Upon querying the serial number, Apple returns a specific status. Understanding these statuses is vital for decision-making.

It is a common misconception that Apple’s serial number checker will flag a device as "Stolen." It will not. Apple’s public tool checks for technical warranty eligibility, not legal ownership status. A stolen device can show a "Valid Purchase" result if the theft was not reported to the carrier (which results in a blacklisted IMEI, distinct from the Serial Number) or if the Activation Lock was removed by the thief. Therefore, checking the Serial Number must be done in conjunction with checking the (International Mobile Equipment Identity) against carrier blacklists for cellular devices.

Knowing how to check an Apple product’s serial number takes five minutes but can save you hundreds of dollars and countless headaches. Bookmark Apple’s official coverage page, and always verify before you buy.