If you just bought an iPhone and you have doubts about whether it is original from Appleyou should know that there are very simple ways to check it. If it already raises doubts, it is a clear symptom, although its defects could be factory-made and it could simply be a defective unit.
Fake iPhones are unfortunately part of common scams and They usually occur when buying from stores with dubious trustworthiness. or on second-hand buying and selling portals. That is why we recommend testing certain elements that will ultimately determine whether the iPhone is genuine or not.
How to tell if an iPhone is authentic from Apple
From performing a visual inspection to testing the capabilities of the iPhone, the best tips to check if the iPhone is a fake or not.
Examine the design and its qualities
There are some very well-built iPhone knockoffs out there, but others are just plain ugly. It’s worth checking out Check out Apple’s website to find out what each model is like and therefore take a look at your device.
In these visual inspections it is also advisable Testing iPhone Buttons and if these work well or even if there are any faults. The switch to silence the terminal is often a simple patch on counterfeits and does not provide the real utility that it should.
Check the serial number
The iPhone serial number or IMEI alone won’t tell you anything, but it will when You enter it on the Apple website with the excuse of checking if it has a warranty.. Once you enter that web page You will have to enter the number and if you get a message alerting you that the number does not exist, you will already be sure that it is a fake.
Now, we must warn you that Some scammers use real serial numbersso finding that your serial number exists is not an indication of anything either. This recommendation is rather oriented to the fact that, in case the number is fake, you will be able to know directly that the iPhone is also fake.
Open the App Store
Fake iPhones often come with an iOS-like look and feel, but In essence they are embellished versions of AndroidA strange but effective way to check is to open the App Store, as this app store is only available on original iPhones. If you open it and you see Google Play or any other strange-looking store, there’s no doubt about it: it’s a fake iPhone.
Test the performance
iPhones usually have powerful processors to run all kinds of tasks with ease, even in somewhat older models. In fake iPhones this is an obvious cutback, as they usually add low-performance chips. Hence, it is advisable Open multiple apps at once, interact with them, and navigate through menus of the device.
If you notice that it slows down very noticeably or even crashes, it is most likely a fake iPhone. Again, we remind you that it could be a simple factory defect, although the truth is that if there are other signs that it is fake, it is most likely a fake.
Connect AirPods
Animation that should appear on the iPhone when opening AirPods nearby (Image: Apple)
You may not have AirPods, but if you have a family member or friend who can lend you some for the occasion, they can be useful in verifying the authenticity of the iPhone. And that’s because When you open the case near the iPhone, an animation should appearIf nothing appears, the chances of the iPhone being fake (or even the AirPods being fake) increase significantly.
Of course, as we said when talking about the serial number, sometimes scammers manage to play their cards well and emulate these animations. Therefore, don’t trust completely if the animation appears and even less so if you notice that it is not exactly the same as the one that appears on other iPhones. This technique will only serve to verify if it is fake when it does not appear.
Test the camera
Like the processor, the cameras are also usually of poor quality in fake iPhones and hence it is advisable Test them in all kinds of scenarios. In good conditions, against the light, with low light, selfies…
If you notice that the resolution is very poor in general or even that despite having several lenses only one works, you will be finding another indication that the iPhone is fake. This is especially noticeable in the zoom area, since counterfeits do not usually come with telephoto lenses.
Go to an official Apple store
This is the last recommendation as it is the most tedious and sometimes it can be more complex because you have to travel if you do not have a store nearby. Apple Store and other authorized stores (including technical services) have tools to check originality. They will be able to clear up any doubts you may have.
What to do if you find out that the iPhone is fake
If you have already confirmed that the iPhone you purchased is a poor copy, it is advisable to take certain measures to report it. We do not know if you will be able to recover the money invested due to the complexity of these cases, as there is often a whole network of criminals behind them, but at least you will be able to give testimony so that the investigation can be carried out.
Report it on the platform where you bought it
If you bought the iPhone in peer-to-peer sales platforms type Wallapop, Vibbo or Milanuncios, it is advisable that you report the user who sold it to you and report that it is a fraud. And even if that user no longer exists (they usually delete them after each sale) it is still important that you contact the platform to report the incident.
Report to the police
It is a complete scam and as such is recommended. report to a barracksIt is advisable to bring the fake iPhone as evidence and also gather other information about the scammer: phone numbers, profile on buying and selling platforms, screenshots, etc. All of this will be useful when filing the complaint.
Cover image | Bagus Hernawan on Unsplash