What Is Activation on an Apple Device?
A short explanation of Apple device activation, the activation date, and how to read the result on Check Coverage.
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IMEI, Serial & Apple warranty glossary
Short explanations of every concept you meet when checking activation and warranty — from IMEI and serial to AppleCare, Lost Mode and Blacklist.
Glossary entries
12 articles
What Is Coverage on Apple Devices?
What Coverage means on Apple Check Coverage: hardware warranty, technical support, and AppleCare+.
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What Is an IMEI? Structure and How to Use It When Checking a Device
A short IMEI glossary: 15-digit structure, dual IMEI, and the limits when using it for Apple warranty lookups.
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What Is a Serial Number? Its Role in Apple Warranty Checks
Serial number glossary: the manufacturer's service code, present even on MacBooks and AirPods with no IMEI.
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What Is a MEID? How It Differs from an IMEI on Apple Devices
MEID (Mobile Equipment Identifier) was used on CDMA networks; today most checks use the IMEI or serial.
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What Is AppleCare / AppleCare+?
AppleCare+ explained: extended coverage, accidental-damage benefits, and how to verify it by serial.
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What Is Lost Mode on Find My?
Lost Mode remotely locks a device, shows a message and can track location — unlike activation status on Check Coverage.
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What Is an IMEI Blacklist?
A blacklist is a carrier-flagged IMEI list (often after a lost/stolen report) — different from Apple's iCloud lock.
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What Is a Refurbished Device?
Refurbished units are tested, repaired and repacked — you still need to check the serial for remaining warranty.
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What Is a Replacement Device?
When Apple replaces a device under warranty, you get a different unit with a new serial — re-check coverage on that serial.
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What Is an ESN?
An ESN is a legacy CDMA identity; today most devices use IMEI/MEID plus a serial number.
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What Is the Purchase Date?
The purchase date is the date on a sales receipt; the activation date is when the device was activated in Apple's systems.
Read article →See more IMEI, serial and bulk-check guides on the BatchIMEI blog.
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