How Do I See What IPad I Have? | Model Name In 2 Steps

tech Logic / By

Your iPad model is shown in Settings > General > About, plus the model number on the back or SIM tray.

If you’re trying to buy a case, check iPadOS update eligibility, sell your device, or match a repair part, “iPad” isn’t enough. Apple has multiple sizes and generations that share the same name, and accessories can fit one version and miss another by a millimeter.

This guide shows the fastest ways to identify your iPad, even if it won’t power on. You’ll also learn what each number means, what to write down, and where to double-check the match on Apple’s own lists.

How To See What IPad You Have In Settings With No Guesswork

The Settings app gives you the cleanest answer because it lists the model name Apple uses, like “iPad Air (5th generation)” or “iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation).” It also stores identifiers that you can match to Apple’s database if you want a second confirmation.

  1. Open Settings — Tap the Settings app on your Home Screen.
  2. Go To About — Tap General, then tap About.
  3. Read Model Name — Check the Model Name line for the exact family, size, and generation.
  4. Reveal The A-Number — Tap Model Number once if you see a part number that starts with M, N, F, or P; it flips to an A-number like A2599.
  5. Note Storage And iPadOS — Scroll for Capacity and Software Version so you can match accessories and update limits.

If you only need the plain-English model name, you can stop after step 3. If you’re shopping for a keyboard, screen protector, or battery, keep going and grab the A-number too. That A-number is the fastest “no mix-ups” identifier.

What Each Field Means In About

Settings shows several identifiers that sound similar. Here’s how to use them without mixing them up.

Identifier What It Looks Like What It Tells You
Model Name “iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th gen)” The exact public name and generation Apple uses.
Model Number (A-Number) A#### (like A2764) The hardware model; best for matching cases, screens, and parts.
Model Number (Part Number) M####*/A The sales configuration (color, storage, region). Tap to flip to A-number.
Serial Number Long mix of letters and numbers Unique ID for your unit; useful for coverage checks and support.

Apple documents the “tap to flip” behavior for Model Number on its support page for finding device model numbers. If you want Apple’s current wording and screenshots, use Apple’s steps for finding the model number in Settings.

Where To Find The Model Number When Your IPad Won’t Turn On

If your iPad is dead, locked, or stuck on a boot loop, you can still identify it. Many iPads have the A-number printed on the device, though placement changes by model.

  • Check The Back Panel — Flip the iPad over and look near the bottom for small text that includes “Model A####.”
  • Check The SIM Tray Area — On cellular models, the model number may be etched in the SIM tray slot or near it (good lighting helps).
  • Check The USB-C Or Lightning Port — Some models show the number inside the connector area; shine a light across the top edge of the port.
  • Check The Original Box — If you still have it, the label often lists the model number and part number.

Once you have the A-number, match it to Apple’s official list. Apple keeps a dedicated page that maps A-numbers to the exact iPad model and generation: Identify your iPad model.

Use The A-Number To Pin Down Size And Generation

Lots of iPads share a family name, so “iPad Pro” alone won’t tell you which case fits. The A-number removes the guesswork because it points to one hardware design.

Here’s a simple flow that works for shopping, resale listings, and repair quotes.

  1. Write Down The A-Number — Grab it from Settings or the device body, like A2602.
  2. Find The Match On Apple’s List — Use Apple’s identification page and locate your A-number under the right iPad line.
  3. Copy The Full Model Name — Include size and generation in your notes, like “iPad (9th generation).”
  4. Confirm The Screen Size — If you’re buying a protector, measure corner to corner only if you must; the model name already includes the size on most Pro and Air lines.

If you’re stuck between two close matches, check your iPad’s connector type (Lightning vs USB-C), Touch ID location, and whether it has a Home button. Those three traits narrow it down fast without needing any extra tools.

Quick Visual Clues That Help When Names Sound Similar

  • Spot The Home Button — A physical Home button usually signals older base iPads and older Air/mini generations.
  • Check Touch ID Placement — Touch ID may sit in the Home button or in the top button on newer Air and mini models.
  • Check Face ID — Face ID points to certain iPad Pro models with slim bezels.
  • Check The Connector — USB-C is common on newer Pro, Air, and mini lines; many older models use Lightning.
  • Check Speaker Count — Some Pro models use four speakers; base iPads often use two.

