Check the Settings app first

The fastest way to find your iPad model is through the Settings app on the device itself. Open Settings, tap General, then tap About. Look for the line that says Model — this will show you the exact name Apple uses, like "iPad Pro" or "iPad Air".

The About screen also shows your iOS version, storage capacity, and serial number. Write down the model name exactly as it appears, since different generations of the same iPad line have different names and capabilities.

Key Takeaways

  • Settings > General > About shows your model name, which is the clearest way to identify your iPad.
  • The physical back of your iPad prints a model number (like A1234) that you can look up on Apple's support site if the Settings name is unclear.
  • If you have the original box or receipt, the model name appears on both, though Settings is faster if you still have the device.
  • Knowing your exact model matters because storage, screen size, and processor vary widely even within the same iPad line.

Look at the physical back of the iPad

If you cannot turn on the iPad or access Settings, the model information is printed on the back. You will see small text that includes a model number starting with the letter A, followed by four digits — for example, A2316 or A2589.

Take a photo of this number or write it down. Then go to Apple's official support page and search for that model number. Apple's site will tell you the exact iPad generation, storage options, and release year. This method works even if the iPad is broken or locked.

Check the original box or paperwork

The box your iPad came in prints the model name on multiple places: the front, the back, and inside on the documentation. If you kept the box, the label on the back usually shows "iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation)" or similar wording that clearly identifies what you own.

Your receipt or order confirmation from Apple or a retailer also lists the model. This is useful if you bought the iPad years ago and want to confirm what you purchased, though it does not tell you the current condition or whether the device has been repaired.

Use Apple's official lookup tool

If you have the model number but want more details, Apple's support site has a tool where you can enter the model number and see the full specifications. Go to support.apple.com, search for "identify your iPad," and follow the prompts to match your model number to a specific iPad generation.

This tool shows you the screen size, processor, maximum storage, release date, and whether your iPad is still covered under warranty. It also tells you which iOS versions your model can run, which matters if you want to use newer apps or features.

Understand what the model name tells you

iPad model names follow a pattern that tells you the generation and size. "iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation)" means it is a Pro model with a 12.9-inch screen and was released in the sixth generation of that line. "iPad Air (5th generation)" is a different product line with different specs, even though both are called iPad.

The generation number matters because each generation usually has a faster processor and better camera. A 5th-generation iPad Air is not the same as a 5th-generation iPad (the base model). If you are comparing your iPad to another person's or checking if an app will run on it, the full model name — including the generation — is what you need.

What to do if you see multiple model numbers

Some iPads have both a model number (A1234) and a regulatory number (FCC ID). The model number is what you need. The regulatory number is for government agencies and does not identify which iPad you have.

If you see a number that starts with letters other than A, or if it is very long, it is probably not the model number. Take another photo of the back and look for the shorter A-number. If the iPad is very old, the printing may be faded — hold it under a light and look at different angles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find my iPad model if I forgot my passcode?

Yes. The model number is printed on the physical back of the iPad, and you do not need to unlock it to read that. Write down the A-number and search it on Apple's support site. You can also ask Apple Support to identify it if you provide proof of purchase.

What is the difference between a model number and a model name?

The model name is what Apple calls it: "iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation)". The model number is a code like A2589. Both identify the same iPad, but the name is easier to read and the number is useful if the name is unclear or worn off.

Does my iPad model affect which apps I can read?

Yes. Older iPad models may not run the newest iOS version, and some apps require a certain iOS version. Knowing your exact model and generation lets you check whether an app will work before you try to read it.

Where do I find the model number if the back is damaged?

Check the original box, your receipt, or your Apple account. If you bought it from Apple, your account shows the model. If the box and receipt are gone, Settings > General > About will still show the model name even if the back is scratched or cracked.

Is the serial number the same as the model number?

No. The serial number is unique to your specific iPad and is used for warranty and repair tracking. The model number identifies what type of iPad you have. Both appear in Settings > General > About, but they serve different purposes.