Where can I locate the EMC Number for my iPod, iPhone, or iPad? Are EMC Numbers unique? What are the limitations identifying a specific device using EMC Numbers?: Everyi.com

iPod, iPhone & iPad Identification Q&As (ID iPods, iPhones & iPads)

Also see: iPod, iPhone & iPad Identification (Main) | Mac Identification

To be notified of updates, sign up for EveryMac.com's twice monthly e-mail list.

Where can I locate the EMC Number for my iPod, iPhone, or iPad? Are EMC Numbers unique? What are the limitations identifying a specific device using EMC Numbers?

EMC stands for "Electromagnetic Compatibility." On an iPod, iPhone or iPad, an EMC Number looks like 2416 or 380A, and is listed on the back of most models toward the bottom (or under the "clip" for applicable iPod shuffle and iPod nano models). However, some older iPod and iPhone models do not have an EMC Number listed.

For identifying Macs, EMC Numbers can be quite helpful as they are sometimes on the hardware itself and are significantly more precise than Model Numbers. For iPods, iPhones, and iPads, likewise, EMC Numbers also are usually on the hardware itself and are unique enough to usually identify an exact model. However, some older "full-size" iPod models that are similar do share EMC Numbers, and on models that have EMC Numbers listed, they are not typically more precise than Model Numbers.

Consequently, EMC Numbers on iPod, iPhone and iPad models usually are not currently more useful than Model Numbers for identification purposes. Nevertheless, it is possible that there will be devices in the future that share Model Numbers but have more precise EMC Numbers -- as is the case for Macs -- and Everyi.com uniquely has documented this information accordingly.

In the meantime, an EMC Number still may come in handy to identify an iPod, iPhone, or iPad where the Model Number has been scratched or is otherwise unreadable, but the EMC Number is visible, such as the below model from Everyi.com's collection:

Photo Credit: Everyi.com (EMC 2317)

As both the Model Number and EMC Number are printed or engraved in tiny type, the most major disadvantage of each identifier is that both can be quite difficult for many to read.

The other disadvantage that the Model Number and EMC Number share is that neither is listed in software. Please note that the "Model" listed within the iOS is referred to elsewhere as an Order Number and is not the same as the Model Number listed on the outside (but still can be conveniently used for identification with Everyi.com's Ultimate iLookup feature).

A complete list of EMC Numbers from the By Identifier section of the site additionally may be useful.

Also see:

Where can I locate the Order Number for my iPod, iPhone, or iPad? Are Order Numbers unique? What are the limitations identifying a specific device using Order Numbers?
Where can I locate the Model Number on my iPod, iPhone, or iPad? Are they unique? What are the limitations identifying a specific device using this identifier?
Where can I locate the Model Identifier (Model ID) for my iPod, iPhone, or iPad? Are Model Identifiers unique? What are the limitations identifying a specific device using the Model Identifier?
Where can I locate the Serial Number on my iPod, iPhone, or iPad? Are Serial Numbers unique? What are the limitations identifying a specific device using the Serial Number?

If you cannot find an iPod, iPhone or iPad using its EMC Number, but are able to track it down using another identifier, please share any missing information with Everyi.com. Thank you.

<< iPod, iPhone & iPad Identification (Main)

Established in 1996, EveryMac.com has been created by experts with decades of experience with Apple hardware. EveryMac.com and Everyi.com include, and always have included, original research incorporating detailed, hands-on inspection of packaging, computers, and devices as well as extensive real-world use. All information is provided in good faith, but no website or person is perfect. Accordingly, EveryMac.com and Everyi.com are provided "as is" without warranty of any kind whatsoever. EveryMac.com, Everyi.com, and the author thereof, shall not be held responsible or liable, under any circumstances, for any damages resulting from the use or inability to use the information within. For complete disclaimer and copyright information please read and understand the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy before using either website. Copying, scraping, or use of any content without expressed permission is not allowed, although links to any page are welcomed and appreciated.