How To Tell What Monitor I Have

How To Tell What Monitor I Have
How To Tell What Monitor I Have

There are several ways to check which monitor you have, including checking the sticker or the settings. 

Knowing which model monitor you have is important for troubleshooting and finding tutorials online. If you have a monitor and don’t know which model it is, there are two quick ways to find out. Whether you purchased an old monitor from a garage sale, got one as a gift, or pulled one out of your storage and can’t remember where you bought it, this guide is for you. 

Method 1: Check the Physical Label

The easiest way to find out which monitor you have is to look at the monitor’s model sticker. This is usually located on the backside or underside of your monitor. Sometimes, it is located on the stand. 

Typically, the physical label will contain the monitor’s model and serial number, as well as other information. Once you see the model number, you can Google it to find the model name (if not displayed on the sticker). 

Method 2: Check the Monitor’s Settings

 Check the Monitor’s Settings
Check the Monitor’s Settings

If the monitor is connected to your computer, you can check its model number in the display settings. 

You can usually see which monitor you have by looking at its settings. This is easiest if you connect it to a Windows or Mac computer. 

If it’s connected to a Windows computer, go to Settings > System > Display > Advanced Display Settings to see more information about the displays attached to your computer. On a Mac, go to Apple Menu > About This Mac > Displays.

On a Chromebook, you can usually see all connected displays by going to Settings > Device > Displays. 

On a Linux device, this is a little more complicated. You will need to use the Terminal app. Open the Terminal app and enter this command: xrandr –query. 

This will bring up a list of monitors and information about them. 

If you don’t have a connected computer (you are looking at a TV monitor, for example), you may be able to see its model number in the settings. Try going to the settings and finding the About or Information section. For example, on an Android TV, go to Settings > Device Preferences > About. 

Windows 11/10: Identify Model & Specs Using Software

Windows 11/10: Identify Model & Specs Using Software
Windows 11/10: Identify Model & Specs Using Software

Speccy is a free software that analyzes your computer’s connected hardware. 

On a Windows machine, you can usually see which monitor you have by downloading software that analyzes your computer’s hardware. Speccy is a good, free software for this. It is available for Windows and provides you with useful information, such as your hardware specs, not only for your monitor, but also for your GPU, motherboard, CPU, and more. 

Confirm the Screen Size (Diagonal)

Confirming the screen size of your monitor is pretty easy. Once you have the model number, a quick Google search will confirm the screen size. You can also measure the monitor size using a measuring tape, allowing you to quickly determine the viewable screen area as well as the overall monitor width (including the bezels). 

Check the Ports & Capabilities (At a Glance)

Check the Ports & Capabilities (At a Glance)
Check the Ports & Capabilities (At a Glance)

Ports, like HDMI ports, are often labeled with text or icons. 

You can typically view information about a monitor’s ports and capabilities (such as the max supported resolution) by Googling it online. For example, Google “XXX123 specs” to see its specifications if the model number is XXX123. 

You can also quickly check the ports visually. HDMI, DisplayPort, and other ports are usually labeled, but if not, you can still identify them at a glance, as each type of port looks different. 

Match to Box/Receipt & Warranty

It’s a good idea to check that the model number and serial number on the monitor itself (if you found the sticker) match the numbers on the box, receipt, and warranty. This way, you can confirm that you have a valid warranty for your monitor. Some manufacturers have online tools that allow you to enter a serial number to see if it has a valid warranty. 

Conclusion

Identifying a monitor is usually pretty simple. The first step is to find the sticker on the device itself. If the sticker was peeled off, though, you can still identify the monitor’s model by looking at its settings or connecting it to a Windows or Mac computer (recommended). 

Photo of author

Benjamin Levin

Ben is a gamer addict and hardware enthusiast who loves taking apart and building PCs. He has over half a decade of writing experience and is HubSpot certified in content marketing and SEO. He is currently pursuing a bachelor's in computer science with various certifications in the information technology field, particularly relating to hardware. He's excited to share his passion for PC hardware with you and help you create your gaming setup, whether it's your first rig or 100th. Ben has traversed the globe and speaks several languages. His passions include traveling, martial arts, going to the gym, buying random PC stuff he doesn't need, and rewatching Street Fighter and Dragon's Dogma.

This article may contain affiliate links (disclosure policy).

Leave a Comment