How to Check iPhone Fake or Not: Complete Guide (2025)

Buying an iPhone is a big investment, and because the brand is highly popular, fake or cloned iPhones are also common in the market. These duplicate devices look almost identical to genuine ones, making it difficult for buyers to spot the difference. This guide will help you verify the authenticity of an iPhone before purchasing it.

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1. Check the IMEI or Serial Number

A real iPhone always has a valid IMEI/serial number.

How to check it:

1. Go to Settings → General → About.

2. Note the Serial Number or IMEI.

3. Visit Apple’s official website: Chech Here  

   
   
   

4. Enter the serial number and verify.

What to look for:

• If Apple detects the device → iPhone is real.

• If Apple shows "Invalid Serial Number" → Fake or cloned iPhone.

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2. Check the Build Quality

" data-start="1069">Apple maintains very high build standards.

Signs of a fake iPhone:

• Rough edges or poor finishing

• Buttons that feel loose

• Logo alignment slightly off

• Screen colors look dull or pixelated

• Charging port misaligned

Original iPhones have a premium feel, solid buttons, and accurate alignment.

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3. Check iOS (Operating System)

All real iPhones run iOS, not Android.

How to check:

• Go to Settings → look at menu style & features.

• Fake iPhones often run a modified Android system designed to look like iOS.

Signs of fake OS:

• App Store not opening

• Google Play Store present

• Settings layout different

• System animations not smooth

  
  

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4. Check the App Store

Fake iPhones use an imitation app store.

Steps to verify:

• Open App Store.

• Search for apps like Instagram, GarageBand, iMovie.

• If it redirects to Play Store or apps don’t install → Fake device.

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5. Check Apple Logo & Engravings

Original iPhones have clean, high-quality printed markings.

Fake spotting tips:

• Logo may look slightly different

• Text on the back may be misaligned or blurry

• No “Designed by Apple in California” inside the SIM tray

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6. Check the Packaging & Accessories

Original packaging is premium and precise.

Things to check:

• Box quality

• Serial number on the box must match the phone

• No cheap charger or earphones

• Original Apple box always has correct fonts and spacing

Fake boxes usually feel light and cheap.

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7. Check SIM Tray & Screws

Apple uses special Pentalobe screws and high-quality SIM trays.

Signs of duplicate phones:

• Tray is loose

• Screws look different

• SIM slot not smooth

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8. Check with Apple Support

You can use the Apple Support app to verify your device.

Steps:

1. Install Apple Support from the App Store.

2. Sign in using your Apple ID.

3. The app will show your device details automatically.

If your device does not appear → highly suspicious.

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9. Price Too Low? Be Alert

If the price is unusually low, it’s likely fake.

Examples:

• New iPhone sold for 50–60% less → fake

• Seller refusing bill/box → red flag

• Only cash payments accepted → avoid

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10. Check With a Trusted Apple Store

If you are still unsure, visit any Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Center. They can confirm authenticity within minutes.

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Conclusion

Fake iPhones are becoming increasingly hard to identify, but by checking the serial number, build quality, operating system, app store, packaging, and price, you can easily detect whether the device is original or cloned. Always buy iPhones from trusted sellers to avoid scams.