How to Spot a Fake iPhone: A Complete Buyer’s Guide (2026)

Buying an iPhone is a big investment. Whether you’re purchasing a brand-new device, UK-used, or a Nigerian-used iPhone, the fear is the same: “What if this iPhone is fake?”

Unfortunately, fake iPhones have become more convincing over the years. Some clones look almost identical to the original, come in iPhone-like boxes, and even run on modified Android software that mimics iOS. Many buyers only realize they’ve been scammed days—or weeks—later.

This detailed guide will walk you through every reliable method to spot a fake iPhone, even if you’re not tech-savvy. If you follow these steps carefully, you’ll drastically reduce your chances of buying a cloned or refurbished-as-new device in Computer Village.

Why Fake iPhones Are So Common

Fake iPhones exist because:

iPhones are expensive and in high demand
Many buyers don’t know how to verify authenticity
Online marketplaces and roadside sellers are loosely regulated
Some clones are sold as “promo,” “factory unlocked,” or “custom iPhone.”

In Nigeria, especially, fake iPhones are often mixed with:

Refurbished phones sold as brand new
iPhones with replaced parts (screen, battery, camera)
Android phones redesigned to look like iPhones

Knowing how to verify originality is your strongest defense.

1. Check the Operating System (This Is the Biggest Clue)

The fastest way to spot a fake iPhone is by checking the operating system.

Original iPhone:

Runs iOS only
Has the Apple App Store, not the Google Play Store
Smooth animations, no lag
No “Back” button like Android

How to spot a fake iPhone in Nigeria:

Runs Android disguised as iOS
Google Play Store hidden inside folders
Settings layout may look iOS-like, but behaves differently
Random ads may appear

What to do:

Open Settings
Scroll slowly
Tap on random sections like:
- Accessibility
- Privacy & Security
- General

Fake iPhones often lag, crash, or redirect you to Android-style menus.

2. Verify the Model Number in Settings

Apple assigns unique model numbers to every iPhone.

Steps:

Go to Settings
Tap General
Tap About

Look for:

Model Name (e.g., iPhone 13 Pro)
Model Number (e.g., MLTX3LL/A)

Now copy the model number and search it online. It should match:

The iPhone model
Storage size
Region (US, UK, Japan, etc.)

If the model number:

Leads to a different phone
Doesn’t exist on Apple’s website
That’s a red flag

3. Check the IMEI Number (Very Important)

Every original iPhone has a unique IMEI number.

How to check iPhone IMEI in Nigeria:

Dial *#06#
Or go to Settings → General → About

Now:

Copy the IMEI
Check it on Apple’s official coverage page
Confirm:
- Correct iPhone model
- Activation status
- Warranty information (if available)

Red flags:

IMEI not found
IMEI shows a different phone model
Same IMEI appears on multiple phones

Fake iPhones often use invalid or duplicated IMEI numbers.

4. Inspect the App Store Carefully

This is where many fake iPhones get exposed.

Original iPhone:

App Store icon is blue with a white “A.”
Apps download with Apple ID password or Face ID
No Google services installed

Fake iPhone:

App Store opens but redirects to Google Play
Downloads APK files
Requires Google account sign-in

Try searching for Safari in the App Store. If Safari is missing or behaves oddly, walk away.

5. Examine the Build Quality Closely

Apple’s build quality is extremely hard to replicate.

Original iPhone:

Solid aluminum or stainless steel frame
Perfect button alignment
No creaking sounds
Camera lenses are clean, deep, and well-aligned

Fake iPhone:

Lightweight or hollow feel
Poor button feedback
Camera rings may look glued on
Plastic body disguised as metal

Run your fingers around the edges. Apple’s finishing is smooth and precise—no sharp corners.

6. Check the iPhone Camera Quality

Fake iPhones often fail badly here.

Original iPhone:

Sharp photos
Excellent low-light performance
Smooth video stabilization
Cinematic mode (on supported models)

Fake iPhone:

Over-sharpened photos
Poor night shots
Fake camera modes
Multiple lenses but only one works

Cover each camera lens one by one and test if it actually captures images. Many fakes use dummy lenses.

7. Test Face ID or Touch ID

Biometric security is hard to clone.

Original iPhone:

Face ID works in low light
Secure enrollment process
Touch ID responds instantly (older models)

Fake iPhone:

Face ID may unlock with eyes closed
Touch ID may be replaced with a passcode trick
Some don’t support biometrics at all

If Face ID feels “too easy,” be suspicious.

8. Look at iCloud and Apple ID Features

iCloud is exclusive to Apple devices.

Original iPhone:

Sign in with Apple ID
Access iCloud backup, iMessage, FaceTime
Find My iPhone works properly

Fake iPhone:

Apple ID sign-in may fail
iCloud options missing
iMessage doesn’t activate

Try sending an iMessage (blue bubble). If it sends as SMS (green), investigate further.

9. Inspect the iPhone Box and Accessories

Packaging can reveal a lot.

Original iPhone box:

Clean Apple typography
No spelling errors
Serial number matches phone
High-quality print

Fake packaging:

Misspelled words
“Designed by Apple in California” is missing
Cheap accessories
Serial numbers don’t match

Also note: newer iPhones do not come with chargers, only a cable.

10. Check Storage Capacity Properly

Fake iPhones often lie about storage.

What to do:

Go to Settings → General → iPhone Storage
Compare total storage with the advertised size

Some fake iPhones claim 256GB but only have 16GB of internal storage, with fake software overlays.

11. Price That’s Too Good to Be True? Be Careful

If someone offers:

“Brand new iPhone 14 Pro for ₦300,000”
“Promo iPhone, factory unlocked.”
“Apple giveaway device.”

Pause.

Apple does not sell “promo” or “custom” iPhones. Extremely cheap prices usually mean:

Fake phone
Stolen device
Refurbished sold as new

12. Where You Buy Matters

To reduce risk:

Buy from verified Apple resellers
Use trusted online platforms with buyer protection
Avoid roadside sellers and unverified Instagram pages
Always inspect before payment

If buying online, insist on:

Real photos
IMEI upfront
Return policy

Final Thoughts: Don’t Rush, Verify Everything

Spotting a fake iPhone is not about one single test—it’s about combining multiple checks. Fake iPhones may pass one or two tests, but they rarely pass all.

Before paying:

Check iOS
Verify IMEI
Test App Store
Inspect the build and the camera
Confirm Apple ID features

Taking 10–15 minutes to verify can save you hundreds of thousands of naira and weeks of regret.

If you’re ever unsure, walk away. There will always be another iPhone—but your money, once gone, is much harder to recover.

Important Buyer Advice:
Always inspect an iPhone physically before payment. If buying online, insist on IMEI verification, real photos, and a return option. Avoid rushed deals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can I tell if an iPhone is original in Nigeria?

You can confirm an original iPhone by checking the IMEI on Apple’s website, verifying the iOS version, inspecting the App Store, and testing iCloud and Face ID features.