How to Tell What iPad I Have: A Simple Identification Guide

Trying to figure out which iPad you own can feel surprisingly urgent. Maybe you need the exact model to buy the right case, install the correct accessory, sell it, trade it in, or check whether it supports the latest iPadOS update. The good news is that identifying your iPad is fast once you know where to look.

This guide walks you through the easiest ways to find your iPad model, generation, and size. In most cases, you only need a few taps in Settings or a quick check on the back of the device. If your iPad won’t turn on, there are still a couple of reliable ways to identify it. Let’s make it simple and get you the exact answer in minutes.

Quick Summary

If you just want the answer fast:

• Open Settings > General > About
• Look for Model Name and Model Number
• If needed, tap the model number once to reveal the A-number, like Axxxx
• Match that number to Apple’s iPad model list
• If the iPad won’t power on, check the model number printed on the back case

Tutorial – How to Tell What iPad You Have Using Settings

The fastest and most reliable method is built into the iPad itself. These steps will show you the exact iPad model name, storage, software version, and a model number you can use to confirm the device generation.

Step 1: Open the Settings app

Tap Settings on your iPad home screen.

You should now see the main Settings menu with categories like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and General. If you do not see the app right away, swipe down on the Home Screen and use search.

Step 2: Tap General

In Settings, select General.

This opens the section that contains device-wide information and management options. On the right side, you should see choices like About, Software Update, and AirPlay & Handoff.

Step 3: Tap About

Choose About at the top of the General menu.

The About screen displays key details about your iPad, including the device name, iPadOS version, storage capacity, and model information. This is the page that matters most for identifying your iPad.

Step 4: Find the Model Name

Look for Model Name near the top of the About page.

This is the easiest way to find out which iPad you have. You may see something like iPad Pro (11-inch), iPad Air, iPad mini, or iPad. In some cases, the model name includes the generation or screen size, which helps narrow it down fast.

Step 5: Tap the Model Number if you need more detail

If you still need the exact version, tap the Model Number once.

At first, you may see a number that starts with M, N, or F, which is usually an Apple part number. Tapping it should switch the display to an A-number, such as A2270 or A2602. That A-number is the one you can match to Apple’s official model list.

Step 6: Match the A-number to your exact iPad model

Use the A-number to confirm the exact iPad generation on Apple’s support site or a trusted model lookup chart.

This step gives you the final answer when the name alone is not specific enough. For example, several iPads may say iPad Air, but the A-number tells you whether it is a 3rd, 4th, or 5th generation model.

Alternative Methods and Edge Cases

Sometimes Settings is not the easiest route. Maybe the iPad is dead, locked, or you are helping someone else identify a device. These backup methods can still get you the answer.

Check the model number on the back of the iPad

Flip the iPad over and look near the bottom of the back casing.

On many models, Apple prints a small model identifier starting with A, such as A1980. This is especially useful if the iPad will not turn on. Once you have that number, compare it to Apple’s iPad model list.

Use the original box or receipt

If you still have the packaging, look for the label on the box.

Apple usually prints the model name, storage size, and model number on the box label. Retail receipts can also help if they include the device description.

Check through Apple ID or your device list

If your iPad is linked to your Apple ID, sign in to your Apple account page or another Apple device.

You may see the iPad listed by name, which can help confirm whether it is your main iPad, a backup device, or an older model. This may not always show the exact generation, but it is useful for cross-checking.

If the iPad is managed by work or school

If your iPad is supervised by an organization, some details may be restricted.

In that case, Settings may still show the model name, but device management profiles can hide certain information. If you cannot see enough detail, ask your IT administrator for the device record.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I tell what generation my iPad is?

Open Settings > General > About, then check the Model Name and Model Number. If the name is not specific enough, use the A-number to match your iPad to Apple’s model list.

What is the difference between model name and model number?

The Model Name is the friendly label, such as iPad Air or iPad Pro (12.9-inch). The Model Number is the technical identifier, and the A-number version is the most useful for finding the exact generation.

Can I identify my iPad if it will not turn on?

Yes. Check the small model number printed on the back of the iPad or look at the original box. You can then match that number to the correct model online.

Why does my iPad show a number starting with M or N instead of A?

That is usually an Apple part number, not the final model identifier. Tap the number once on the About screen to switch it to an A-number.

Does the screen size help identify the iPad?

Yes, screen size is a strong clue. For example, an 11-inch iPad Pro and a 12.9-inch iPad Pro are different models, and smaller iPads like the mini are easy to narrow down by size.

Can two different iPads have the same name?

Yes. Apple often uses the same name across multiple generations, such as iPad Air or iPad Pro. That is why the model number matters if you need the exact version.

Tips

• Always use the A-number when buying cases, keyboards, or accessories. The model name alone may not be specific enough.
• If your iPad is running an older version of iPadOS, the path may still be Settings > General > About, even if the layout looks slightly different.
• Take a screenshot of the About page once you find the model. It makes future support calls and accessory shopping much easier.
• If you are selling or trading in your iPad, note both the model name and storage size before wiping it.
• When in doubt, compare the camera placement, port type, and screen size with Apple’s product photos. Those visual clues can help confirm the model.

Troubleshooting

• If you cannot find About, make sure you are inside Settings > General, not another menu. The layout can change slightly by iPadOS version, but About should still be there.
• If tapping the model number does not change it to an A-number, tap the number again, not press and hold.
• If the screen is frozen or unresponsive, restart the iPad and try again. A simple reboot often fixes temporary display issues.
• If the back casing text is too small to read, use your phone camera to zoom in on the printed model number.
• If you are still unsure after checking the number, search the exact A-number on Apple’s support site. Third-party model charts can also help, but Apple’s list is the safest reference.
• If the iPad is heavily damaged, the serial number on the box, receipt, or Apple ID device list may be your best fallback.

Conclusion

Figuring out what iPad you have is usually straightforward once you know where to look. For most users, Settings > General > About gives the answer in seconds, and the A-number confirms the exact generation when needed.

If the iPad will not power on, you still have options, including the model number on the back of the device and the original packaging. With these methods, you can identify your iPad confidently and move on to the next step, whether that is buying the right accessory, checking compatibility, or preparing it for sale.