How Do I Find Out How Old My iPad Is?
How Do I Find Out How Old My iPad Is?
4 Answers

Determining the age of your iPad isn’t too tricky once you know where to look. Here’s a handy guide to help you out:
Peeking into Settings
- Open the “Settings” app on your iPad.
- Tap on “General,” then hit “About.”
- Check out the “Model” and “Serial Number” sections. The model number (like A1652) and the serial number are key here.
- Scroll down to “Legal & Regulatory” for the date your iPad first hit the shelves.
Decode the Serial Number
Your iPad’s serial number isn’t just a random string of digits. Use online tools like “Apple Serial Number Decoder” or “Chipmunk” to crack the code and uncover the manufacturing date and location.
Visit Apple’s Support Website
- Head to Apple’s “Check Coverage” page and punch in your serial number. This will show you the purchase date if your device is still under warranty.
- Apple’s site also lists out details about each iPad model, including when they were released.
Other Handy Methods
- Have the original purchase receipt? That gives you the exact date you bought your iPad.
- Try third-party apps like “CoconutBattery” that can guess your iPad’s age by looking at its battery info.
- You can always contact Apple support for a bit of help with the serial number.
Using the Model Number
- You’ll find the model number in the “Settings” app under “General” > “About” or on the back of your iPad.
- Google the model number alongside “iPad release date.” Tons of websites will pop up with that info.
- Just subtract the release year from the current year, and voila – you’ve got your iPad’s age.
Spotting Your iPad’s Age by Looks
Sometimes you can tell how old an iPad is just by its design:
- iPads with physical Home buttons are usually older.
- Bigger screens with smaller borders? Those are newer models.
- A single camera on the back means it’s an older generation.
- Lightning connectors? Yep, those are older than the ones with USB-C.
Bear in mind, the purchase date and release year aren’t always the same. Knowing how old your iPad is can help with tech support, selling it, or figuring out if it can handle the latest software updates. Plus, it’s just kind of neat to know the history of your device!
Remember, knowing your iPad’s age isn’t just for fun – it can be practical if you’re thinking of selling it, upgrading, or just curious about how long it’s been keeping you company.

Okay folks, figuring out how old your iPad is isn’t just about staring at a calendar. It’s a bit of detective work and here’s how you crack the case.
First off, dive into your iPad’s settings—it’s basically like rummaging through your junk drawer but digital. Open the “Settings” app, head to “General,” and then tap on “About.” You’ll find a treasure trove of info here, including the “Model Name” and “Model Number.” This is your starting point; think of it as finding the old Polaroid in your mom’s photo album. You’ll want to jot down that model number—it usually starts with an ‘A’ followed by four digits.
The next step is all about connecting the dots. Take that model info and search for when it was released. There’s a gazillion iPad models, so comparing yours to Apple’s release list is like playing match the year. Simple as pie!
Now, here’s the kicker—scroll down in the “About” section to find “Legal & Regulatory.” There’s a chance you might spot the sale date here written in a ‘year-month-day’ format. Shazam! That’s your iPad’s birthday, or at least when it first hit the shop floors.
For those of you who like deep diving into details, grab the serial number from the “About” section too. A bit of number trivia: the third character gives away the year your iPad was made and some of the others might tell which week. Need backup? Check Apple’s Check Coverage page or hop on Chipmunk.nl to let them do the hard work decoding it for you.
Now, let’s not forget the ever-reliable purchase receipt. If you bought your iPad straight from the store, fish out the original invoice—it’s as telling as your childhood photos!
Wondering about your warranty? Head to Apple’s Check Coverage page and plug in your serial number. It’ll give you the scoop on where your warranty stands and maybe spill when your iPad saw daylight.
And it goes without saying—these steps will give you a solid handle on your iPad’s age. It boils down to gathering the model info from settings, peeking at sale dates, decoding serial numbers, or cruising over old invoices. All roads lead to Rome, but in this case, lead you to knowing how long that iPad has been with you.
Honestly, it’s kind of fun knowing your tech’s story. Who knows, you might be sitting on an Apple relic! Happy sleuthing!

