What iPad Do I Have? A Step-by-Step Identification Guide

Identify Your iPad Model at a Glance

According to Tablet Info, the fastest way to answer the question "what ipad do i have" is a combination of on-device checks and a quick cross-reference with Apple’s official model list. This mid-range approach works for most users and avoids guessing based on luck or visual cues alone. Start by gathering the basic clues you already have: power status, physical features, and any numbers etched on the device. Keep in mind that your goal is not just to know a name but to correctly identify the exact generation and variant (Wi‑Fi vs cellular, screen size, and storage options).

• If your iPad is powered, Settings can reveal the model name and model number without needing to power up prints or bags of labels.
• If the device is off or unresponsive, physical markings frequently hold the key to identification.
• Tablet Info’s approach emphasizes cross-verification to avoid misidentification between similar models.

Actionable outcome: You will leave this section with a precise model number and a matched generation, ready for warranty checks, accessory compatibility, or OS compatibility planning.

Using Settings to Find the Model Name and Number

Most iPads store the essential model data inside the Settings app. Open Settings, then go to General > About. Here you’ll see two crucial pieces of information: the exact Model Name (for example, iPad Air) and the Model Number (Axxxx). The Model Number is what Apple uses to distinguish between generations even when the visual design looks similar.

• Look for the line labeled Model Name for a human-friendly name.
• The Model Number is typically listed as a code like Axxxx in the Model field. Some devices show a second, longer string that starts with a letter; the shorter A-number is the one to match against Apple’s list.
• If you see a Model Number with a letter and digits (for example, A1822), note it down.

Why this matters: The model number uniquely identifies your iPad generation, even if the name is shared across a family of devices.

Reading the Model Number on the Hardware

If Settings isn’t accessible, you can often find the model number printed on the back of the iPad or inside the SIM tray on cellular models. The back shows a model code (Axxxx) near the bottom. On cellular models, the SIM tray area may include a model number sticker; in some cases, you’ll find a longer string that includes the A-number in parentheses.

• Inspect the back carefully, holding the device to a light to read the small print.
• For cellular models, the SIM tray can reveal the model number alongside the carrier SIM information.
• Do not confuse the serial number with the A-number; they serve different purposes.

Caution: Do not scrub or rub sensitive areas; use a clean fingernail or microfiber to avoid scratches while reading the markings.

Verifying with Apple’s Official Model Lists

Apple maintains up-to-date lists of iPad models, including the exact A-number, the year of release, and key specs. Once you have your A-number, look it up on Apple’s official support site or a trusted tech resource. Cross-check the model name, release year, and specifications (screen size, processor family) to confirm your generation.

• Search for the exact A-number (e.g., A1822) on Apple’s site or the Apple Support article that maps model numbers to iPad generations.
• Verify related specs: storage capacity, RAM, display features, and connector type (Lightning vs USB-C).
• If you find multiple possible matches, prioritize the one whose specs align with your device’s observed features.

Practical tip: Create a quick note with the model number and generation for future reference, especially if you plan to buy accessories or service.

Common Generational Clues: What Changes Across iPad Generations

iPad generations differ in more than just a name. Subtle and obvious changes—such as display technology, connector type, and chip family—define the generation. By understanding these cues, you can narrow down the possibilities even if the exact model number isn’t yet verified.

• Display: screen size options commonly line up with a family (e.g., smaller iPads for portable use vs larger devices for media). Visual cues include bezel size and notch presence in newer models.
• Connectors: older iPads used Lightning connectors, while recent models moved to USB-C. This distinction helps quickly separate older generations from newer ones.
• Chip family: Apple silicon advances across generations—look for processor naming and performance indicators when you cross-check specs.

How this helps a non-techie user: You can approximate the model family even before you confirm the exact A-number, which is useful for compatibility checks with apps and accessories.

Cellular vs Wi‑Fi Only: Why It Matters in Identification

Some iPads look identical in design but differ in cellular capability. The easiest way to tell is to inspect the hardware indicators and the packaging: cellular models include a SIM tray and often a model number that includes a cellular variant. In Settings, cellular capability is reflected under Cellular Data settings or Network options. Physical differences may also include antenna lines and antenna band placements.

• If you see a SIM tray, you likely have a cellular variant.
• If there’s no SIM tray, your device is likely Wi‑Fi only, though some Wi‑Fi+Cellular variants were widely used.
• Confirm by cross-referencing the model number with Apple’s list to identify the exact variant and compatibility with cellular networks.

Note: Some configurations sold in certain regions may differ; always verify with the official Apple listing to avoid misidentification.

Special Cases: iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad Mini, and Refurb Variants

Different families—Pro, Air, and Mini—have their own model codes and typical feature sets. Pro models commonly feature higher-end displays and advanced performance; Air models balance portability with performance; Mini models emphasize compact size. Refurbished or carrier-branded devices may have additional identifiers in packaging or software. By comparing the model number to Apple’s official catalog, you can confirm whether your device is a Pro, Air, Mini, or standard iPad and whether it has a cellular option.

• Use both the model number and the general family name to verify features and compatibility with accessories.
• If you’re shopping for accessories (cases, keyboards, pencils), knowing the exact model helps prevent mismatches.
• Don’t rely on visual assumptions alone; confirm with the official model mapping.

Troubleshooting: When Identification Gets Confusing

If you’ve ran into conflicting clues (Settings shows one model, while the back shows another number), stick to the most official data: the A-number. If you cannot access Settings or the hardware markings, use the serial number derived from packaging or Apple ID records to retrieve the model via Apple’s support resources.

• Double-check the A-number against Apple’s official list to avoid wrong-generation purchases.
• If the device is borrowed or someone else’s property, request any available documentation or box details.
• When in doubt, contact Apple Support with the serial or IMEI (if applicable) to confirm the exact model.

Final tip: Keep a simple record of your iPad’s model information for future troubleshooting, OS updates, or warranty inquiries.