How to authenticate genuine AirPods (2024)

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User profile for user: kasun235

kasun235

User level: Level1

12 points

Mar 11, 2024 11:41 AM in response to LucaHampel

Is it orginal or fake,because i baught 10.03.2024 but warranty mention until 24.11.2024.please advice

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User profile for user: p0larboy

p0larboy

User level: Level1

8 points

Feb 29, 2024 2:24 AM in response to LucaHampel

Based on the photos and serial number, it appears to be authentic.

There are also several quick tests you can do:

Assess build quality - real ones are metal, not plastic.
Inspect ear cups - should be smooth, without unevenness or excess seams. (check out the images)
Examine the mesh headband for firmness. Fake ones have headbands that are loose and poorly made.
Check buttons - real ones feel premium, not stiff or overly clicky.
Look at the charging port and LEDs - should align perfectly and not exhibit unusual colors like blue.

To be absolutely sure, bring it down to the Apple Store and get it checked out.

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User profile for user: Mac Jim ID

Mac Jim ID

User level: Level6

10,341 points

Mar 11, 2024 12:06 PM in response to kasun235

kasun235 wrote:

Is it orginal or fake,because i baught 10.03.2024 but warranty mention until 24.11.2024.please advice

The only way you will know for sure is to purchase from Apple or Authorized Apple seller. The serial number can be faked just as easily as the device. If purchased from a third party site, they could be used devices that are repackaged and that is all that is left on the warranty. As the warning says, there is no purchase date information, so the warranty information is not accurate. Among other things that you may experience with used or fake AirPods are:

Activation Lock
Poor Audio Quality
Find My may not work
Noise Cancellation may not work

You really only have 2 choices:

Purchase from Apple or Authorized Apple seller and be guaranteed that they are genuine.
Purchase from a third party and take a chance if any of the features will work.

One thing you can not do reliably is to verify a pair are genuine unless you take it apart, which will destroy them. There is no magic number that you can give that will verify the authenticity. In any case as long as you are happy with them, it does not matter. Warranty may be an issue, but the only way to resolve that would be the original purchase receipt from Apple.

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User profile for user: Mac Jim ID

Mac Jim ID

User level: Level6

10,341 points

Dec 27, 2023 7:46 AM in response to LucaHampel

Serial numbers can be faked as well and usually are when dealing with a fake set of AirPods. The only way to guarantee they are real is to buy from Apple. The fake AirPod market is huge and you will find many that look legitimate. You may find a fake pair that work, but will likely have some features that will not including noise cancellation, find my, and will not be covered by warranty. Also the audio quality will be poor. The choice is yours and will depend on if you think the gamble will be worth it. The other concern is if they are used, they could be locked to the original owner and will be no use to you.

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User profile for user: Mac Jim ID

Mac Jim ID

User level: Level6

10,341 points

Mar 12, 2024 7:24 AM in response to kasun235

kasun235 wrote:

i bought from apple reseller

If purchased from Authorized reseller, then yes they are genuine and you just need to update your Purchase Date. This is detailed in these 2 Support Articles:

About the purchase date or expiration date for your AppleCare agreement - Apple Support

Update your proof of purchase - Apple Support

To update your Proof of Purchase, you will need the original purchase receipts, serial number of device, and AppleCare agreement number. To check the agreement number and also more information about your AppleCare plan, check here:

Find information about your warranty or AppleCare plan - Apple Support

To verify the reseller is Authorized:

Find Locations

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User profile for user: snavemarc

snavemarc

User level: Level1

8 points

Dec 27, 2023 7:47 AM in response to LucaHampel

They appear to be genuine. Be mindful of red flags such as price, as counterfeiters can create very convincing replicas, provide S/N for a genuine product, and then sell you a fake. It won't be easy to know without inspecting and holding them yourself. As I mentioned, the S/N provided is genuinely attached to Airpods Pro Max.

