How to distinguish an apple watch from a fake. Ways to check the charge on the Apple Watch on the smart watch itself. Why then buy Chinese iWatch at all?

Not everyone can afford a brand new iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus. If you are one of them, but really want an iPhone (not necessarily latest model), it makes sense to buy it on the secondary market, that is, “used”. How to do this without consequences in the form of hardware and software faults read under the cut.

Buying a used iPhone. Seller's choice

If this is your first time buying a used product online, know that there are many times more scammers on the secondary market than honest sellers. Therefore, be careful when choosing a seller. Advice: don't trust anyone!

The model of a decent and sensible seller of a used iPhone looks something like this:

Doesn't hide his contact number phone.
Will not refuse a personal meeting.
Will not refuse to check the status of the phone.
Will not give away your iPhone at a price below average on the secondary market. Although you can always bargain on the spot.

Full set

Buy a used iPhone in the factory configuration and, if possible, with a receipt from the store. The latter will be needed when contacting the service. Apple support to regain control over, for example.

iPhone kit:

Smartphone.
Branded box with a barcode and information about the device (model, batch number, serial number and IMEI).
Charger.
USB cable.
Wired headset Apple EarPods with control buttons and microphone.
SIM card ejector.
Documentation.

It’s not critical if a used iPhone doesn’t come with a power supply, USB cable, headphones, paper clips and instructions. It is important to have the original box (for support).

Check that the data in the iPhone settings matches the original packaging

Check if the information on the box matches iPhone settings in the “General -> About this device” menu and on back cover device. The following data must correspond:

Model. For example, ME305LL/A.
Serial number(not indicated on the back cover of the device).
IMEI. Compare the identifier indicated in the device information, on the box and on the SIM card tray.

If any of this data on the box, in the phone settings and on the SIM card tray differs, the device has been repaired. This can also be checked using the serial number and IMEI.

Video on how to find the serial number

How to check if an iPhone is authentic by serial number

On a special page of the official Apple website (Check Your Service and Support Coverage), enter the iPhone serial number in the appropriate field.

If the device is original, the system will recognize its model and display information about the warranty status. It is important that the “Valid Purchase Date” field is checked - this confirms that the device is original and purchased from Apple.

If more than a year has passed since the purchase of the device, Apple's international warranty no longer applies to it. Information about this is in the lines: “Telephone Technical Support” ( Technical support by phone) and “Repairs and Service Coverage” warranty repair and service).

If needed more information, using the same serial number you can determine: the phone model, the country for which it was manufactured, the identifier and model number, the main specifications (clock frequency processor, screen resolution, case color, memory size), year and month of production, as well as manufacturer.

An example of checking my iPhone 5s by serial number:

Serial number: F18LND37FF9R
Nice Name: iPhone 5s (GSM/North America)
Machine Model: iPhone6.1
Family Name: A1533
Model Number: ME296
Group1: iPhone
Group2:
Generation:
CPU speed: 1.3MHz
Screen size: 4 inches
Screen resolution: 1136×640 pixels
Color: Space Gray
Production year: 2013
Production week: 45 (November)
Model introduced: 2013
Capacity: 16GB
Memory - flavor: xx
Factory: F1 (China, Zhengzhou - Foxconn).

This means that I have a 16 GB iPhone 5s, GSM model A1533 gray, produced at Foxconn's Zhengzhou plant in November 2013.

You can also identify the restored one by the serial number. iPhone manufacturer(Refurbished). For such devices, the serial number starts at “5K”.

To make it easier for you, I recorded a video on how to check the serial number of an iPhone:

How to check iPhone by IMEI

Comprehensive information about the iPhone (and not only) can be obtained using the International Mobile Equipment Identifier (IMEI - International Mobile Equipment Identity), For example.

The IMEI of an iPhone is engraved on its back cover and SIM card tray, indicated on the barcode label on the packaging and in “Settings -> General -> About this device”. In the "Phone" application, enter the combination " #06# " And iPhone IMEI will be displayed on the screen.

Short: If you have never owned an iPhone and you cannot determine its originality by appearance, check the iPhone by serial number on the official Apple website and check the information in the information about the device and on its packaging. It's enough.

For reference: If in the iPhone settings in the device information there is no data in the lines “ Wi-Fi address", "Bluetooth" or "Modem firmware", this means that the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or modem modules are not working, respectively.

