How to check an Apple iPad?

Attention! Due to the increasing number of cases where Apple devices were found to be locked after acceptance, a new mandatory rule has been introduced regarding the acceptance of all Apple devices. We strongly recommend all employees familiarize themselves with this rule and strictly apply it to all Apple equipment without exception.

The full rule is available at: How to accept and verify Apple devices?

iPad is a tablet by Apple equipped with a proprietary security chip, integrated with iCloud, and protected by the “Activation Lock” feature. This means that the device can only be accepted if all account bindings are completely removed. It is also important to thoroughly inspect the physical condition of the device, ensure all functions are working, and verify its authenticity.

How to check if an iPad is original?

1. Packaging and labeling: A genuine iPad comes in a box with clear, high-quality printing, and matching serial numbers on the box, the device body, and in the settings.
2. Serial number and IMEI (if present): Go to “Settings” → “General” → “About” and compare the serial number and (if available) IMEI with the back of the device and the box. Verify the details at checkcoverage.apple.com.
3. iPadOS and interface: The device must run iPadOS. Counterfeits often use Android with an Apple-like interface — check for the App Store, the behavior of system settings, and the smoothness of the UI.
4. Face ID / Touch ID: Make sure the biometric authentication works properly. On fake devices, this feature is often missing or works unreliably.
5. Build quality: The case should be seamless with no gaps. Check the button alignment, engravings, edges, screen glass, and the sturdiness of all parts.
6. Device weight: Weigh the iPad without any case or screen protector. The weight of fakes usually differs from official Apple specifications.
7. Verification via iTunes or Finder: Connect the device to a computer with iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and later). A genuine iPad will be recognized by the system, displaying the model and serial number.
8. Installing .apk apps: As a test, try installing an .apk file (e.g., CPU-Z.apk). If installation succeeds, the device is fake, since iPadOS does not support Android app formats.

iPad Model Weights (without cases or protective accessories)

Note: we only accept iPads running at least iPadOS 11. This may include both modern and older models, as long as they function properly and meet the requirements.

• iPad 5 (2017):
  • Wi-Fi: 469 g
  • Cellular: 478 g
• iPad 6 (2018):
  • Wi-Fi: 469 g
  • Cellular: 478 g
• iPad 7 (2019):
  • Wi-Fi: 483 g
  • Cellular: 493 g
• iPad 8 (2020):
  • Wi-Fi: 490 g
  • Cellular: 495 g
• iPad 9 (2021):
  • Wi-Fi: 487 g
  • Cellular: 498 g
• iPad 10 (2022):
  • Wi-Fi: 477 g
  • Cellular: 481 g
• iPad mini 5 (2019):
  • Wi-Fi: 300.5 g
  • Cellular: 308.2 g
• iPad mini 6 (2021):
  • Wi-Fi: 293 g
  • Cellular: 297 g
• iPad Air 3 (2019):
  • Wi-Fi: 456 g
  • Cellular: 464 g
• iPad Air 4 (2020):
  • Wi-Fi: 458 g
  • Cellular: 460 g
• iPad Air 5 (2022):
  • Wi-Fi: 461 g
  • Cellular: 462 g
• iPad Pro 11" (2018–2022):
  • Wi-Fi: 468–473 g
  • Cellular: 468–477 g
• iPad Pro 12.9" (2018–2022):
  • Wi-Fi: 631–682 g
  • Cellular: 633–684 g
• iPad Pro 13" (2024):
  • Wi-Fi: 579 g
  • Cellular: 582 g

Important: weight must be measured strictly without cases, screen protectors, keyboards, or other accessories. Any foreign elements may affect the accuracy of the evaluation and hinder the detection of counterfeits.

What to do if the iPad is new and not activated?

Sometimes a brand-new iPad that has not yet been activated may be submitted for evaluation. You can check this using the serial number at checkcoverage.apple.com — if the device is not activated, the site will display the message "Please activate your device".

Important: If the iPad is not activated, it must not be connected to the internet (neither via Wi-Fi nor SIM card), as it will automatically activate and the warranty countdown will begin from that day.

