How Do I Know Which iPad I Have?

Method 1: Check in Settings (Easiest, Takes 30 Seconds)

Open Settings on any iPad—new or several years old—and you get the official model name directly from Apple’s system. No guessing, no squinting at tiny text.

Step-by-step

1. Open the Settings app on your iPad (the gray gear icon).
2. Tap General.
3. Tap About at the top of the General menu.
4. Look for the Model Name field — this shows the full name, like “iPad Air 11-inch (M2).”
5. Below that, you’ll see Model Number. If it shows a part number starting with “M,” tap it once — it toggles to the A-model number (e.g., A2902).

According to Apple’s official guide on finding your model number, tapping the Model Number field is how you switch between the two display formats. The A-number is what Apple uses in its model identification lists.

What if “Model Name” just says “iPad”?

On older iPads (typically pre-2020), the Model Name field may display a generic “iPad” rather than the full name. In that case, use the A-number from the Model Number field and cross-reference it with the table later in this article. The A-number is unique to each iPad version, so it will tell you exactly which one you have.

Method 2: Find the Model Number on the Back

Useful when you can’t access Settings — say the iPad is locked, won’t turn on, or you’re looking at a secondhand device before buying and want to confirm what it is.

Where to look

Flip your iPad over and look at the fine print near the bottom edge of the back panel. You’ll see a line that reads something like “Model A2696” or “Model A2902.” It’s small, so good lighting helps. The text is engraved, not printed, so it doesn’t wear off — but it can be hard to read at a glance.

As noted on Apple Support’s model identification page, some iPads also have the model number printed inside the connector port. If the back text is obscured by a case or years of use, hold the iPad in bright overhead light and look at the upper side of the Lightning or USB-C port opening.

What if the text is too small or missing?

Use Method 1 (Settings) or Method 3 (serial number) instead. Don’t guess from the connector type alone — that narrows it down but won’t give you an exact model or generation.

Method 3: Use the Serial Number

A serial number lookup is the right move when you need warranty details at the same time, or when Apple Support or a repair shop asks you to confirm your device remotely.

How to find your serial number

• In Settings: Go to Settings > General > About > Serial Number.
• On the box: The original packaging has a barcode label with the serial number printed on it.
• Inside the connector: Older iPads sometimes have the serial number printed near the connector port — same location as the model number.

Look it up

Go to checkcoverage.apple.com and enter your serial number. Apple’s system returns your exact model name, purchase date, and warranty or AppleCare status. The tool is free and takes under a minute.

Quick Visual Identification Guide

Rather skip the menus entirely? You can narrow down your iPad model just by looking at the hardware. These physical characteristics cut the list down fast — and they’re especially handy when you’re checking a device in a store or buying used.

Does it have a Home button?

• Yes — there’s a round button at the bottom of the screen: Your iPad is from 2017 or earlier in the Pro line, 2019 or earlier for iPad Air and iPad mini, or 2021 or earlier for the standard iPad (9th generation). These older devices use Touch ID built into the Home button.
• No Home button: You have a newer device — iPad Pro (2018 and later), iPad Air (4th generation and later), iPad mini (6th generation and later), or iPad (10th generation, 2022). On these, Touch ID is in the top button (power button), or the iPad uses Face ID instead.

What connector does it use?

As confirmed by Apple Community experts, these iPads use USB-C:

• All iPad Pro 11-inch models
• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation, 2018, and later)
• iPad Air (4th generation, 2020, and later)
• iPad mini (6th generation, 2021, and later)
• iPad (10th generation, 2022, and later)

All other iPad models use Lightning — the narrower oval connector.

USB-C is slightly wider with fully rounded corners on both sides. Lightning has a slightly pointed oval shape. If you’re unsure, check the connector type against the table in the next section. See our how-to guides for more help identifying Apple accessories.

Where is the biometric sensor?

• Face ID (no button on the front at all): iPad Pro models from 2018 onward.
• Touch ID in the top button (power button): iPad Air (4th gen and later), iPad mini (6th gen and later), iPad (10th gen and later, 2022+).
• Touch ID in the Home button (round front button): All earlier iPads.

iPad Model Reference Table (2021–2025)

Find your A-number from the back of your iPad or Settings, then match it below. Data sourced from Apple Support’s official iPad model identification page, updated October 2025.

For models older than 2021, visit Apple’s full identification page which lists every iPad back to 2010.

Why Knowing Your iPad Model Actually Matters

Most people only look this up when something doesn’t work — a charger that won’t fit, a stylus that won’t connect, or a software update that won’t install. Here’s what your model identifier affects in practice:

Cables and Chargers

Lightning and USB-C cables are not interchangeable — the connectors are physically different shapes. Order the wrong cable and it simply won’t plug in. The reference table above shows which port your device uses. See our accessories guide for recommended cables and adapters by iPad type.

Apple Pencil Compatibility

Four Apple Pencil models exist, and they’re not cross-compatible. Per Apple’s official compatibility page:

• Apple Pencil Pro — works with iPad Pro M4/M5, iPad Air M2/M3, iPad mini (A17 Pro)
• Apple Pencil (USB-C) — broadest coverage; works with any current USB-C iPad
• Apple Pencil (2nd generation) — iPad mini 6th gen, iPad Air 4th/5th gen, iPad Pro 11-inch (1st–4th gen), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd–6th gen)
• Apple Pencil (1st generation) — iPad 6th–9th gen, iPad mini 5th gen, iPad Air 3rd gen, older iPad Pro models

Buying the wrong Apple Pencil is a common and costly mistake. Check your model number first, then cross-reference with Apple’s list before ordering.

Keyboard Cases

The Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio are built for specific iPad models. A version for the 11-inch iPad Pro won’t fit the 13-inch, and 2024 cases don’t always fit 2022 models at the same screen size due to changed dimensions. Always search for accessories using your exact model name, not just the screen size.

Software Updates

Older iPads eventually stop receiving iPadOS updates. Apple typically supports devices for 5–7 years from release. Check Apple’s iPadOS compatibility page for the current minimum supported model — the list changes each fall when a new version ships.

Trade-In and Resale

Apple’s trade-in program and third-party resellers both need your exact model to give you a quote. You can check Apple’s trade-in estimator once you have the model name. For reference, current iPad pricing starts at $349 for the standard iPad, $499 for iPad mini, $599 for iPad Air, and $999 for iPad Pro (check Apple Store for current pricing as values change).