Find Out If Your IPad Is Wi-Fi Or Cellular

Accessories, repairs, and resale listings often ask “Wi-Fi” or “Wi-Fi + Cellular.” You can confirm this in seconds.

  • Look For A SIM Tray — A physical SIM tray means it’s a cellular model (unless it’s eSIM-only in your region, which is less common on iPad).
  • Check Cellular Settings — In Settings, look for a Cellular or Mobile Data menu. If you don’t see it, it’s usually Wi-Fi only.
  • Check The Model Name Line — Some listings show “Wi-Fi” or “Wi-Fi + Cellular” when you match the A-number on Apple’s list.

Cellular models also have an IMEI line in Settings > General > About. You don’t need to share that number publicly to identify your iPad. Keep it private in resale chats until you trust the buyer.

Get The Specs You Actually Need For Accessories And Updates

Once you know the exact model, you can gather the details that matter for daily use. Most people only need a short set of specs: storage, iPadOS version, and accessory fit.

Storage And Capacity Checks That Prevent A Bad Buy

Storage is the number that makes used deals feel great or feel rough. A low-storage iPad can still be fine for reading and streaming, but it can pinch if you shoot lots of photos, keep games installed, or download offline videos.

  1. Check Capacity In About — In Settings > General > About, read Capacity.
  2. Check Free Space — Go to Settings > General > iPad Storage to see what’s eating space.
  3. Plan For Your Use — If you keep large apps or offline media, aim for more headroom than you think you’ll need.

iPadOS Version And Update Eligibility

Apple lists your installed iPadOS version in About. That number helps you check app compatibility, troubleshoot bugs, and follow update steps.

  • Check Software Version — In About, read Software Version and note it.
  • Check Available Updates — Go to Settings > General > Software Update and see if an update is offered.
  • Free Space Before Updating — Updates may require several gigabytes of free storage, so clear space first if the update won’t download.

If you’re matching cases or keyboards, specs pages can help, but the model name and A-number do most of the work. When you still need dimensions, Apple’s iPad comparison pages and tech specs pages list them by model line.

Common Snags And Fixes When The Model Info Looks Wrong

Sometimes the About screen doesn’t show what you expect. That can happen after a repair, after restoring from a backup, or when you’re reading the part number instead of the A-number. These fixes keep you on track.

Model Number Starts With M Or N

If your Model Number starts with M, N, F, or P, you’re seeing the part number, not the A-number.

  • Tap Model Number Once — The part number should flip to the A-number format.
  • Write Down The A-Number — Use the A-number to match Apple’s list and confirm generation.

About Screen Is Missing Or Settings Won’t Open

If the device is too unstable to open Settings, use the printed model number on the device body, the box label, or a connected computer.

  1. Check The Back Or Port — Use the back panel or connector area to find the A-number.
  2. Check Finder Or iTunes — Connect the iPad to a Mac or PC; the device summary screen often shows the device name and serial number.
  3. Match The A-Number On Apple’s Page — Use Apple’s identification list to get the full model name.

Refurbished Or Replaced Units And “Mismatch” Worries

A refurbished iPad can be fine, but you still want the identifiers to line up. If the seller claims one model and your A-number points to another, pause and verify before paying.

  • Ask For A Screenshot Of About — Model Name and the flipped A-number usually settle the question.
  • Check That The Ports Match — A USB-C iPad won’t match a Lightning-only model list entry.
  • Check Screen Size With A Case Listing — Case makers list compatible generations; cross-check with your model name.

What To Save In Your Notes So You Never Recheck Again

Once you find your model, save a short set of details in your notes app. That way you won’t repeat this search when you buy a cable or book a repair.

  • Save Model Name — Write the full line, including size and generation.
  • Save The A-Number — Add the A#### code on the next line.
  • Save Storage Size — Note Capacity so you can list it correctly in resale posts.
  • Save Wi-Fi Or Cellular — Mark which one you have so you buy the right parts and list it right.
  • Save iPadOS Version — Handy for app compatibility checks and troubleshooting steps.

With those five items, you can shop for accessories with confidence, check compatibility notes fast, and avoid the classic “same name, wrong generation” mix-up.