Ever wondered exactly how old your phone really is? Whether you’re selling your device, checking for warranty eligibility, or just curious about its history, knowing the manufacture date can be surprisingly important. This information helps you gauge your phone’s value, performance expectations, and potential for software updates.
In this article, you’ll discover simple ways to find out when your phone was made, along with helpful tips to make the process quick and easy.
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How to Find Out When Your Phone Was Manufactured
Finding out the manufacturing date of your phone might seem like a small detail, but it can actually reveal a lot about your device. Whether you’re planning to sell your phone, check for warranty eligibility, or simply satisfy your curiosity, knowing your phone’s manufacture date is very useful. Let’s walk through the different ways you can discover how old your phone really is, what you can do with this information, and some handy tips along the way.
Why Knowing Your Phone’s Manufacturing Date Matters
Before we dive into the methods, it’s good to understand why the manufacturing date is so important:
- Warranty and Support: Warranty periods often begin based on the manufacturing date or activation date.
- Resale Value: Newer phones fetch higher resale prices.
- Software Updates: Older phones may soon stop receiving updates.
- Battery Health: Components, especially batteries, degrade over time, even if unused.
- Authenticity Check: Helps in verifying if a device is truly ‘new’ or refurbished.
1. Checking the Device Box and Physical Hardware
The simplest way to find out your phone’s manufacturing date is to look at its original retail box or the phone itself.
What to Look For
- Manufacturing Date Label: Most phone boxes have a sticker that mentions the manufacture date, often labeled as “MFG Date.”
- Serial Number: Some brands encode the manufacture date into the serial number on the box or device.
- Inside the Battery Compartment: For phones with removable batteries, the date is sometimes printed under the battery or on the battery.
Steps
- Locate your device’s box and check for labels with dates.
- If the box is unavailable, turn off your phone and, if possible, remove the back cover and battery.
- Look for manufacturing details inside the phone or under the battery.
Pros
- Fast and straightforward for those who still have the box or have removable battery phones.
Cons
- Not possible if you’ve lost the box or have a unibody phone (no removable battery).
2. Using the IMEI Number to Determine Manufacture Date
Every mobile phone has a unique 15-digit IMEI number, which can give you manufacturing information.
Finding Your IMEI
- Open the phone’s dialer and type
*#06#. - The IMEI should appear instantly on your screen.
What to Do With Your IMEI
- Many phone brands, especially Samsung and Apple, encode manufacturing information in the IMEI or associated serial number.
- You can use online IMEI checkers or your manufacturer’s official site to enter the IMEI and retrieve detailed information, including the manufacture date.
Best For
- Those who have lost their box or can’t find information on the device itself.
- Essential for verifying authenticity when buying secondhand phones.
3. Decoding the Serial Number or Model Number
Certain brands encode the production date in the serial or model number.
Examples
Apple:
– Apple serial numbers generally include information about the manufacturing week and year.
– You can visit the Apple ‘Check Coverage’ page and enter your serial for warranty and manufacturing details.
Samsung:
– Samsung’s serials usually include coded dates.
– Decoding tools or Samsung’s own website can help interpret your serial.
General Steps
- Go to your phone’s settings.
- Tap ‘About Phone’ or ‘Device Information.’
- Note the serial and model numbers.
- Use official or trusted tools to decode these.
Tips
- Each brand has its unique encoding, so be sure to use brand-specific tools.
4. Checking Through Your Device Settings
Modern smartphones often store manufacturing or activation information in the device settings.
How to Find It
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on ‘About Phone’ or ‘System Information.’
- Check for fields like ‘Manufacturing Date,’ ‘Build Date,’ or ‘Hardware Information.’
Android Devices
Some Android brands display the info directly.
– For Samsung: Settings > About Phone > Status.
– For Xiaomi: Settings > About Phone > All Specs.
iPhones
Apple doesn’t show the specific manufacture date in settings, but you can check the serial and use official tools as described above.
5. Using Special Secret Codes
Some Android phones have special codes you can dial to reveal hardware or manufacturing data.
How It Works
- Open your dialer and type a secret code (varies by manufacturer).
