Apple’s AirPods have become immensely popular in recent years due to their sleek design and seamless integration with Apple devices. Unfortunately, the rising demand for these wireless earbuds has led to the emergence of counterfeit products in the market. Generally, users don’t know how to tell if AirPods are fake.
Fake AirPods compromise the audio experience and pose potential risks to the user. With the popularity of AirPods, counterfeit versions have flooded the market. Therefore, it is crucial to be able to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit AirPods.
In this article, we’ll explain various methods to tell if AirPods are Fake.
How To Tell If AirPods Are Fake?
In addition to Apple suffering a yearly loss of $3.2 billion due to counterfeit AirPods, the safety of users is also compromised by reports of these fake AirPods exploding.
Authenticating AirPods can be pretty challenging. Counterfeit AirPods are improving each year, with some managing to pass the serial number check and even replicating exclusive AirPod features.
Nonetheless, it is possible to differentiate between genuine and fake AirPods, especially with the introduction of new features by Apple and a discerning eye. You should remember some key points before buying AirPods to ensure legitimacy.
1. Identify Counterfeit AirPods Using iOS Devices:
With the introduction of iOS 16, determining the authenticity of your AirPods has become a breeze right from your iOS device. Gone are the days of extensive verification procedures!
Now, all you need to do is connect your AirPods by opening the lid and bringing them near your iOS device with Bluetooth enabled. This action triggers a prompt informing you whether your AirPods are genuine or counterfeit.
However, it’s important to note that this new feature doesn’t prevent you from pairing a fake set of AirPods with your iOS devices.
Instead, it serves to notify users about the authenticity of their AirPods, emphasizing that the fake pair may not perform as well as the genuine ones.
2. Check The Serial Number:
Each pair of genuine AirPods has a unique serial number that can be verified through Apple’s official website or the Find My app. Counterfeit AirPods may have a fake or duplicate serial number, or they may not have one at all.
It is crucial to cross-check the serial number to ensure you are purchasing genuine Apple products. Here’s how to check Serial numbers on AirPods.
Head on to Apple’s check coverage page.
Now you need to enter your AirPod’s serial number. There are two ways to get the serial number.
Firstly, if your AirPods are connected to an iPhone or iPad, you can access the Bluetooth menu and tap on the “i” icon next to their name. This will open a page where you can find the serial number listed.
Secondly, you can locate the serial number inside the case itself. The serial number is engraved in the section where your left AirPod rests. If you own AirPods Max, the serial number can be found beneath the left ear cushion. Using a magnifying glass to ensure clear visibility of the serial number may be helpful.
- Enter the serial number on Apple’s check coverage page. It will tell you the genuine of the AirPods.
3. Check The Charging Port:
Before connecting the AirPods in question, it’s essential to examine the external features of the case for potential indications of counterfeit. Firstly, check the bottom of the case to ensure it has a Lightning port rather than a USB-C or micro USB port.
Additionally, pay attention to the multifunction button on the back of the case. Counterfeit AirPods often display signs of cheaper manufacturing, such as loose hinges, scuffs, dents, visible seams, and rough raised areas.
4. Price Difference:
One of the first signs of fake AirPods is a significantly lower price compared to the retail price set by Apple. Counterfeit manufacturers often try to attract buyers with unbelievably low prices.
There’s an old saying, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.” Be cautious when encountering suspiciously cheap AirPods.
5. Packaging And Box:
Authentic AirPods come in high-quality packaging with precise printing and attention to detail. Examine the box for poor craftsmanship, misspellings, or inconsistent logo placement. Counterfeit AirPods may have packaging that looks similar but lacks the same level of quality and precision.
6. Check The AirPods:
When examining fake AirPods, several noticeable signs indicate they do not adhere to the original specifications. For instance, you may observe loose grilles or a deviation in the shape of the AirPods compared to the official photos displayed on Apple’s website or other authorized sources.
Another distinct characteristic is the absence of a force sensor indentation on the stem, which might be replaced by a button or completely missing.
Furthermore, you should be able to identify minor flaws such as poorly-fastened materials, visible seams that are not well-aligned, or irregularly-shaped nozzles.
These discrepancies indicate that the AirPods are likely counterfeit and do not meet the standard quality expected from genuine Apple products.
Conclusion:
That’s how to tell if AirPods are fake. These are some sure short formulas that you can adhere to prevent buying fake AirPods. With the increasing prevalence of counterfeit AirPods, it is crucial to identify genuine products. So, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
