How Do I Know Which iPad Model I Have?

Check Settings > General > About for the iPad model number or read it on the back, then match that code with Apple’s online iPad model list.

If you are trying to buy a new case, trade in your tablet, or check if it can run the latest iPadOS update, you first need to know exactly which iPad model you have. Apple reuses screen sizes and design cues across many generations, so a quick glance often isn’t enough. The good news is that every iPad carries a clear ID in software and on the hardware itself.

This guide walks through simple ways to identify any iPad model using the settings menu, markings on the device, and Apple’s own lookup tools. You’ll also see a handy sample table that links model numbers such as A2696 or A1822 to their model names, plus tips for what to do if your screen is broken or the tablet will not turn on.

Quick Ways To Check Your iPad Model

You can confirm which iPad model you have in a few short steps. The two main clues are the model number (a short code starting with “A”) and the longer product code that starts with “M”. Both live inside the settings menu and sometimes on the back of the device.

Use The Settings App — Open Settings, go to General, then tap About to see Model Name, Model Number, and serial number.
Check The Back Of The iPad — Look at the fine text near the bottom edge on the back; the “Model Axxxx” code there tells you the hardware family.
Match The Code With Apple’s List — Take that “A” code to Apple’s official help page for iPad models, then match it to the full name and generation.
Use The Serial Number If Needed — If you can’t see the back, you can enter the serial number on Apple’s coverage site to confirm the exact model and coverage status.

Most people only need the first method in the list. On recent iPadOS versions the Model Name field already shows a clear label like “iPad Air (5th generation)” or “iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation)”. The other methods help when the tablet runs old software, will not boot, or has a damaged screen.

How To Check Which iPad Model You Have In Settings

The fastest way to answer “How do I know which iPad model I have?” is through the settings menu. This works on every iPad that can turn on and reach the home screen.

Step-By-Step In iPadOS Settings

Open Settings — On the home screen, tap the grey gear icon to open the settings app.
Go To General — In the left sidebar, tap General.
Tap About — At the top of the right panel, tap About.
Check Model Name — Look for the field labeled Model Name; it shows a clear label such as “iPad mini (6th generation)”.
Reveal The “A” Model Number — Under that, tap the field labeled Model Number. It will switch from a long code starting with “M” to a shorter code starting with “A” (such as A2696). This shorter code is the one Apple uses on its model lists.

The short “A” code is handy because it stays the same even when storage size or region differs. That means a case maker or accessory brand can list “fits model A2696” and cover all storage sizes for that iPad model.

What The Different Codes Mean

Model Name — Human-readable label such as “iPad (10th generation)”.
Model Number (M-code) — Longer code like “MK473LL/A”, which encodes region and storage as well as model.
Model Number (A-code) — Shorter hardware code such as “A2696”; tap the field once to see this version.
Serial Number — Unique device ID that you can use on Apple’s coverage site to check warranty and other details.

If the tablet runs a much older iOS or iPadOS version, you might only see the “A” model number and serial number in that screen. You can still work with those; you just need to match them to the right entry on Apple’s iPad model list.

How To Find The iPad Model Number On The Back

If the screen is unusable or the device is stuck on a boot logo, the hardware itself still carries the model number. You can read it from the fine print on the rear case.

Where To Look On The Device

Flip The iPad Over — Place the tablet face down on a soft cloth so the back is visible.
Find The Small Text Near The Bottom — Near the bottom edge you will see a group of tiny words near the charging port side.
Locate “Model Axxxx” — In that text, look for a line that includes “Model A” followed by four digits, such as A1822 or A2696.

This “A” code exactly matches the one you can reveal in the About screen. Once you have this value, you can match it to the correct entry on Apple’s official iPad model list. Apple keeps that list up to date as new iPad models ship, so it is the best reference to rely on.

To match your code, you can visit Apple’s dedicated help page for iPad models, which lists each “A” number alongside the full name and release year. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} Just look up your “A” code in that list to see the exact model name.

Match Your iPad Model Number To The Name

Once you have the “A” code, the final step is to connect it with the marketing name and screen size. Apple does this on its own iPad model list, and many accessory brands keep lookup tables as well. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

The table below shows a sample of common iPad model numbers and what they mean. It does not list every iPad ever made, so if your code is missing, use the Apple help page for a full, current list instead.

Model Number (A-Code)	iPad Model Name	Screen Size / Notes
A2696	iPad (10th generation)	10.9-inch, USB-C, flat-edge design
A2602	iPad (9th generation)	10.2-inch, Lightning, Home button
A2270	iPad (8th generation)	10.2-inch, Lightning, Home button
A1822	iPad (5th generation)	9.7-inch, classic rounded design
A1474	iPad Air (1st generation)	9.7-inch, thin bezels for its era
A2588	iPad Air (5th generation)	10.9-inch, flat-edge design, USB-C
A2697	iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation)	11-inch ProMotion display, USB-C
A2436	iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation)	12.9-inch ProMotion display, USB-C
A2567	iPad mini (6th generation)	8.3-inch, flat-edge design, USB-C

Accessory makers such as Targus publish their own tables that map “A” codes to model names so you can pick the right case or keyboard. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} Those tables often group several “A” codes under one product name, which helps when a case fits both Wi-Fi and cellular variants.

For the most precise and current list, rely on Apple’s own iPad model page, which you can reach through the official help portal. That page lists every iPad generation, the matching “A” codes, and link-outs to detailed technical specs for each device. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Use Design Clues To Double-Check Your iPad Model

Once you know the basic model name, it still helps to sanity-check it against the way the tablet looks. Some case makers group several generations together under one case if the outer shell is the same, while others need a very precise match.

