Want to figure out when your iPhone was purchased? It’s pretty simple, and knowing this information can be handy, especially if you’re dealing with warranty issues or just curious about how long you’ve had your trusty device. Here’s how to do it: Start by finding your iPhone’s serial number, then check this number on Apple’s Check Coverage website, and voila! You’ll have your purchase date.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Check iPhone Purchase Date
Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what we’re about to accomplish. Essentially, we’ll be looking for the serial number of your iPhone, which is a unique identifier for your device. With this number, we will use an Apple service to find out the exact date your iPhone was purchased.
Step 1: Find Your iPhone’s Serial Number
The first step is to locate your iPhone’s serial number.
Your iPhone’s serial number is like a fingerprint – unique to your device. To find it, go to Settings > General > About and scroll down until you see the serial number. It’s a long string of letters and numbers that might seem random but holds all the secrets we need.
Step 2: Visit Apple’s Check Coverage Page
Once you have your serial number, head over to Apple’s Check Coverage website.
You can find this page by simply searching “Check Apple Warranty” on your preferred search engine, or by going directly to checkcoverage.apple.com. This official Apple page is where the magic happens – it’s where you’ll input your serial number to get the details you need.
Step 3: Enter the Serial Number and Solve the CAPTCHA
Input your serial number into the website and prove you’re not a robot by solving the CAPTCHA.
This step is Apple’s way of ensuring that a real person is requesting information, not a robot. The CAPTCHA might ask you to select images with a certain object in them or type out some distorted letters. It’s a small hoop to jump through for valuable information.
Step 4: View Your iPhone’s Purchase Date
After entering the information, Apple will display your iPhone’s purchase date.
It’s as simple as that! The website will show a summary of your iPhone’s warranty status and, crucially, the date it was originally purchased. This date is important for warranty purposes and can also be a neat piece of trivia for your personal records.
Once you complete these steps, you’ll have successfully found out your iPhone’s purchase date. It’s a straightforward process, but an important one, especially if you need to check on your warranty status or are considering selling your iPhone and need to provide accurate information to a potential buyer.
Tips for Checking Your iPhone’s Purchase Date
- Before you begin, make sure your iPhone is on and charged enough so you can access the settings without it turning off.
- Write down or copy the serial number to avoid switching back and forth between screens.
- Double-check the serial number you enter on the website – one incorrect character can give you the wrong information.
- If the website doesn’t show your purchase date, make sure you entered the serial number correctly and that you’re on the right website.
- Keep a record of your iPhone’s purchase date by taking a screenshot or writing it down for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the Check Coverage page doesn’t show my purchase date?
If the Check Coverage page doesn’t display your purchase date, double-check the serial number you entered for accuracy.
Can I find the purchase date if I bought my iPhone used?
Yes, as long as you have the serial number, the original purchase date will be displayed on the Check Coverage page.
What if I don’t have access to the internet?
Without internet access, you won’t be able to use the Check Coverage page. Consider visiting a local library or using a friend’s internet to check.
Does this method work for all iPhone models?
Yes, this method works for all models, as every iPhone has a unique serial number that can be checked on Apple’s website.
What other information can I get from the Check Coverage page?
The Check Coverage page also provides details on your iPhone’s warranty status and eligibility for support and repairs.
Summary
- Locate your iPhone’s serial number in the Settings app.
- Visit Apple’s Check Coverage website.
- Enter your serial number and solve the CAPTCHA.
- View your iPhone’s purchase date displayed on the page.
Conclusion
Knowing how to check your iPhone’s purchase date is a nifty piece of knowledge to have in your back pocket. Whether you’re troubleshooting, selling, or simply satisfying your curiosity, it’s an easy process that can save you a lot of guesswork and potential headaches. Remember, your iPhone’s serial number is the key to unlocking this information – treat it like the secret code it is. And don’t forget, this little detective work can also come in handy when dealing with warranty issues or confirming your device’s authenticity. So next time you’re pondering over your iPhone’s history, you’ll know exactly what to do. Happy investigating!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.