Have you just bought a used smartphone, received a gift from relatives, or simply forgot what operating system is installed on your device? Understanding Android or iOSis easier than it seems - even if you have never held either iPhoneor Samsung Galaxyin your hands before. In this article we will not compare the pros and cons of platforms (this is a topic for a separate discussion), but will focus on practical identification methods.

Spoiler: for 90% of cases, one glance at the lock screen or the main menu is enough. But if the phone is discharged, does not turn on, or in front of you is a “bare” device without a shell (for example, after a reset), more in-depth checks will be required. We will consider all scenarios - from the obvious to the exotic, including analysis IMEI, checking through a computer and even determination by hardware.

Important: some methods only work when the device is turned on, others even when the device is turned off. If your smartphone does not respond to the power button, go straight to the section about hardware check.

1. Visual differences: what catches your eye immediately

The fastest way is to evaluate the appearance of the interface. Even if you are a beginner, these signs will give away the operating system with a 99% probability.

  • 📱 Lock screen: At iOS at the bottom of the screen there is always a slider to unlock (or a “Raise to activate” button on new models). On Android unlocking is often implemented by swiping up or entering a PIN code without a slider.
  • 🔍 Notification panel: Swipe your finger from top to bottom. The iOS panel is divided into two levels: upper (notifications) and lower (control panel). On Android everything is usually on one screen, and quick settings icons (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) are often displayed right away.
  • 📁 Home screen: On iPhone all applications are arranged strictly in a grid, without widgets (except for the Today screen). On Android widgets (weather, clock, notes) can be right on the desktop, and icons often have a different design.
  • 🔙 Back button: On Android there is almost always a virtual (or physical) back button. On iOS it is not there - instead, the swipe gesture from right to left is used.

If you have a device with a physical button Home (round or oval) in the center below the screen - this is almost certain iPhone (models up to iPhone X). On Androidsmartphones, the physical buttons are usually located in a row (from left to right: "Back", "Home", "Recent").

📊 How do you usually determine the OS on someone else's phone?
By the appearance of the icons
By the "Back" button
By the notification panel
I ask the owner
Another way

2. Checking through phone settings

If the phone is turned on and unlocked, look at the system settings - this is the most reliable method. Here's what you need to do:

  1. Open the application Settings (gear on the main screen or in the application menu).
  2. Scroll down to the section About phone, About device or Basic (on iOS).
  3. Find the line with the OS version:
    • 🤖 On Android something like Android 13, Android 14 or shell name (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS).
    • 🍎 On iOS you will see iOS version 16.5 or similar will be indicated.

On iPhone the path to system information looks like this: Settings → General → About this deviceOn Android the path may differ depending on the manufacturer, but usually it is Settings → About phone → Software information.

Open "Settings"|Find the "About phone"/"About device" section|Scroll to "Android version"/"iOS version"|Remember or take a photo of the data-->

Attention! On some Android-smartphones (especially Chinese brands), the name of the shell can be misleading. For example, Huawei uses HarmonyOS, which is externally similar to Android, but is technically a different system. data-i="102">, but not classic either HarmonyOS - this is not iOS, but not classic either Android.

3. Hardware check: if the phone does not turn on

Is the smartphone discharged, broken or simply does not respond to buttons? There are several ways to determine the OS without turning it on:

  • 🔌 Charger data-i="110">SIM card slot: Connect the phone to the charger. When charging, a battery icon with lightning is displayed (even when the device is turned off). Charging animation may vary (depending on the manufacturer), but often it is just a static battery. iPhone When charging, a battery icon with a lightning bolt is displayed (even when the device is turned off). On Android The charging animation may vary (depending on the manufacturer), but often it is just a static battery.
  • 🔍 SIM card slot:
    • On iPhone the SIM tray is located on the right (except iPhone 4/4Swhere it is on top).
    • On most Androidsmartphones, the tray is located on the left or on top.
  • 📏 Dimensions and buttons:
    • iPhone (except SE) are usually thinner and have symmetrical rounded edges. The lock button is located on the right (on older models - on the top).
    • Android-smartphones are often thicker, with a lock button on the right or left. On some models (Samsung Galaxy S22, Google Pixel), the buttons may be asymmetrical.

If you have access. to the phone box, check the label. On the original packaging iPhone there will be a logo Apple and an inscription iPhone. On the boxes of Androiddevices the brand (Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo) and model are usually indicated. data-i="131">How to distinguish an iPhone from an Android by weight?

How to distinguish iPhone from Android by weight?

The average weight of an iPhone (for example, iPhone 14 Pro) is about 206 g, while flagship Android smartphones (for example, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra) weigh 234 g. However, this is not a universal sign: for example, the iPhone 14 Plus is heavier than many Android devices (240 d).

4. Determination by IMEI: an accurate method for any device

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) - a unique identifier of your phone. Using it, you can not only determine the model, but also the operating system. Here's how to do it:

  1. Find IMEI:
    • On. when the phone is on: enter in the dialer *#06# —the number will be displayed automatically.
    • When it is off: look at the sticker under the battery (if removable) or on the box.
    • On iPhone: IMEI also indicated in Settings → General → About this device.
  • Check IMEI via an online service (for example, IMEI.info or GSMArenaThe results will indicate the model and, indirectly, the OS.

    • Transcript example:

    • If the service shows the model iPhone 13 Pro Max this is iOS.
    • If the model Samsung Galaxy S23 is Android.