Checking a used iPhone for mechanical damage

Visually inspect the iPhone and check:

Condition of the case. It is desirable that the device is free of chips, scratches and dents.
Controls(Home and Power buttons, volume rocker, vibration mode switch). The buttons should work softly and silently, and should not stick or fall through. The device should respond instantly to button presses.
Did you understand the iPhone? Earpiece (next to front camera) must be covered with a mesh. Screw heads on bottom end on the sides of the charging/sync connector must not be damaged.
Has it been renovated? Home button colors and protective glass, must be the same. The charging/sync port and headphone jack must match the color of the iPhone. Press on the screen, original Touchpad“does not float” (pressures leave no traces).
iPhone Neverlock (unlocked) or “locked”. Remove the SIM card tray; there should be no overlays for the SIM card (adapters for the Gevey or r-Sim hardware unlock). Insert your SIM card - connecting an “unlocked” iPhone to cellular network happens quickly.
Touchpad. Unlock your iPhone, press and hold your finger on the screen until the application icons begin to “dance”, and slowly drag any icon across the screen. It should not “come off” from the finger.
Speaker and microphone. Call someone, you and you should be clearly heard (sometimes this also depends on the quality of the connection).
Wi-Fi module. Turn on Wi-Fi and connect to wireless network, check your internet access in Safari. In the cold Wi-Fi module It works properly - the breakdown appears after heating, so do not turn off Wi-Fi for at least another 5 minutes.
Camera and autofocus. Launch the Camera app, tap on the area of the screen to autofocus.
Proximity sensor. Call someone, during a conversation - cover with your finger top part screen to the right of conversational dynamics- the screen should go dark.
Accelerometer. Run any standard application(Messages, Contacts, Calendar, Photos), rotate the iPhone - the screen should rotate with the device.
Headphones. Plug your headset into the headphone jack, launch the Music app, and play. Check volume control, track switch and playback controls.
Contact with water. Shine a flashlight into the headphone jack, if you find a red marker in it (moisture indicator), it means the device has been in contact with water.
External speakers. Turn on music playback, the sound should be clear, without wheezing.
Remove protective films, they hide scratches.

Checking iPhone lock using Apple ID

The originality, external condition and performance of a used iPhone are important, but even an original, fully functional and externally perfect device can be absolutely useless if it is blocked by activation lock ( Activation Lock). An iPhone with the “ ” function enabled cannot be

If you did not buy your smartphone or tablet from an authorized Apple reseller store, but, for example, from an advertisement site, such a check will be very useful for you for a number of reasons.

There are frequent cases of fraud in the secondary market, therefore, through IMEI checks and serial number, you can find out exactly where the iPhone was purchased, find out the activation date, remaining warranty (if any), find out whether the device in front of you is new and check its authenticity.

Let's take a closer look at each of these questions.

How to find out IMEI and serial number of iPhone?

The most reliable option is to look in the settings of the device itself. To do this, launch the “Settings” application, go to the “General” section and select “About this device”.

By clicking on it you will see all necessary information, including serial number and IMEI. For clarity, these points are circled in the screenshot. The whole sequence of actions is also valid for the iPad.

Similar data is provided on original box and the rear panel of the device. But if we're talking about about a used device, they could have been replaced, but the system will provide 100% reliable information.

Another way - iTunes program. Launch it and connect the device to the computer using a cable. Click on the name of your gadget, and on the “Browse” tab, its serial number will be displayed:

Checking iPhone by IMEI

After you found out necessary information, you can run quick check devices using special service. Not all of them work correctly, therefore, we recommend using the proven iphoneimei.info

When you go to the site, you will see only one field in which you need to enter the received IMEI numbers. Just a few seconds and you get the necessary information:

As you can see from the screenshot, this way you can find out:

iPhone activation date
date and country of purchase
presence of binding to the operator.

Except third party service, similar data can be obtained on the Apple website. More on this later in the article.

Check by serial number

To check the warranty and get another one useful information, as they say, “first hand”, go to the Apple website using this link. A page will open in front of you that says “Checking your right to service and support” with a field in which you need to enter the equipment serial number, then the captcha, and click the “Continue” button.

As you can see in the screenshot above, this way you can quickly check Apple warranty, which is important if the seller assures you that it is still valid. This way you can see for yourself.

if you love Apple technology(Apple), but you have a modest income, we can only sympathize with you, because even a smart watch from the Apple company will cost a tidy sum. For an i-Watch with the simplest strap you will have to pay at least 20,000 rubles.

However, if you purchase a device from an unofficial dealer in Russia or even a used one, you can save a lot. However, it is also possible to run into yourself. In this article we will talk about how to distinguish fake i-watches from real ones, as well as how to check Apple Watch by IMEI or serial number.

So, if you want to save on buying Apple Watch, there are two ways - contact an unofficial seller or buy the device second-hand.

In the first case, you risk getting a fake. In the second, the main danger is activation blocking. However, if you are careful, you can avoid risks.

How to recognize a fake?

First, let's talk about how to recognize a fake. And, in fact, it is not difficult when it comes to Apple technology.

Greeted by clothes

The fact is that the apple giant zealously monitors the quality of its products. And this applies not only to the design of the device itself, but also to the configuration and packaging.

