Check the build date in your phone's settings

The fastest way to find your Samsung phone's age is to look at the build date stored in your device settings. This date tells you when the phone was manufactured, not when it was first sold or activated. Open Settings, then scroll down and tap About phone. Look for a field labeled Build number or Software version — the build number contains a date code embedded in the text.

The date appears as a string of letters and numbers. For most Samsung phones made in the last ten years, the build number follows a pattern like "R16NW.G991BXXU2CUH1" where the letters and numbers after the first part indicate the build date. The exact format varies by model, but you can take a photo of this build number and search it online with your specific phone model to decode the exact manufacture date.

If you see only a software version number instead of a build number, try tapping Build number seven times in a row — this unlocks Developer Options on most Samsung phones and may reveal the full build information. Some older Samsung models do not display this data in settings at all, in which case you will need to use one of the other methods below.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Samsung's build number in Settings > About phone contains a date code that shows when it was manufactured.
  • The IMEI number printed on the box or visible under Settings > About phone > Status can be decoded to reveal the week and year of manufacture.
  • The model number on the back of the phone (like SM-G991B) tells you the phone's generation, which narrows down the year it was made.
  • Samsung's official support website lets you enter your model number to see when that model was first released and what versions exist.

Decode the IMEI number for manufacture week and year

The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a 15-digit code unique to your phone. You can find it by opening Settings, tapping About phone, then scrolling to Status and looking for IMEI or IMEI 1. You can also dial *#06# on your phone's keypad — the IMEI will pop up on screen without making a call.

The eighth and ninth digits of your IMEI encode the week and year your phone was manufactured. The eighth digit represents the year (0 = 2000, 1 = 2001, and so on), and the ninth digit represents the week of that year (01 through 53). For example, if your IMEI is 35 89 2104 051234 5, the "04" in the middle means week 04 of 2001. This method works for most Samsung phones but is less precise than the build number because it only tells you the week, not the exact day.

Keep in mind that the IMEI manufacture date reflects when the phone was assembled, not when it left the factory or arrived at a retailer. A phone manufactured in week 10 of 2022 might not have been sold until weeks or months later.

Look up your model number to find the release year

Every Samsung phone has a model number printed on the back of the device, usually near the bottom. It starts with "SM-" followed by letters and numbers, like SM-G991B or SM-A125F. This model number identifies which phone line your device belongs to and can tell you roughly when it was released to the market.

Search your model number on Samsung's official support website or on tech specification sites like GSMArena. These sites list the release date for each model, which tells you the earliest year your phone could have been made. If your phone is a Galaxy S21, for instance, you know it was not manufactured before early 2021. The model number does not pinpoint the exact manufacture date, but it narrows the window significantly.

The letter and number combinations in the model number also indicate regional variants — for example, SM-G991B is a European version, while SM-G991U is a US version. Different regions sometimes received the same model at different times, so knowing your variant helps you understand the realistic age range.

Check the physical box and documentation

If you still have the original box your Samsung came in, the manufacture date is often printed on a sticker on the bottom or back. Look for a date in the format MM/YY or similar. The box may also list the model number, IMEI, and serial number, all of which can help you verify the phone's age through other methods.

The original receipt or invoice from the retailer or carrier is another reliable source. This document shows the purchase date, which is usually within a few weeks of the manufacture date for new phones. If you bought the phone used or refurbished, the receipt date will be later than the actual manufacture date, but it still gives you a reference point.

Some carriers print manufacture information on the SIM card tray or inside the battery compartment (on older models with removable batteries). If your phone has a removable SIM tray, pull it out and check for any printed dates or codes.

Use a third-party phone information app

Several free apps in the Google Play Store can read your phone's system information and display the manufacture date in a more readable format. Apps like Device Info HW, Phone Info, or AIDA64 pull the same build number and IMEI data from your settings but present it in a clearer layout with the date already decoded.

read one of these apps, open it, and look for sections labeled "Build information," "Hardware," or "Device." The manufacture date should appear clearly without you having to manually decode the build number. These apps are free and do not require special permissions beyond what your phone normally allows.

Be cautious about which app you choose — stick to apps with high ratings and many reviews. Read the permissions the app requests before installing; a phone information app should not need access to your contacts, messages, or photos.

Compare your phone's features to known Samsung release timelines

If the technical methods above do not work or you want a rough estimate, you can identify your phone's age by its features and specifications. Samsung releases new phone lines every year, usually in the spring for flagship models and throughout the year for budget and mid-range lines. If you know which Galaxy series your phone belongs to (S21, A12, M31, etc.), you can search online for when that series was first released.

Look at the software version your phone is currently running. Open Settings > About phone > Android version. Older phones run older versions of Android — a phone running Android 10 was likely made before 2020, while a phone running Android 13 was probably made in 2022 or later. This is not a precise method because phones receive software updates, but it gives you a ballpark range.

The camera hardware and screen technology also hint at age. Samsung's flagship phones from 2023 have different camera sensors and display tech than 2020 models. If you are unsure, search your exact model number plus "release date" to find tech review sites that list the original specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the manufacture date the same as the set up date?

No. The manufacture date is when the phone was built at the factory. The set up date is when you first turned it on or when your carrier activated it on their network. A phone manufactured in January might not be activated until March if it sat in a warehouse or store. The build number and IMEI show manufacture date, not set up date.

Can I find out how old my phone is if I bought it used?

Yes, the build number and IMEI will still show the original manufacture date. However, a used phone may be several years old even if it looks new. Check the build number first, then compare it to the current date to see how many years have passed. This helps you understand the phone's actual age and battery health.

What if my phone does not show a build number in settings?

Some older Samsung models or heavily customized versions do not display the full build number. Try dialing *#06# to see the IMEI instead, or look at the model number on the back and search that online. You can also contact Samsung support with your model number and they can tell you the general release timeframe.

Does the manufacture date affect my phone's warranty?

Warranty coverage typically starts from the purchase date, not the manufacture date. However, if your phone was manufactured years before you bought it, the battery and other components may have degraded even if the phone was never used. Check your original receipt to see when the warranty period began.

Can I tell if my phone is refurbished by checking the manufacture date?

Not directly from the manufacture date alone. A refurbished phone has the same build number as a new one. However, if the manufacture date is significantly older than the seller's listing date, the phone may be refurbished or used. Always ask the seller whether a phone is new or refurbished before buying.