your device screen image.

  

• Then a window will pop up, you will be able to see whether your iPhone 16 has been disassembled or not. In the table right above, make sure the status of every Test Result is Normal.

  

Method 2: Check IMEI Number

To determine if an iPhone 16 is original or refurbished using its IMEI number, you can follow a systematic approach. The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit number that serves as a fingerprint for mobile devices. When an iPhone is refurbished, it may undergo a series of checks and repairs by the manufacturer, which can alter its status in Apple's database.

• Go to your iPhone’s settings > General > About. Note down the model number and serial number on a piece of paper.

  
• The first letter of the model number indicates the source of your device.

M - means it is new from Apple retail store.
N - means it is a replacement device from Apple. It means that iPhone gives you a replacement device for your original device has some problems. The replacement device can be new and it also can be refurbished.
P - means it is a personalized device with engraving.
F - means it is a refurbished device.

What does serial number check for iPhone reveal? Can it help identify a counterfeit iPhone 16? No, the serial number functions similar to an identification card that is unique to the device and sets it apart from others.

Method 3: Check Serial Number

Each iPhone has a distinct serial number that encodes specific information about the device, including its model, production date, and warranty status. Apple uses the serial number to track devices and their service history, making it a reliable method for knowing if iPhone 16 is original. If the serial number corresponds to a legitimate Apple product and shows no signs of refurbishment or replacement, it is likely an original device.

• Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap on General and then select About.
• Scroll down to locate the Serial Number. You can copy it by touching and holding the number.
• Open a web browser and go to the Apple Check Coverage page: Check Your Service and Support Coverage.
• In the designated field, enter the serial number you obtained in step 1.
• Click on the Continue button to submit your serial number for verification.
• After processing, you will check if iPhone 16 is original or refurbished.

Method 4: Check Warranty

If you’re wondering how to know if your iPhone 16 is original using its warranty status, this section is for you. If the seller of the iPhone 16 claims the device is new and under warranty, you can check its warranty status to see if that’s true.

Here’s how to know if my iPhone is original by checking warranty status.

• If the iPhone 16 is box-packed, you can find the serial number on the box of the device.
• If the phone is unboxed and active, you can find its serial number by going to Settings > General > About. Note down the number.
• Go to Apple’s official coverage check site by clicking here.

• Enter the serial number to check the warranty status.

  

Method 5: Check Hardware Performance (Battery/Screen)

Another solid solution to how to check iPhone 16 original or fake is through checking its performance. You see, iPhones are some of the most powerful handheld devices on the market right now. Clones and fake iPhones don’t have the same performance as real devices.

Here’s how to check the hardware of an iPhone 16.

• Open and try the camera.
• Check speakers by playing music.
• Check the microphone by recording a video.
• Check for dead spots on the screen by dragging an app icon throughout the surface area of the screen.
• Record 4k video and check battery drop.
• Check battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health.

Method 6: Go to Apple Repair Store

If you have tried all the methods mentioned above and are still not satisfied, there’s a last resort, too. If you have a gut feeling that there’s something wrong with the iPhone 16 you’re going to get, and wondering how to check if iPhone is original or refurbished, you can go to an Apple Store.

Apple’s repair technicians have specialized tools that they use to check whether an iPhone is original or fake. With their help, you will be able to find out the originality of your iPhone in no time.

Conclusion

Buying a new iPhone 16 is always a fresh experience; the feeling never gets old! However, you don’t want to get scammed and get a fake or refurbished iPhone in the process.

To help you with that, we have discovered some of the best ways to check an iPhone’s originality in this article. We discussed how to check if your iPhone 16 is original or not in detail. Tenorshare iCareFone is your top free solution for the problem. With just one click, you can find everything there is to know about an iPhone.