How to Find Out What Model iPad You Have (Sep 2026)
Learn how to identify your iPad model, generation, screen size, and model number using Settings, the device itself, or Apple’s official model list.
How to Find Out What Model iPad You Have
If you are wondering how to find out what model iPad you have, you can usually get the answer in less than a minute. Apple makes the model information available directly in the Settings app, and the physical device also has identifying information that can help when the iPad cannot be turned on.
Knowing your exact iPad model is useful when you want to buy a case, keyboard, screen protector, Apple Pencil, or replacement part. It is also important when checking software compatibility, comparing your iPad with newer models, troubleshooting a problem, or selling the device.
The easiest method is to open Settings > General > About. Apple says the About page provides the device's model information, while tapping the displayed part number reveals the A-number model identifier.
The quickest way to identify your iPad
The fastest method works on most modern iPads and does not require you to look up the serial number.
- Open the Settings app on your iPad.
- Tap General.
- Tap About.
- Look for Model Name.
- Look for Model Number.
- If the Model Number initially looks like a combination of letters and numbers, tap it once to switch to the A-number format.
For example, you might initially see a part number such as MYFM3LL/A. After tapping it, the field can change to a model number such as A3354. Apple uses these A-numbers to distinguish specific iPad models and connectivity variants.
The Model Name is generally the easiest information to understand because it can identify the product family and generation directly. The A-number is more useful when you need to distinguish between closely related versions.
What the iPad model number means
One common source of confusion is that an iPad can display several different identifiers. They do not all mean the same thing.
The Model Name is the consumer-facing name of the device, such as iPad Air, iPad mini, or iPad Pro. Depending on the model, Apple may also identify the generation, screen size, or chip family.
The Model Number is the A-number, such as A3354 or A2993. Apple uses these numbers to identify specific hardware versions. Different A-numbers can represent Wi-Fi and cellular versions of what is otherwise the same iPad generation.
The Part Number is a longer combination of letters and numbers that can appear before you tap the Model Number field. It can provide additional information about the configuration and sales region, but it is usually not the number you need when identifying the iPad generation.
The Serial Number is different again. It identifies the individual device rather than simply identifying the hardware model. You generally do not need the serial number just to determine which iPad you own.
How to identify an iPad using the A-number
If your iPad shows an A-number, you can compare it with Apple's official iPad model list. Apple maintains a model-identification page that lists iPad families, generations, years, capacities, and model numbers.
For example, Apple's current model list identifies the following recent iPads:
These are examples of Wi-Fi models. Cellular versions can have different A-numbers. For instance, Apple lists A3354 for the Wi-Fi iPad with the A16 chip and A3355 for its Wi-Fi + Cellular counterpart.
Because Apple has used similar names across multiple generations, checking the A-number is particularly helpful when you need an exact identification rather than simply knowing that you own an “iPad Air” or “iPad Pro.”
What if your iPad will not turn on?
You can still identify some iPads without accessing Settings. Apple says the model number can be printed on the back of some iPad models. If it is not visible there, Apple also provides another method involving the USB-C or Lightning connector on applicable devices.
Turn the iPad over and inspect the small text on the rear casing. On models that have the A-number printed there, you may see something similar to Axxxx. Once you have that number, compare it with Apple's official model list.
If your particular iPad does not show the number clearly on the back, inspect the connector area under good lighting. Apple notes that on some devices the model number can be found on the upper side of the USB-C or Lightning connector, facing the display.
This can be useful if the iPad has a damaged display, cannot boot into iPadOS, or you are identifying a device before purchasing a replacement accessory.
How to tell whether you have an iPad, iPad Air, iPad mini, or iPad Pro
If you can access the Settings app, the Model Name is normally the simplest answer. You do not need to determine the product family from the physical design alone.
Apple currently separates its iPad lineup into several major families, including the standard iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro. The exact lineup changes over time as Apple introduces new generations. Apple's current identification page, for example, lists the iPad Pro with M5, iPad Air with M4, iPad mini with A17 Pro, and iPad with the A16 chip among its newer models.
This distinction matters because accessories are not necessarily interchangeable between families. Two iPads can have similar screen sizes while having different dimensions, button layouts, camera positions, magnetic connector arrangements, or accessory compatibility.
For that reason, avoid buying an accessory simply because its listing says “11-inch iPad.” Check the exact model and generation first.
How to identify the iPad generation
The generation can usually be determined from the Model Name and the A-number together. For example, Apple identifies the A2696 as an iPad (10th generation), while the A3354 corresponds to the newer iPad with the A16 chip.
For iPad Pro and iPad Air models, screen size is also important. Apple has released multiple generations with both smaller and larger displays, so “iPad Pro” alone may not be specific enough.
If you are looking for a case, screen protector, keyboard, or other accessory, record all three pieces of information when possible: product family, screen size, and generation. The A-number provides an additional check against compatibility mistakes.
Why knowing your exact iPad model matters
Identifying your iPad is more than a curiosity. It can save you money and prevent compatibility problems.
Accessories: Cases, keyboards, screen protectors, stands, and other accessories are often designed for a specific generation or chassis. A case made for an older 11-inch model may not fit a newer device correctly.
Apple Pencil compatibility: Different iPad models support different Apple Pencil products and features. Checking the exact iPad model before purchasing a Pencil can prevent buying an incompatible accessory.
Software support: Apple changes device compatibility as new versions of iPadOS are released. Knowing the exact model lets you check Apple's current compatibility information instead of relying on the generic name “iPad.”
Repairs: Repair shops and parts suppliers often need the exact model identifier before providing a compatible component.
Selling or buying used: An exact model name and generation make a listing much clearer. Buyers can verify the specifications instead of guessing which iPad is being offered.
What if the About page only shows a part number?
Do not assume the part number is the model identifier. Apple explains that the number shown beside Model Number may initially be the part number. Tap it, and it should switch to the A-number used for model identification.
For example, you might see a code ending in something like LL/A. That is not the A-number you should use to identify the hardware generation. Tap the field and look for the number beginning with A instead.
Final answer
The easiest answer to how to find out what model iPad you have is to open Settings > General > About. Check the Model Name first, then tap Model Number to reveal the A-number if you need a more precise identification.
If you cannot access Settings, inspect the back of the iPad or the area around its USB-C or Lightning connector for the model number. Once you have the A-number, Apple's official identification page can tell you exactly which iPad model and generation it represents.
Taking a few seconds to verify the exact model before buying accessories, checking software support, arranging repairs, or selling the device can save you from an expensive compatibility mistake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kaushal Kadariya
Founder & Lead AnalystFounder and lead hardware analyst at SpecsBureau, delivering verified specification breakdowns, benchmark syntheses, and consensus-driven consumer buying guides across smartphones, laptops, and consumer electronics.
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