How to Find Out What Generation iPad You Have

If you are trying to check compatibility for an app, buy the right charger, sell your iPad, or just figure out whether it still gets the latest iPadOS updates, the first question is the same: what generation iPad do I have? Apple does not always make this obvious from the back of the device, and the name on the box can be long and confusing. The good news is that you can identify your iPad in just a couple of minutes.

This guide walks you through the fastest way to find your iPad generation, plus a few backup methods if your device is broken, locked, or you cannot get into Settings. Whether you own an iPad, iPad Air, iPad mini, or iPad Pro, the process is quick and easy once you know where to look. You will learn how to check the model number, match it to the exact generation, and confirm the result with confidence.

Quick Summary

• Open Settings > General > About and look for the Model Number.
• Tap the model number if you only see a part number starting with M.
• Match that model number to Apple’s iPad model list to identify the exact generation.
• If you cannot access Settings, use the back of the iPad, the original box, or your Apple ID to access the device list.

Tutorial – How to Find Out What Generation iPad You Have

This main method uses the built-in Settings app, which is the fastest and most reliable way to identify your iPad. Once you find the model number, you can match it to the exact generation and product family.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPad

Tap Settings from your Home Screen or App Library.

After you open it, you should see the standard Settings menu with categories like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and General. If you cannot find the app, swipe down on the Home Screen and use search to locate Settings quickly.

Step 2: Go to General and tap About

Inside Settings, tap General, then tap About at the top of the next screen.

You should now see a page with device details such as the iPad name, software version, storage capacity, serial number, and model information. This is the screen that matters most for identifying your iPad generation.

Step 3: Find the Model Number

Look for the line labeled Model Number. If it starts with a letter like M, N, or P, tap it once.

After you tap it, the code usually changes to a shorter number that starts with A, such as A1822 or A2757. That A-number is the actual hardware model number Apple uses to identify your iPad.

Step 4: Match the model number to your iPad generation

Take the A-number and compare it with Apple’s official iPad model list or a trusted Apple support reference.

This step tells you the exact generation, such as iPad 9th generation, iPad Air 5th generation, or iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation). If your goal is simply to know whether your iPad is newer or older, this is the most accurate answer.

Step 5: Confirm the iPad name and generation

Once you have the model number, verify the screen size and product family too, since some generations look similar.

This helps prevent mistakes, especially with models like iPad Air and iPad Pro, which can share similar designs. You should now be able to say exactly what iPad you have, not just guess based on appearance.

Alternative Methods or Edge Cases

If you cannot use the Settings app, there are still several ways to identify your iPad.

• Check the back of the iPad

  • On many models, the model number is printed in very small text on the back case near the bottom.
  • It may be hard to read, so use good lighting or a magnifying glass if needed.

• Look at the original box

  • If you still have the box, the model name and model number are usually printed on the label.
  • This is the easiest option if the iPad is dead, locked, or not starting up.

• Use your Apple ID device list

  • Go to Settings > [your name] on another Apple device, or sign in to your Apple ID account page.
  • Your iPad may appear there with its model name, which can help narrow it down.

• Use a computer with Finder or iTunes

  • Connect the iPad to a Mac or PC.
  • On a Mac with Finder, or on a Windows PC with iTunes, you may see the iPad model information in the device summary.

• Check the SIM tray or device markings on cellular models

  • Some cellular iPads include model identifiers in locations that are easier to inspect after removing the tray.
  • This is less common now, so use it only if the other methods fail.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my iPad is a regular iPad, iPad Air, iPad mini, or iPad Pro?

The easiest way is to check the Model Number in Settings > General > About, then match it to Apple’s model list. The screen size and design can also help, but the model number is the most reliable method.

Is the model number the same as the serial number?

No. The model number identifies the device type and generation, while the serial number is unique to your specific iPad. For generation checks, the model number is what you need.

Why does the model number start with an M instead of A?

The code that starts with M is usually a part number or retail identifier. Tap it once, and it should switch to the real hardware model number, which starts with A.

Can I find my iPad generation without turning it on?

Yes. Check the back of the device, the original box, or your Apple account device list. If the iPad will not power on, the model number on the case or box is usually the fastest way to find a backup.

Does the generation affect software updates?

Yes. Older iPad generations may stop supporting newer iPadOS versions sooner than newer ones. Knowing your generation helps you check compatibility before updating or buying accessories.

What if my iPad model number is not on Apple’s site?

Make sure you copied the full A-number correctly. If it still does not match, search the number with Apple Support or a trusted iPad model database, since some regional variants can be easy to overlook.

Tips

• Use the exact A-number, not just the iPad name, because several models look similar but belong to different generations.
• Pay attention to the screen size, especially with iPad Pro and iPad Air models, since size can help narrow down the result.
• If you are buying accessories, check both generation and model size, because cases, keyboards, and screen protectors are not always interchangeable.
• Take a screenshot of the About page once you find the model, so you have it saved for future reference.
• If you plan to sell the iPad, record the model number and storage size, since buyers often ask for both.

Troubleshooting

• The model number keeps showing a code that starts with M

  • Tap the model number once. On most iPads, that switches it from the part number to the actual A-number.

• I cannot find the About page

  • Open Settings, tap General, then look carefully for About near the top. On older iPadOS versions, the layout may look slightly different, but it is still inside General.

• My iPad is frozen or won’t turn on

  • Try charging it for at least 15 to 30 minutes, then restart it. If it still will not turn on, use the box, back casing, or a computer to identify the model.

• The text on the back of the iPad is too small to read

  • Use bright light, a magnifier, or your phone camera zoom to inspect the print. A clean close-up photo can make the model number much easier to read.

• I found the model number, but I still do not know the generation

  • Search the exact A-number on Apple’s support site or a trusted Apple model reference. The generation is tied to the model number, not the visual design alone.

• I have an iPad from work or school with restrictions

  • If certain menus are hidden, ask your IT administrator or use the device label, box, or Apple account listing to identify it.

Conclusion

Finding out what generation iPad you have is usually a simple two-step job, open Settings, then check the Model Number under General > About. Once you have the A-number, you can match it to the exact iPad generation in seconds.

If your iPad is unavailable, locked, or too old to navigate easily, the box, the back of the device, or your Apple account can still get you the answer. Either way, you now have a reliable method to identify your iPad with confidence.