FAQs

How to verify AirPods as genuine? ›

Look for their serial number on the box and put it into Apple's Check Coverage tool. You'll see details on your AirPods model, purchase date, and warranty if they're genuine.

Read On ›

Can fake AirPods have a genuine serial number? ›

Consider the serial number: It is possible for a counterfeiter to use cloned serial numbers. For example, the counterfeiter takes the serial number from a 100% legit pair of AirPods and prints that on the box for their 100% non-legit pair of AirPods.

Discover More Details ›

How to fix cannot verify AirPods? ›

2. Unpair and Re-pair AirPods

Go to Settings > Bluetooth. Under My devices, look for the name of your AirPods. ...
Scroll down to see the option of Forget this Device and then tap on it. Tap on Forgot Device to confirm.
Now you can connect AirPods to iPhone again in the way we have just mentioned.

Jul 24, 2023

Is it worth buying fake AirPods? ›

There's a chance of a battery explosion due to excess heat or a short circuit. And you can't blame the company because these are fake AirPods. That's why it's almost always best to get a genuine accessory, especially if it's a product that stays on your body.

See Details ›

How to check AirPods serial number? ›

AirPods or AirPods Pro

You can find the serial number on the underside of the lid of your Charging Case, Wireless Charging Case, MagSafe Charging Case, Lightning Charging Case for AirPods (3rd generation), or MagSafe Charging Case (Lightning or USB-C) for AirPods Pro (2nd generation).

Find Out More ›

How to check fake AirPods? ›

Counterfeiters are getting better every day, but one area where they might mess up is the serial number. Every original AirPods box comes with a serial number, so make sure you head over to the Apple serial number checker page and type in the serial number of your wireless earbuds to see if they are genuine or not.

Tell Me More ›

How to check if an Apple product is a real serial number? ›

Enter the Serial Number here: https://checkcoverage.apple.com/. View the Results: If all shows up as an AirPod, then you are fine. If not, then these are fake.

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Can fake AirPods be tracked? ›

No Find My Support. Fake AirPods Pro models generally do not work with Apple's “Find My” feature.

Explore More ›

Can iOS 17 detect fake AirPods? ›

Let your iPhone be the judge

The easiest way to spot fake AirPods is to pair them with your iPhone. New iPhones have a built-in verification check to detect counterfeit AirPods.

Can I update fake AirPods? ›

To help verify that your AirPods are genuine, identify your AirPods. If they do happen to not be genuine AirPods then they may not be able to be updated to the current firmware for AirPods.

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Are fake AirPods compatible? ›

Other signs will be painfully obvious as well, as features like “find my” earbuds won't work with counterfeits, as they're Apple-exclusive features. While it may seem like a really obvious thing to say, it's insanely difficult to make fake AirPods that will work with every feature Apple offers.

Read The Full Story ›

Can you still use fake AirPods on iOS 16? ›

iOS 16 Alerts iPhone Users When Trying to Pair Counterfeit AirPods, But Doesn't Block Them. iOS 16 will warn users who try to pair counterfeit AirPods with their iPhone or iPad, according to code found in the release candidate beta released to developers on Wednesday.

See Details ›

How to factory reset AirPods? ›

Do one of the following: AirPods (all generations) or AirPods Pro (all generations): Put the AirPods in their case, close the lid, then wait 30 seconds. Open the lid, then press and hold the setup button on the back of the case for about 15 seconds, until the status light flashes amber, then white.

Get More Info Here ›

What are unverified AirPods? ›

On the other hand, if you're attempting to connect earbuds that are fraudulently parading as AirPods, you may get a "cannot verify AirPods" message, indicating the earbuds are possibly a knockoff of official AirPods.

How to check if AirPods are original on Reddit? ›

The serial on bottom of the box should match the lid of the case, and the two individual airpods should have their own, separate serial number that is longer than the case and it should not be the same. They should be different serials on each side too.