Which iPad Do I Have?

Which iPad Do I Have?

With standard iPads, iPad Air, iPad mini and iPad Pro models spanning more than a decade, identifying an iPad by appearance alone is not always reliable.

That matters when you are buying a case, choosing an Apple Pencil, checking software support, arranging a repair or preparing an iPad for resale. The safest approach is to find the model name and A-number rather than guessing from the screen size, colour, camera or charging port.

How Do I Find Out Which iPad I Have?

The easiest method depends on whether your iPad turns on. If you can access the device, start in Settings. If it is damaged, locked or will not power on, you can still identify it from the hardware or your Apple Account.

Method 1: Check Settings

For most people, this is the fastest and most reliable method.

1. Open Settings.
2. Select General.
3. Tap About.
4. Find Model Name.
5. Look at Model Number.
6. Tap Model Number if necessary until an A-number appears.

The first value beside Model Number may look like MQ6K3B/A. That is a part number. Tap it once and it should change to an A-number such as A2696, which identifies the hardware model or regional variant.

Method 2: Check the Rear Casing or Connector

Many iPads have the A-number printed in small text near the bottom of the rear casing. Good lighting can help because the text is easy to miss.

On newer models where the number is not printed on the back, Apple advises checking inside the USB-C or Lightning connector. Hold the iPad with the display facing upwards and look at the upper side of the connector opening.

Method 3: Use Your Apple Account

If the iPad is linked to your Apple Account, you may be able to identify it from another Apple device or from your account on the web. Apple now uses the name Apple Account for what was previously called Apple ID.

On another Apple device, open Settings, tap your name and review the devices connected to your account. Selecting the iPad can show identifying information such as its model and serial number.

Model Name, Part Number and A-Number

These identifiers serve different purposes, which is why the About screen can be confusing at first.

For a quick iPad model number lookup, the A-number is usually the most useful. Your serial number is better suited to service, warranty and device-specific support checks.

iPad Model Number Lookup: 2026

The tables below use model numbers from Apple's current identification database. One iPad model can have several A-numbers because Wi-Fi, Cellular and region-specific versions may use different hardware codes.

Standard iPad Models

iPad Air Models

iPad Mini Models

iPad Pro Models

Verification tip: If an A-number is difficult to match, use Apple's official Identify your iPad model page as the final reference. Third-party lookup tables can become outdated or contain incorrect codes.

How Do I Know What Generation My iPad Is?

Start with Settings > General > About and check Model Name. On many iPads, the generation appears directly, such as iPad (9th generation) or iPad Air (5th generation).

Apple now uses chip-based names on several newer devices instead of continuing a simple numbered generation. Examples include iPad (A16), iPad mini (A17 Pro), iPad Air (M4) and iPad Pro (M5). In those cases, the chip-based name is the official identifier you should use.

How Can I Tell If My iPad Is Wi-Fi or Cellular?

Do not rely only on the presence of a physical SIM tray. Some newer Cellular iPads are eSIM-only, including the iPad (A16), recent iPad Air models and current iPad Pro models.

The safest method is to check your A-number against Apple's model information. If the iPad works, you can also look for mobile data settings. Older Cellular models may have a SIM tray, but its absence is no longer proof that an iPad is Wi-Fi only.

Can You Identify an iPad by Appearance?

Physical details can narrow the possibilities, but they should not be your main identification method. Different generations often share almost identical designs.

• Home button or no Home button
• Touch ID or Face ID
• Lightning or USB-C connector
• Camera layout
• Display size
• SIM tray on older Cellular models
• Speaker layout

Use appearance as supporting evidence, then confirm the model with the A-number. This is especially important before buying a case or keyboard because devices with similar screen sizes can have different dimensions, buttons and camera cut-outs.

Why Knowing Your Exact iPad Model Matters

Apple Pencil Compatibility

Apple currently sells or supports several Pencil versions, and they are not interchangeable across every iPad. The exact iPad model determines whether you need Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil USB-C or an earlier Pencil generation.

If you already have a Pencil and need pairing help, our guide on how to connect Apple Pencil to iPad explains the connection method for each Pencil type.

Cases, Keyboards and Other Accessories

A case advertised simply as being for an 11-inch iPad may not fit every 11-inch model. Camera placement, dimensions, magnetic connectors and button positions can change between generations, so check the exact model before ordering.

Software Support

Knowing the model also helps you check whether a particular iPadOS release and feature set are supported. Compatibility changes over time, and some features can have stricter hardware requirements than the operating system itself.

Buying or Selling a Used iPad

When selling an iPad, include the exact model name, storage capacity, connectivity type and condition. When buying used or refurbished, verify the A-number rather than relying only on the seller's title.

Battery condition matters as well. Before valuing an older device, use our guide to check iPad battery health and compare the result with how you actually use the tablet.

Deciding Whether to Upgrade

Identifying the model tells you how old the hardware is, but age alone should not decide whether you replace it. Consider performance, software support, battery condition, storage and accessory compatibility first.

If an upgrade does make sense, compare the current Apple iPads by chip, screen size, storage and connectivity rather than assuming the newest model is automatically right for you.

For a broader comparison of the current range, our 2026 iPad buying guide explains how the standard iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air and iPad Pro differ in real-world use.

Common iPad Identification Mistakes

Treating the part number as the A-number: If Settings shows a code ending in /A, tap it. The hardware identifier begins with A followed by four digits.

Guessing from screen size: Several iPads share similar display sizes, so size alone cannot reliably identify the generation.

Assuming no SIM tray means Wi-Fi only: Recent Cellular iPads can be eSIM-only, so verify the A-number instead.

Using an old third-party model table: Model lists can lag behind Apple releases or contain incorrect codes. Cross-check the A-number with Apple if compatibility matters.

Which iPad Do I Have? Final Check

The quickest answer to which iPad do I have is usually in Settings > General > About. Check Model Name first, then tap Model Number to reveal the A-number and verify it against Apple's model information. If the iPad will not turn on, inspect the rear casing or connector, or check the device through your Apple Account. Once you know the exact model, it becomes much easier to confirm software support, buy compatible cases and Apple Pencil models, arrange repairs, value the device for resale and decide whether an upgrade is actually worthwhile.

What People Also Ask…

Why does my iPad show two different model numbers?

Settings initially shows a part number beside Model Number. Tap that value and it changes to the hardware A-number, such as A2696. Model Name is listed separately and identifies the iPad family or generation.

How do I know what generation my iPad is?

Open Settings > General > About and check Model Name. If the generation is not shown, find the A-number under Model Number and match it against Apple's official identification list.

Can I tell which iPad I have from the serial number?

A serial number uniquely identifies your individual iPad and is useful for Apple support and service checks. For identifying the model and generation quickly, the A-number is generally simpler to use.

How do I know whether my iPad is Wi-Fi or Cellular?

Check the A-number against Apple's model database or review mobile data options in Settings. Do not rely solely on a SIM tray because newer Cellular iPads can use eSIM without one.

Why do I need to know my exact iPad model?

The exact model determines compatible cases, keyboards and Apple Pencil versions, as well as software support and some features. It also helps when selling, repairing, insuring or replacing your iPad.