How to Tell How Old Your Phone Is

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2022-01-04
Carl Paige

Wondering how old your phone is? Whether you're selling it, buying a used phone, or just curious about its lifespan, there are several ways to find out its age with ease.

How to Tell How Old Your Phone Is

How to Find Your Phone's Age: A Guide to Different Methods

1. Check the Box

The simplest method is to look for the manufacturing date on the phone's retail box. Some manufacturers include it on a sticker or in a leaflet. Scan the box quickly before exploring other options.

2. Decode the Serial Number

If the box doesn't provide the date, try decoding the serial number. Different manufacturers use different methods, but some might encode the date within the first few digits. Online resources can help you decode the serial number based on your specific phone model.

3. Use a Phone Info App

Several phone info apps available on the Google Play Store can display the manufacturing date along with other device details. They typically utilize the IMEI number and other information to estimate the age.

4. Try the Manufacturing Code

Some phone models have hidden menus accessible through special codes. Entering these codes (often starting with *#) might open a menu displaying the manufacturing date and other details. Note that these codes are specific to each model and may not work on all phones.

5. Check the Warranty Status

Most manufacturers offer warranty status checkers on their websites or apps. By entering your phone's IMEI number (dialed with *#06#), you can access information like the activation date, which, while not the manufacturing date, tells you how long the phone has been in use.

Additional Tips:

  • You can find the IMEI number on most phones by dialing *#06#.
  • If you have the purchase receipt, the date of purchase will be listed there.

By following these methods, you should be able to easily determine the age of your phone. Remember, different methods work best for different models, so try a few until you find the answer.