    First digits of IMEI Manufacturer Probable OS
    01, 35, 86 Apple iOS
    35, 86 (other combinations) Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo etc. Android
    49, 99 Sony, Google Android

    Important: some Chinese brands (for example Huawei or Honor) may use non-standard prefixes IMEI, so it is better to check the full number through the service.

    5. Checking through a computer: if the phone does not respond

    If the smartphone does not turn on, but responds to connection to the PC (charging or is recognized as a device), use one of these methods:

    • 🖥️ Device Manager (Windows):
      1. Connect your phone to the computer.
      2. Open Device Manager (click Win + X → select an item).
      3. In section Portable devices or Other devices find the model name. If you see Apple iPhone it's iOSif Samsung Android or similar - Android.
  • 🍎 Finder or iTunes (Mac):
    • On Mac connected iPhone will appear in Finder (in the side menu).
    • Androiddevices are usually defined as "data carrier" or require installation of drivers (Samsung Smart Switch, Xiaomi PC Suite).

    • If the phone is detected as Media Device (MTP) or PTP it Android. iPhone does not work in such modes.

    💡

    If the computer does not see the phone, try using a different cable or USB port. On some Android devices need to select the connection mode (“File Transfer”) in the notification shade.

    6. Behavioral features: how the system behaves

    Even if you don’t see logos or inscriptions, some “habits” of the OS give it away:

    • 🔄 Multitasking:
      • On iOS to switch between applications, you need to swipe up and hold your finger (or press the button twice Home on older models, application windows are displayed as cards with previews.
      • On Android there is usually a separate "Recent" button (a square or three vertical stripes), and the preview can be in the form of a vertical list.
    • 📥 Installing applications:
      • On iOS applications are installed only via App Store (without the possibility of third-party sources, except jailbreak).
      • On Android you can install .apkfiles from a browser or file manager (you need to allow installation from unknown sources).
    • 🔒 Blocking screen:
      • On iPhone When you enter an incorrect password, a message appears "iPhone is disabled" with a timer.
      • On Android messages error messages may differ ("Incorrect PIN", "Try again in 30 seconds"), and the timer does not always work.

    Another indirect sign - sounds and vibrations:

    • The locking/unlocking sound on iOS is more “metallic” and clear.
    • On Android the sounds are often “softer”, and the vibration can be customized (for example, different patterns for notifications).

    💡

    If you can install an application on your phone without the App Store (for example, through a browser), Android certainly does not allow this without hacking.

    7. Why it is important to know your OS: practical consequences

    Find out Android or iOS on your phone, it is not necessary out of idle curiosity. It depends on:

    • 🔧 Setting methods: For example, resetting to factory settings on iOS is done through Settings → General → Reset, but on Android the path may be different (Settings → System → Reset).
    • 📱 Accessory compatibility: Wireless headphones AirPods work better with iPhone, and Galaxy Buds with Samsung.
    • 🔒 Security: On Android you need to update applications yourself and monitor resolutions, while on iOS updates are installed automatically.
    • 💰 Repair cost: Replacing the screen on iPhone usually more expensive than on Androidsmartphone of the same class.

      • The choice of instant messengers, games and even banking applications also depends on the OS. For example, some Russian banks release versions only for Android, and iOSversions may have limited functionality.

      ⚠️ Attention! If you buy a used phone, be sure to check the OS before paying. sellers pass off a smartphone for a price (especially if the device is in a case or with a broken screen). data-i="249">Is it possible to install iOS on an Android smartphone or vice versa? Android-smartphone for iPhone (especially if the device is in a case or has a broken screen). Use the methods in this article to avoid being scammed.

      FAQ: Frequently asked questions

      Is it possible to install iOS on an Android smartphone or vice versa?

      No, this is impossible. iOS works only on devices Apple (iPhone, iPad), and Android on smartphones from other manufacturers There are attempts at porting (for example, project Android-x86 for PC), but they are not intended for everyday use on phones.

      How to determine the OS on a tablet?

      The same methods work for tablets:

      • On iPad will iPadOS (variety iOS).
      • On Androidtablets (Samsung Tab, Xiaomi Pad) - the corresponding version Android.

        • Visually iPadOS is distinguished by the absence of a "Back" button and the presence of a dock panel at the bottom of the screen.

      What to do if the phone has custom firmware?

      Custom firmware (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience) can mask Android under iOS (so called "launchers"). To find out the real OS:

      1. Check IMEI (method from section 4).
      2. Go to Settings → About phone and find the line Kernel version or Build number. There are no such items. iOS there are no such points.
      3. Try installing the application from App Store —if it doesn’t work out, it’s definitely not iOS.

    Can a phone have both OSes at the same time?

    Technically yes, but only on Androiddevices using virtualization (for example, an application iEMU for emulation iOS).However, this:

    • Not an official function.
    • Works extremely slowly.
    • Does not replace the main OS.

    On iPhone installation is impossible without deep flashing, which violates the license agreement. data-i="296">may also be an item Android impossible without deep flashing, which violates the license agreement Apple.

    How to find the Android or iOS version if the phone is in English?

    Menu item names in English:

    • iOS: Settings → General → About → Software Version.
    • Android: Settings → About phone → Software information → Android version.

      • On Android could also be a point Build number - this is the internal firmware version.