What to do:

• Inspect the appearance: the body, screen, cameras, and included accessories — without powering it on or connecting it to a network.
• Do not connect to Wi-Fi or insert a SIM card.
• Ask the customer to present a receipt or other proof of purchase, if in doubt.
• If necessary, register the item as a non-activated device.

How to check iPad functionality?

1. Startup and boot speed: Make sure the device turns on without freezing, doesn’t enter a reboot loop (boot loop), and doesn’t require iTunes connection at startup.
2. Display: Check the brightness, even backlight, absence of spots, light leaks, or dead pixels. The touchscreen must respond accurately across the entire surface.
3. Buttons: Test the power button, volume buttons, Home button (if present), and the rotation lock switch (on older models).
4. Sound: Play a video or music file. Ensure the speakers produce clean sound without distortion or crackling.
5. Microphone: Open Voice Memos or record a video with voice — make sure the audio is clear.
6. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Connect to a Wi-Fi network, and test Bluetooth connectivity by trying to detect nearby devices (e.g. Apple Pencil, AirPods, etc.).
7. Cellular connectivity (if supported): Insert a SIM card and verify that the iPad registers on the network and can send/receive data.
8. Charging: Plug in an original or compatible charging cable. Ensure charging starts and the port is not loose.
9. Cameras: Test both the front and rear cameras — autofocus, flash (if available), video recording, and check for fogging or spots on the lens.
10. Sensors: Test screen rotation, True Tone (if available), brightness sensors, and Apple Pencil support (if applicable).
11. Battery health: Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Health.
    We only accept devices where battery wear does not exceed 20%, i.e. Battery Health ≥ 80%.
12. System stability: Swipe through the interface, open several apps, switch between them. The iPad must function smoothly without freezes or reboots.

How to unlink an iPad from the previous Apple ID?

1. Ask the customer to unlock the iPad and go to Settings → [User Name].
2. Scroll down and tap “Sign Out”.
3. Enter the Apple ID password and confirm sign-out. This disables Find My and removes the iCloud link.
4. After signing out, verify that the user name no longer appears at the top of the settings menu.
5. Go to Settings → Find My → Find My iPad and confirm the feature is turned off.
6. Mandatory: Ask the customer to open the “Find My” app on their iPhone or iPad and show that the iPad is no longer listed under their devices. If it still appears, it must be manually removed from their account.

Other things to check

• Device cleanliness: The screen and body of the tablet must be clean. Any glue residue from screen protectors, grease, dust, or dirt in the ports is unacceptable.
• Physical damage: Chips, cracks, heavily scratched screens, bent housing, or a swollen battery are not allowed.
• Charging port and connectors: The Lightning or USB-C port must be clean, not loose, and free of corrosion.
• Third-party stickers or engravings: Custom engravings, QR codes, third-party logos, or any non-standard markings may reduce the value of the device.

Create a contract

You can now create a contract for the iPad. Make sure the name is written strictly in the following format: "Tahvelarvuti Apple iPad Model". Abbreviations like "ipad", "tablet", "nutitahvel", or similar are not allowed. Specify the exact model, e.g., Apple iPad Pro 11 (3rd gen).

Selling or listing the iPad for sale

Before listing the iPad for sale, make sure that:

1. The device is not linked to any Apple ID and Find My iPad is turned off.
2. The Apple ID has been signed out from the tablet and it does not require a password for activation.

Important: If the iPad shows the message “This iPad is linked to an Apple ID,” it cannot be accepted or sold. If in doubt, always consult with the responsible staff member (e.g., Kerstin).

How to reset an iPad to factory settings

1. Ensure the Apple ID has been signed out (Settings → [User Name] → Sign Out).
2. Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPad.
3. Select Erase All Content and Settings.
4. Enter the device passcode and, if required, the Apple ID password to disable Activation Lock.
5. Confirm the deletion and wait for the process to finish.
6. After rebooting, the iPad should display the setup screen — the device is now ready for a new owner.