Home Button, Face ID, And Bezels

Home Button With Thick Bezels — Older iPad models, many standard iPads, and early iPad Air models have a round Home button under the display with thicker borders around the screen.
No Home Button, Flat Edges — Newer iPad Pro, recent iPad Air, iPad mini (6th gen), and iPad (10th gen) move to a full-screen front with flat sides and either Face ID or Touch ID in the top button.
Touch ID In Top Button — The newest standard iPad and the latest iPad Air place the fingerprint reader in the power button on the top edge.

Port Type And Accessories

Lightning Port — Many earlier iPad models and the 9th-generation standard iPad use the familiar narrow Lightning connector, which works with older chargers and docks.
USB-C Port — Recent iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad mini (6th gen), and the 10th-generation iPad have a USB-C port. This affects which hubs, external displays, and chargers will work best.
Smart Connector Pins — On some iPad Pro and iPad Air models you will see three small pins on the back or edge. These line up with specific keyboard cases, so checking for them can help confirm the model family.

Screen Size As A Clue

If you have another iPad or a measuring tape nearby, you can compare screen size. Cases and screen protectors are usually labelled by diagonal size in inches, such as 10.2 or 10.9. Matching that number with your model name makes accessory shopping much safer.

Check Your iPad Model With The Serial Number

Sometimes you cannot read the back text and the About screen is out of reach, for example when you only have access through a management console or a remote inventory list. In that case, the serial number still helps you figure out which iPad model you have.

Where To Find The Serial Number

Inside The iPadOS Settings App — Go to Settings > General > About and look for the serial number field.
On The Original Box — If you still have the retail box, the serial number appears on the barcode label.
On A Managed Device List — In many school or business setups, the serial number appears in the device inventory dashboard.

Use Apple’s Coverage Site

Apple runs a coverage checker that lets you enter the serial number to confirm model and warranty status. On that site, you type your serial number, pass a short check, then see the model name and coverage details. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Open A Browser — On any phone, tablet, or computer, open a web browser.
Go To The Coverage Page — Visit Apple’s official coverage check site.
Enter The Serial Number — Type the serial number exactly as shown in the About screen or on the box.
Complete The Security Step — Fill in the characters shown on screen to prove the request comes from a human.
Review The Result — The site shows the exact model name along with whether the device still has hardware coverage.

This method is handy when you are away from the device but have the serial number written down. It also acts as an extra confirmation that the model name you saw in settings matches what Apple’s records show.

Why Knowing Your iPad Model Helps

Once you know which iPad model you have, many small tasks become easier. You can buy the right accessories, plan software updates, and price your tablet accurately on resale sites.

Pick The Right Accessories

Cases And Covers — Case makers match products to iPad model numbers, not just screen size. A snug fit depends on a precise match.
Keyboards And Stands — Smart Connector placement and outer dimensions vary by generation, so keyboard cases often list supported “A” codes.
Chargers And Cables — The move from Lightning to USB-C changes which cables fit and what charging speeds you can expect.

Plan For Software Updates

iPadOS Version Limits — Some older iPad models stop receiving major iPadOS releases after a number of years, while newer ones keep receiving them.
App Compatibility — A few apps require recent iPadOS versions or enough RAM, which ties closely to your model generation.
Security Fixes — Staying on supported iPadOS versions keeps your browser, mail app, and other built-in tools patched.

Trade-In And Resale

Accurate Listings — When selling your iPad, naming the exact generation sets realistic expectations for buyers.
Fair Quotes — Trade-in sites often ask for the model name and storage size before giving a quote.
Fleet Management — In schools or offices, tracking the exact model helps plan upgrades across large groups of devices.

What To Do If You Still Can’t Tell Which iPad You Have

Once you try the settings menu, back-case engraving, and serial number check, you should have a clear answer. If not, there are still a few paths left that can help match a mystery iPad to the right model name.

Compare With Apple’s Full Model List

Apple keeps a long-form iPad model list with pictures, technical specs, and exact “A” codes. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5} If your device powers on, you can compare the design shown on that page with what you see in your hand. Pay attention to camera placement, port type, and whether the device has a Home button or a full-screen design.

Check Purchase Records

Apple Store Receipts — Digital receipts from an Apple Store or Apple’s online store often list the model name and storage size.
Retailer Invoices — If you bought the iPad through a carrier or another retailer, the invoice may show the model name or model number.
Online Orders — Orders in your Apple ID purchase history can also reveal which model was bought on a specific date.

Ask Apple To Confirm The Model

If you still feel unsure, you can contact Apple directly. Have your serial number ready, along with any purchase proof. A representative can check your serial number in Apple’s systems and tell you the precise iPad model name that goes with it. This option is handy before a repair booking or a large trade-in.

Putting It All Together: A Simple Checklist

When someone asks, “How do I know which iPad model I have?”, you can walk through the same quick checklist every time. Use software clues first, then hardware clues, then online lookup tools as a final step.

Open Settings > General > About — Note the Model Name and tap the Model Number field once to reveal the “A” code.
Check The Back For “Model Axxxx” — Flip the iPad over and read the fine print near the bottom edge to confirm the same “A” code.
Match The Code On Apple’s iPad Model Page — Use the “A” code to look up your device on Apple’s current iPad model list.
Use The Serial On Apple’s Coverage Site — If needed, plug the serial number into Apple’s coverage checker to see the model name and coverage details.
Cross-Check With Design And Port Type — Confirm that screen size, port type, and button layout match the model name you found.

Once you follow those steps, you will know exactly which iPad model you own and can shop for accessories, request service, or plan upgrades with confidence. That clear match between “Which iPad do I have?” and “Here is the exact model name and number” saves time, money, and hassle every time you deal with your tablet.