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The Apple Support Community will permanently close on November 20, 2026. Starting today, the site will no longer accept new posts and is available in a read-only state.
You can continue to find trusted guidance and support on the official Apple Support site.
We want to thank the community members who have contributed their time and expertise to help others with their Apple products.
How can I identify the Time Capsule generation?
The 1.st and 5.th generation are obvious because of the box, but how can I identify between the 2.nd, 3.rd and 4.th generation?
MacBook Air (13-inch Mid 2012), OS X Yosemite (10.10)
Holding the option key while clicking on Time Capsule didn't work for me
Nor will it work for anyone else as well. Please check the instructions above again. They said to......
Hold the option key while double-clicking on the Time Capsule.
Works with 7.7.8, 7.6.8, and on down to 7.6.1.
Holding the option key while clicking on Time Capsule didn't work for me. However, if I select the Time Capsule in the initial diagram it shows the summary page. Hovering the mouse over the title gives extra information including the model number. I guess something has changed. This is with version 7.7.8 of the firmware.
On your Mac.....
Open Finder > Applications > Utilities > AirPort Utility
Hold down the option key on the Mac while you double click on the Time Capsule icon to find out more about your Time Capsule
A Summary page will appear with information about the Time Capsule generation, model number, serial number, etc.
I'm going to buy a used one and I need to identify it.
I think the model no. is in the bottom of the Time Capsule too.
Thanks Niel, thanks Bob Timmons.
Before you buy.......get the model number......it is on the bottom of the Time Capsule......starts with an "A" followed by four numbers and post back with that info.
In general, it is not a good idea to buy a used Time Capsule, since the Time Capsule holds the honor of being Apple's most unreliable product. If someone is selling, there is a probably a reason.
Apple Time Capsule 2TB 4.th Gen working 100% for 60€.
I think I made a good deal. Let's see...
Thanks again for the helpful advises.
How to identify Time Capsule generation?
