How to Identify a Real AirPod from a Fake

Along with the $3.2 billion in annual losses that fake AirPods cause Apple, tales of phony AirPods bursting put customers’ safety in jeopardy.

AirPods can be difficult to authenticate, unfortunately. Every year, fake AirPods improve, with some even passing the serial number verification and featuring AirPod-only functionality.

However, it is feasible to distinguish fakes from genuine items, particularly with Apple’s new capabilities and sharp eye. And we looked into fake AirPods to compile a list of every feasible method. Continue reading as we discuss the six greatest methods to tell if your AirPods are authentic or phony.

1. How to Spot Fake AirPods on iOS Devices

With the release of iOS 16, you can easily determine on your iOS devices if your AirPods are genuine or fraudulent. You don’t need to go to great measures to confirm the validity of your AirPods!

To test this question, just open the AirPods’ lid and place them next to your iOS device (with Bluetooth switched on).

However, using a fake set of AirPods to pair with your iOS devices is still possible with the help of this new functionality. Users are simply informed of the validity of their AirPods and are made aware that a fraudulent pair may not function as effectively as a real pair.

2. Try Exclusive Features That False AirPods Can’t Match.

The game-changing capabilities of AirPods are exclusive to Apple’s software. These unique Apple-only characteristics can help you determine whether or not your AirPods are phony.

Whether they are genuine or not, you can’t help but feel terrible after losing a pair of AirPods. The genuine AirPods may be located again using the Find My app, however, the knockoffs are likely to be lost indefinitely.

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3. How to Check an AirPods Serial Number

There are several tests you may perform if you’re purchasing from a third party and don’t have the time to confirm the AirPods’ authenticity through a software check. One of which is the serial number on the AirPods.

Apple is able to trace certain units throughout inventory because of this.

Additionally, Apple analyzes serial numbers to pinpoint problematic batches. The serial number serves as users’ assurance that a product truly originated with Apple and not with any other manufacturer.

4. How to Recognize Fake AirPods by Packaging

Anyone with even a passing familiarity with tech businesses is aware of how meticulous Apple is about even the smallest of aspects, like the packaging.

Because of this, producers of knockoff earbuds appear to struggle more to create high-quality packaging than the actual earphones.

5. Physical Tests to Tell Real from Fake AirPods

Although the AirPods might only appear to be a wireless version of the original EarPods, they are much more than that. The AirPods were a true testament to Apple’s attention to detail; therefore most copycat makers are prone to overlook minor details.

The physical distinctions between authentic and counterfeit AirPods, however, are far more minor than those in the box. High-quality counterfeits can readily pass for originals to the inexperienced eye.

6. Unique AirPods Pro Authenticity Checks

While many of the characteristics we’ve covered so far apply to both the regular AirPods and the AirPods Pro, there are several telltale signs that uniquely reveal if your AirPods Pro are counterfeit.

This is due to the fact that AirPods Pro differs from normal AirPods in terms of both technology and design. For instance, although AirPods Pro (1 & 2) are in-ear monitors, AirPods 1, 2, & 3 are earbuds.