- A hidden menu appears with technical details.
Common Codes
- Samsung:
*#12580*369#or*#197328640# - Other brands may use codes like
*#0000#,*#66*#, etc.
Note
- These codes may differ by model and country.
- Use with caution; only access information screens, not settings that change the device behavior.
6. Using Third-Party Websites and Apps
There are several reliable online tools and apps designed to fetch device details.
How These Work
- You enter your IMEI or serial number.
- The site pulls data from databases to provide manufacturing information.
Well-Known Tools
- Official manufacturer sites
- Authorized apps available on Google Play Store or Apple App Store
Tips
- Always choose reputable or official tools; avoid sharing sensitive info with suspicious sites.
- Read reviews before downloading third-party apps.
7. Checking with Customer Support
If all else fails, your phone manufacturer’s customer care can assist.
Steps
- Call the customer support helpline or use the online chat.
- Provide your IMEI or serial number.
- Request manufacturing date details.
Why It Works
- Customer support has access to your device history and can provide reliable answers.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
Here are some expert tips to help you make the process easy and safe:
- Keep Packaging: Retain your phone’s original box and receipts for easy access to details.
- Record Device Info: Note down your IMEI and serial numbers in a safe place.
- Verify Before Buying: When buying used phones, always check the manufacture date to avoid old or refurbished units.
- Scam Awareness: Beware of online tools that demand unnecessary permissions or personal details.
- Check Regularly: If you’re selling phones frequently, get used to verifying manufacturing dates.
Benefits of Knowing Your Phone’s Manufacturing Date
Understanding this key detail provides:
- Accurate warranty tracks to prevent missing coverage.
- Better resale negotiation due to transparency.
- Informed decisions for software and hardware upgrades.
- Awareness of battery lifespan since even unused devices experience battery degradation.
- Peace of mind when assessing device originality.
Challenges and Considerations
Finding the manufacturing date isn’t always straightforward:
- Methods Vary: Not all phones display this info in the same way.
- Localization: Some codes and tools vary between countries or regions.
- Security Risks: Not all online IMEI checkers are safe; some may collect data for malicious purposes.
- Information May Be Limited: With some phones, only the activation date, not the manufacturing date, is accessible.
What to Do if You Can’t Find the Date
If your attempts haven’t succeeded:
- Try multiple methods: Sometimes, what’s unavailable in settings shows up in a serial decode.
- Contact support: Manufacturers can often see what users can’t.
- Check third-party repair professionals: Some shops have advanced tools for unlocking device details.
Summary
Finding out when your phone was manufactured can be easy or tricky, depending on your phone’s brand and model. Start by checking the box or hidden device labels. If that doesn’t work, use your IMEI or serial number, device settings, manufacturer tools, or contact customer support. Knowing this date helps in warranty management, resale, and more. Keep your device information safe and rely on official sources for the most accurate results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I quickly find the manufacturing date of my phone?
The quickest method is to look for a sticker or label on the original box or under the battery (if removable). If you don’t have the box, use your IMEI or serial number and check via your manufacturer’s official site or customer service.
2. Can I find my phone’s manufacturing date using only the settings menu?
Some brands display manufacture or build dates in Settings under “About Phone.” However, not all models provide this. For most phones, Settings gives you the serial number or IMEI, which you can then use with official look-up tools.
3. Is it safe to use online IMEI checkers?
Choose only reputable and official manufacturer tools. Avoid sites or apps that require sensitive permissions, ask for personal information, or seem untrustworthy, as some may misuse your device info.
4. Why does the manufacturing date matter when buying a secondhand phone?
A recent manufacturing date means the phone is likely newer, with a longer support life, better battery, and potentially still under warranty. It also helps avoid refurbished or outdated devices being sold as new.
5. Does the serial number always reveal the manufacture date?
Not always. While many brands encode dates in serial numbers, decoding them often requires specific instructions or tools. Always refer to your phone manufacturer’s guidance or trusted tools for decoding this information accurately.
With these methods and tips, you can confidently discover when your phone was manufactured, making smarter decisions about your device.
