How Do I Know What Kind Of Phone I Have?

Here's how to tell if your phone is an iPhone, Samsung, or Blackberry.

Do you need to know the specifics of the phone you have? Knowing your phone's model is essential for tracking down compatible add-ons, apps, and how-to guides. You should take a second to double-check if you're unsure.

Find out where the model name of the phone is. You can either glance at the phone, navigate to the settings menu, or consult the manual that came with the device. You can also try using an app if those fail.

1 Focus on the Device Itself

You'll need to remove your phone's case before continuing. Peek at the phone's rear next. The brand name of the phone may be displayed there on some models. As with the LG Q8 seen above, the model name typically contains a number.

A manufacturer's name alone, like Samsung or Motorola, can still be helpful. Learn what kind of phone OS you have by using this tool.

• Samsung, Google, Huawei, LG, some Blackberry phones, and much more work with Android. Check out Phandroid's comprehensive list of compatible gadgets for running Android.
• iOS, which runs on iPhones, only works with Apple products.
• Windows Phones are powered by Windows and are produced by Microsoft, HTC, and others. You can find the full list on Meowing.
• The Blackberry Operating System is supported by FIH mobile and Optimums InaCom devices. However, there are Blackberries with the Android operating system.

2. Look in the settings of your phone

Follow these steps to access the settings menu on your phone. These tutorials can be accessed based on your computer's OS. Examine the phone's maker to learn the type of operating system it uses. This is typically located on the device's rear (see method 1).

Once you have determined your OS, proceed with the appropriate set of instructions from the table below.

To use Android

• On the home screen, swipe up or tap All Apps.
• Tap on the Settings app to open it. You can recognize it by its gear symbol. If you can't find Settings, try searching for it in the search box at the top of the screen.
• In the Settings app, scroll all the way to the bottom and tap "About Phone."
• The brand and model of the phone will be shown at the very top.

On iOS

• On the home screen, swipe down to open Spotlight Search.
• Use the search bar to look for "Settings," and then open the Settings menu. Clearly, this is a piece of machinery.
• In Settings, open the General menu.
• Select About from the General menu.
• The name of your iPhone's model will appear at the screen's top.
• While you're there, you might want to take a moment to make your iPhone more private.

On Windows

• To access the apps, swipe up from the bottom of the home screen.
• Release the Settings menu. It looks like gear.
• Find the About section of the menu and click on it to access it.
• Under Device Information, you will see the name of your Windows Phone's model.

With a Blackberry

Keep in mind that the Android operating system is available on some Blackberry phones. If you're having trouble following these steps, you may always try doing so under Android.

• Slide down from the home screen to open the Notification Tray.
• Check out the Settings menu. A gear symbol can be seen.
• Look for the About menu.
• The name of your model appears below your Blackberry ID.

3. Check the Box

Get your phone's original packaging out of storage if you still have it. The model name of your phone ought to be printed on the top of the box. If it doesn't, you should be able to find the model name on the phone's receipt or warranty.

4. Try out an app

You can find your model name with the help of handy software if you haven't already done so. The links below can be accessed from a mobile device and will take you directly to the App Store page where you can download the app in question.

• Android: Information on Droid hardware
• System Information Lite: iPhones
• Windows Phone: Phone Information
• Blackberry: Information on the Phone

You can also run a search for the program's name in your device's app store, whether it's Apple's App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android/Blackberry), or Microsoft Store (Windows Phone).

Still, Looking?

If you've already done those three things and still can't identify your phone's model, there's one more thing you can do. The serial number, IMEI number, and, in some cases and covers, the model name of your phone are all located on a sticker on the device.

Open the back of your phone to find it most of the time. While taking off the case won't hurt your phone, it could void your warranty if you're not careful.