That’s why it’s easy to “recognize” a cheap Chinese counterfeit without even opening the box - if you see fuzzy or smeared letters on the packaging or some other defects, you have a bad copy. Even creases on the box should alert you, because to pack your Apple devices uses some kind of super thick cardboard with a special coating.

Although, to be honest, over “long years of training” China has learned to make good copies, and therefore the box of a fake may be no different from the original. Then we continue the inspection.

Face to Face

Open the box and take out the Apple Watch. We study carefully. Here, of course, the quality should also be at its best - if you notice a slight hint of wear or scratch, you can safely refuse the purchase. No, of course, defects do happen at Apple factories, but the quality service works great and will not let defects go on sale.

Does the watch look perfect? Then we inspect for “extra” parts. The fact is that China likes to show originality by adding non-existent elements to devices. For example, the Apple Watch does not have any connectors or slots, but such elements are often found on fakes.

Of course, it is best to have the original with you for comparison when examining a smartwatch, but we understand that in most cases this is not possible. Then we advise you to at least watch video reviews of the Apple Watch to get a detailed idea of what this device looks like.

Apple Watch on Android?

And finally, the final touch - turn on the Apple Watch. And here everything will definitely fall into place. No matter how perfectly they copy the appearance of a fake, install watch OS - operating system, developed by Apple specifically for its smart watch- no one can board a fake.

Check by serial number or IMEI

However, someone might say that watch OS can be copied. Well, then the last and indisputable argument is checking the authenticity of the watch by serial number or IMEI. How to do it? Follow these instructions:

How to check if there is an activation lock?

It's hard to believe, but purchasing a fake is not as big a problem as buying original Apple Watch with Activation Lock enabled. What kind of option is this and what are the risks?

Activation Lock is automatically enabled when you turn on “Find Apple Watch,” an option that allows you to set the lost or stolen device via iCloud.com to lost mode, block the device, and leave a message and contact information for the person who found/stolen the gadget.

Needless to say, this useful option Users usually turn it on, but, unfortunately, forget to turn it off when selling. What does this mean? The first time you reset data or restore/update the watch, you are asked for the Apple ID login and password of the previous user - this is how activation lock works. Without knowing the specified data, further use of the watch is not possible.

You don’t have to worry about whether the iPhone is genuine if the device is purchased at a hardware store or at one of the network offices cellular communications, like “MTS” or “Svyaznoy”. But if you intend to order an iPhone via the Internet (for example, from Chinese store) or buy a gadget “from hand”, you need to be careful and insist on preliminary check authenticity of the gadget via the Internet.

This method is the most suitable, because to use it you don’t even need to open the box and take out the device itself. Follow the instructions:

Step 1. Find the serial number of the device on the packaging - it should be located on the back of the box between the IMEI and the part number (Part No.). The serial number consists of 11 or 12 characters (numbers and letters).

Source: cheerfuleboway.tumblr.com

If the iPhone is printed and activated, check the “serial numbers” on the packaging and in the device settings (path “ Settings» — « Basic» — « About this device»).

Watch Apple Watchare quite expensive, so many consumers prefer to buy used Apple Watchesfrom hand But how to check if the device isstolen or a copy.

Before you start to figure it out, is it original or a copy:

First of all we are looking for the serial number FHLQ1Q99G9J5 it is located on the back side Apple Watch and go to the SITE to check the activation lock status Apple Watch very important.

If the activation lock is ON, then in the future you will get this:

And unfortunately you won't be able to use the watch...

How to untie and clean your Apple Watch before selling it?

Mini-instructions - how to disconnect Apple Watch from your current smartphone.
You will need it before selling your watch to another owner.

First step. Make sure your Apple Watch and iPhone are close enough.
Then go to the appropriate application on your smartphone.

Second step. Go to “My Watch” in the lower tabs. Then open “Apple Watch” there.
Click “Unpair with Apple Watch” and wait for the connection to disconnect.

Attention: when you disconnect your watch from your smartphone, all content and settings on it will be deleted.
A copy of the watch will be saved on the iPhone (similar to an iPhone backup in iCloud).
That's all! The watch is disconnected and completely cleaned. You can sell.

How to distinguish an Apple Watch from a copy?

The first connector and any connection to the wire indicates a fake

Hardly anyone doubted that Chinese clone makers would ignore the announcement of the Apple Watch.
Already at the beginning of January at the CES 2015 exhibition, you could find more than one or two copies of smart watches from the American company.

However, these gadgets are similar only in appearance, but if you look closely at the details, you can easily distinguish an Apple watch from a fake. The original conveys neatness and sophistication. Take, for example, the internal structure, each component is in its place and fits seamlessly into the overall picture. The Apple Watch case is made with jewelry precision, the metal makes the watch look expensive appearance, and silver plastic Chinese fake easy to distinguish even with the naked eye. No matter how many disputes there are about the adequacy Apple prices Watch, the difference between a $350 device and a $40-80 device is noticeable at first glance.