Buying AirPods can be tricky with so many fakes in the market – and while knock-off versions might look similar, they lack the quality and features of authentic Apple products. To check if AirPods are real, you can verify the serial number through Apple’s official website or by checking if it matches on both the box and the AirPods themselves.
Finding the serial number is easy. On AirPods or AirPods Pro, it’s engraved on the underside of each earbud, while on AirPods Max, it appears behind the left ear cup cushion. Users can also locate the serial number by connecting their AirPods to an iPhone and going to Settings > General > About, then tapping on the connected AirPods.
After finding the serial number, consumers can visit Apple’s Check Your Service and Support Coverage website. If the site recognizes the serial number, the AirPods are likely genuine. Another quick check is comparing the serial number on the box with the one on the actual AirPods – if they don’t match, that’s a red flag.
Step-By-Step Guide to Checking Your AirPods’ Serial Number
With the rise of counterfeit AirPods in the market, it’s crucial to verify their authenticity. One of the most reliable ways to check if your AirPods are real is by using the serial number. Apple provides an official tool to confirm the legitimacy of your device.
Follow these steps to determine whether your AirPods are genuine:
1. Find the Serial Number
The serial number of your AirPods can be found in several places:
- On the AirPods Case
- Open the lid of your charging case.
- Look inside near the hinge; the serial number is printed there.
- On Your iPhone or iPad
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth.
- Find your AirPods in the list and tap the (i) info button.
- Scroll down to locate the serial number.
- On the Box
- If you have the original packaging, the serial number is printed on the barcode label.
2. Verify on Apple’s Website
Once you have the serial number, use Apple’s official Check Coverage tool:
- Visit Apple’s Check Coverage page.
- Enter the Serial Number from your AirPods.
- Complete the CAPTCHA and click Continue.
- If your AirPods are genuine, Apple will show their warranty status and details.
3. Check for Signs of Counterfeits
Even if the serial number is valid, some counterfeit AirPods clone real serial numbers. Look out for these signs:
- Poor Build Quality: Fake AirPods often have uneven seams, misaligned text, or different LED placements.
- Inconsistent Features: Missing features like spatial audio, seamless iOS pairing, or Find My integration.
- Weird Sound Quality: Authentic AirPods have balanced, clear audio with deep bass.
What to Do If Your AirPods Are Fake?
If Apple does not recognize the serial number, your AirPods are likely fake. Consider these options:
- Return them if purchased from an unverified seller.
- Report counterfeit sellers to Apple.
- Purchase from an authorized Apple retailer to ensure authenticity.
Final Thoughts
Checking the serial number is the easiest and most reliable way to verify AirPods authenticity. If you suspect your AirPods might be fake, Apple’s verification tool will provide instant confirmation. Always buy from trusted sources to avoid counterfeits!
Key Takeaways
- Serial numbers found on AirPods, in device settings, and on the packaging should all match exactly.
- Apple’s service coverage website can confirm if AirPods are genuine by recognizing valid serial numbers.
- Physical details like build quality and proper functionality provide additional proof of authentic Apple AirPods.
Verifying AirPods Authenticity
Spotting authentic AirPods requires checking both physical features and digital verification methods. These approaches help buyers avoid purchasing counterfeit products that might look similar but lack Apple’s quality and features.
Evaluating Physical Aspects
Real AirPods have distinct physical characteristics that separate them from fakes. The build quality of genuine Apple products feels solid and premium, while counterfeits often seem lighter or flimsier.
On authentic AirPods, check for precise seams and even coloring. The finish should be smooth without rough edges. The printing of text and logos appears crisp and clear, not blurry or misaligned.
The charging case deserves close inspection too. Genuine MagSafe charging cases have strong magnets and proper weight. The hinge moves smoothly without wobbling.
For AirPods with Lightning ports, examine the port carefully. Authentic ports fit Apple cables perfectly, while fake ones may be loose or too tight.
The LED indicator light on real AirPods cases shows the correct colors and patterns when charging or pairing. Counterfeits often use cheaper LEDs with incorrect colors or blinking patterns.
Checking the Serial Number
The most reliable method to verify AirPods authenticity is through the serial number. This unique identifier can be found in several places.
For paired AirPods, find the serial number on your iPhone by:
- Going to Settings
- Tapping General
- Selecting About
- Scrolling to your connected AirPods
You can also locate the serial number on AirPods themselves. The model number appears on the underside of each AirPod, starting with the letter “A”.
To verify the serial number, visit Apple’s official “Check Your Service and Support Coverage” website. Enter the serial number and complete the captcha. If the site recognizes the number, your AirPods are genuine.
Some serial number lookup tools can also check manufacturing date and warranty status. This provides extra confirmation of authenticity.
Utilizing Apple’s Online Resources
Apple provides official tools to check AirPods authenticity through its website. These resources help buyers verify if their AirPods are genuine by confirming the serial number is registered in Apple’s database.
Apple’s Online Coverage Checker
The most reliable way to verify AirPods authenticity is through Apple’s “Check Your Service and Support Coverage” page. This free tool confirms if the serial number is in Apple’s system.
To use this tool:
- Find the serial number on the AirPods case lid
- Visit Apple’s coverage checker website
- Enter the serial number in the search box
- Complete the captcha verification
- Click submit
If the system recognizes the serial number, it will display information about the AirPods including:
- Purchase date
- Warranty status
- Technical support eligibility
Fake AirPods typically have invalid serial numbers that won’t register in Apple’s database. Some counterfeiters use real serial numbers on multiple fake units, which might show as valid but with inaccurate purchase dates.
Apple’s Official Verification
Beyond the coverage checker, Apple offers additional ways to confirm AirPods authenticity. The Find My app provides another verification method for connected devices.
When authentic AirPods connect to an Apple device, they:
- Appear with the official product icon
- Show the correct model name
- Display proper firmware version
- Connect instantly using Apple’s H1 or H2 chip
The Apple Store app can also help verify genuine products. Apple-certified resellers like Amazon (through the official Apple store on Amazon) sell authentic products with valid serial numbers.
Signs of authentic AirPods include:
- Proper packaging with high-quality printing
- Precise build quality and materials
- Seamless Bluetooth pairing with Apple devices
- Full functionality in the Find My network
Users should avoid suspiciously discounted AirPods from unofficial resellers, as these often indicate counterfeits.
Where Is The Serial Number On Airpods
You can find the serial number for your AirPods on the underside of the lid of the charging case. You can also find it on the original packaging, receipt, or invoice.
On the charging case
- Look on the underside of the lid of your charging case
- The serial number is in the same place as the model number
On the packaging
- Look for the serial number next to the barcode on the original packaging
On the receipt or invoice
- The serial number is on the original product receipt or invoice
On the AirPods
- Each AirPod 2, 3, and 4, and AirPods Pro 1 and 2 has its own serial number printed on the AirPod itself
On the paired device
- You can find the serial number in the settings of the paired iPhone, iPad, or Mac
Using the Check Coverage tool
- You can enter the serial number into Apple’s Check Coverage tool to see details on your AirPods model, purchase date, and warranty