Want to know how old your iPad is? There are a few tricks to get the job done, and I’ll break them down for you. Let’s jump right in.
Method 1: Dive into the Serial Number on Apple’s Site
The serial number on your iPad is like a secret code, telling you when it was made. Apple’s website has a tool to help you crack that code.
How do you do it?
- First off, find that magic number by heading to Settings > General > About > Serial Number. You can also check the packaging or the back of your device if it’s an older model.
- Then, pop over to Apple’s Coverage Checker online. Throw in your serial number, fill out that pesky CAPTCHA, and voilà—you’ll see the valid purchase date and warranty info, which gives you a rough idea of your iPad’s age.
Just a heads-up: The purchase date might not be spot on since your iPad could’ve been chilling in a warehouse for a bit before it was yours. If your iPad isn’t registered, you’ll only see when the warranty runs out, not the exact age.
Method 2: Spot the Model Number
Now, each iPad model has its own launch year. If you know your model number, you can match it up with Apple’s release history.
Here’s how:
- Find your model identifier under Settings > General > About > Model Name. Tap on it, and you’ll see something like A2197.
- Match that number with online charts—Apple’s own database or even third-party ones work. This’ll help you figure out what year your iPad was released.
If your iPad’s an oldie but goldie (pre-2012), you might have to check out physical features, like the bezel or the home button, to identify it.
Method 3: Peek at Hardware and Software Details
Older iPads can’t run the latest iPadOS versions, so checking which version yours has can hint at its age.
What you’ll do:
- Go to Settings > General > About > Software Version and see what you’re running.
- Cross-reference that version with Apple’s supported OS list. For example, iPadOS 9.3.5 means you might have an iPad 2 or iPad mini from way back in 2011–2012, while iPadOS 16 would be on devices made in 2017 or later.
Method 4: Try Out Third-Party Tools
Sometimes apps like iMazing or websites can decode the serial number for you. These tools estimate when your iPad was made based on its serial number.
Give it a bash:
- Toss your serial number into one of these tools.
- Read through the details it spits out, such as factory codes or production year.
As a word to the wise, steer clear of sketchy sites that could mess with your privacy.
Troubleshooting Common Hiccups
Serial number woes or model confusion got you down? Here’s the deal:
If the serial number doesn’t ring any bells with Apple:
- It might be a mix-up with a counterfeit or refurbished device, or it’s just ancient history. Probably best to chat with Apple Support or visit your local Apple Store.
Scratching your head over model identifiers?
- Older devices don’t have the fancy model names. Use physical cues like a 30-pin connector to date devices pre-2012, and compare with historical photos from Apple.
Why Knowing Your iPad’s Age Rocks
- Simply put, it helps with software updates, resale value, and repair parts. Apple generally supports iPads for up to 7 years. So if yours is running an ancient OS, it might be time to upgrade, especially for security and functionality. Plus, newer models mean more bucks if you’re thinking of selling, and older ones might leave you high and dry without spare parts if they break.
By mixing and matching these methods, you can get a pretty accurate read on your iPad’s birthday and plan your next moves—whether it’s selling, fixing, or just rocking your trusty device. Cheers!

Want to figure out how old your iPad is? No sweat! Here’s a little guide that’ll help you nail it down.
First thing’s first—check that model number. Just pop open the “Settings” app and head over to “General,” then “About.” You’ll spot a “Model Number” field; it kicks off with an “A” and is followed by some digits, like A1458. Punch that model number into Google or Apple’s site to find out which iPad you’ve got.
Next up: the serial number. Yep, it’s right there in the same “About” section in your settings. Once you have it, go to the Apple Coverage Check page—you know, the one at apple.com/checkcoverage—and drop your serial number in there. It’ll give you the scoop on your device, including when it first turned up on the scene.
Taking a trip down memory lane? Dig up those purchase receipts or invoices. They’re golden for pinning down when you first snagged your iPad. And if you bought it through Apple or an authorized shop, you can double-check your purchase history at the Apple ID site.
If you’re feeling savvy, swing by third-party sites like EveryMac or Chipmunk. They’re pretty handy when it comes to looking up details from your serial number.
And there you have it! These steps should guide you to finding out the age of your iPad without breaking a sweat. Always good to double-check with Apple for the skinny on your device.