Introduction
Device Detection identifies the device, operating system, and browser hitting your website, plus over 250 other details you can use to fine-tune experiences across smartphones, tablets, desktops, TVs, and other connected devices.
Quick Start Guide - Get running in minutes.
How It Works
At the core of 51Degrees is our patented Hash Algorithm. It scans the User-Agent and other HTTP headers to identify devices in record time. Want to jump straight to real-world uses? Scroll down to Common use cases. Or stick around to see how we tackle the tougher challenges modern web traffic throws our way.
- Apple devices: We use JavaScript detection to see through Apple's hidden User-Agents and spot specific iPhone/iPad models.
- Modern browsers: We support User-Agent Client Hints from Chromium browsers to keep detection accurate, even as Google reduces Android User-Agent details.
- Transcoding browsers: We detect devices using alternative headers when the User-Agent gets rewritten or stripped out.
- Enhanced accuracy: We can gather client-side evidence for deeper device insights.
Dig deeper in our technical spec and feature overview.
Advanced Capabilities
Apple Device Detection
Apple makes device detection tricky by hiding User-Agent details. We bypass that with client-side JavaScript to identify specific iPhone/iPad models with precision.
Learn more about Apple Detection
User-Agent Client Hints
Browsers like Chrome are cutting down User-Agent info. Our Client Hints support ensures you stay ahead and maintain accurate detection.
Learn more about User-Agent Client Hints
TAC Lookup
Need to identify a mobile device from its IMEI number? Our Type Allocation Code (TAC) lookup has you covered.
Flexible Integration Options
Choose what fits your stack:
- Cloud API: No infrastructure headaches, always updated, pay-as-you-go.
- On-premise: Maximum control, lightning speed, enterprise security.
- Hybrid: The best of both worlds.
Compare integration options | See how to migrate from Cloud to On-premise
Technical Foundation
Our patented Hash Algorithm is built for performance and scale:
- Speed: Processes over one million detections per second, per CPU core
- Ultra-low latency: Delivers sub-microsecond detection times with in-process deployment
- Performance-critical ready: Perfect for high-load servers, edge environments, and real-time systems
- Accuracy: Maintains industry-leading accuracy across 250+ device properties
- Efficiency: Keeps memory and bandwidth usage minimal
- Deployment flexibility: Runs in-process by default, or deploys out-of-process or on a separate server if needed
Read the full technical specification for the nitty-gritty details.
Migrating from older versions or other providers
Already using 51Degrees V3 or another device detection tool? Thinking of making the switch? We've made it easy. Our migration guides show exactly how our properties and features match up with what you're used to - so you can transition smoothly without missing a beat.
- Upgrading from 51Degrees V3? Check out our V4 upgrade guide.
- Moving from DeviceAtlas or WURFL? We've got dedicated migration guides. See all migration guides
Examples and Getting Started
Want to see how it works? Dive into our examples and hit the ground running:
💡 Quick Start
- Quick Start Guide - Get started in minutes
Web Integration Examples
- Web Examples Index - Web integrations, Cloud or On-premise
- Cloud Web Integration - Cloud API examples
- On-premise Web Integration - On-premise examples
Console Examples
- Console Examples Index - Command-line examples
- Cloud Console Examples - Cloud API on the console
- On-premise Console Examples - On-premise console setups
All Examples
- Examples Index - Browse all our examples in one place
Common Use Cases
📱 Responsive Design and User Experience
Detect screen size, device type, and input methods to serve layouts and navigation that feel just right on any device.
⚡ Performance Optimization
Speed things up. Optimize images, trim down content, or tweak features based on device capabilities and network conditions.
📊 Analytics and Business Intelligence
Get a detailed picture of your audience's devices, browsers, and operating systems. Use the data to understand behavior, improve user journeys, or enhance programmatic ad analytics—especially with Prebid integrations.
💰 Advertising and Monetization
Run device-specific ad formats, fine-tune targeting, and optimize placements to boost revenue. Integrate with Prebid to enrich bid requests and make programmatic smarter.
🛡️ Security and Fraud Detection
Spot suspicious traffic and potential threats using device characteristics and behavioral signals.
📲 Mobile App Development
Identify Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), check feature support, and tailor mobile experiences that feel native.
🔄 Cross-Device User Journeys
Track users across smartphones, tablets, and desktops for seamless omnichannel experiences.
🎬 Content Delivery and Media
Detect codecs, screen resolutions, and bandwidth conditions to deliver streaming media without hiccups.