Secret code check reveals if your Apple AirPods are fake – six signs you’ve been duped by counterfeit gadget sellers
FAKE Apple AirPods are easy to come by – and you may have been scammed without realizing it.
Thankfully there are several ways you can instantly expose a pair of AirPods as fake.
The U.S. Sun has rounded up some key clues to look for.
CHECK #1 – SERIAL NUMBER
One very easy check you should make before doing anything else is the serial number.
You’ll find this easily in two main places: on the packaging and inside Settings > Bluetooth (and then tapping on the small “i” icon next to the connected AirPods).
There’s also a third place you can find it, but it’s very small so you might struggle to read it.
Apple explains: “If you have AirPods or AirPods Pro, your AirPods and your charging case share a serial number.
“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).”
First, compare them to make sure that the packaging, settings, and charging case numbers all match up.
If they’re not all identical then something is amiss.
Then go to Apple’s website here and plug in the serial number.
If the serial number isn’t recognized (and the purchase date doesn’t look right) then you’ve got a fake.
However, there’s a chance that savvy counterfeiters have used a real serial number – so you’ll need to make some other checks.
CHECK #2 – TYPOS
An absolute dead give-away that your Apple AirPods are fake is spotting a typo on the packaging.
For instance, it might be a blatant error like spelling California wrong.
Or it could be using the wrong capitalizations for Apple branding, like:
- IPhone or iphone instead of iPhone
- IOS or ios instead of iOS
- Airpods instead of AirPods
Also, consider comparing your packaging to the packaging seen in your local Apple Store to see if it matches up.
CHECK #3 – FIRMWARE VERSION
Firmware is the way the software on your AirPods communicates with the physical hardware (i.e. the chips) inside the earbuds.
Apple will update the firmware from time to time, and it will have a version that you can check.
To find it, go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap on the small “i” icon next to the connected AirPods.
You’ll see a readout called “Version” that will show your firmware version.
You can check Apple’s latest firmware versions for all AirPods models at any time here.
If the firmware doesn’t match up – or doesn’t even appear – then you’re in trouble.
CHECK #4 – ACCESSORIES
Accessories are another easy check to see if you’ve been sold a fake.
If you go to any Apple product page and tap on Tech Specs, you’ll be able to find a section called In The Box.
This will list everything that comes in the product box as standard.
How to clean AirPods
It is important to keep your AirPods clean without damaging them. Follow the steps below to keep your AirPods in tip top shape,
AirPods Max
- Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth
- Wipe them with a damp cloth if they’ve been exposed to any liquids that may cause damage
- Wait until they’re fully dry before using them
- Avoid sharp objects or abrasive materials to clean them
- (Same as above)
- Clean microphone and speaker with a dry cotton swab
AirPods and AirPods Pro
- (Same as above)
- Clean microphone and speaker with a dry cotton swab
AirPods and AirPods Pro cases
- Slightly dampen the cloth with isopropyl alcohol or a soft, dry lint-free one
- Remove debris from the Lightning connection with a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush
- Avoid putting anything in the charging ports
Ear tips of AirPod Pros
- Use a dry, lint-free cloth with the ear tip facing downward to remove any accumulated water
- Pull ear tips of AirPods and rinse with water (don’t use soap or household cleaners)
- Wipe the ear tips with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth and make sure they’re completely dry before reattaching
For instance, the 2nd-generation Apple AirPods box includes:
- AirPods
- Lightning Charging Case
- Lightning to USB-A Cable
- Documentation
So if your box doesn’t contain exactly those items, you’re holding a fake.
CHECK #5 – CONNECTION
One of the big perks of Apple AirPods is that they connect easily and seamlessly to your iPhone.
Owners of genuine AirPods will know that when the case is opened, a pop-up appears on the iPhone showing battery life – or a connection option for first pairing.
If you’ve got a fake, you’ll need to manually connect them by going into your Bluetooth settings.
And you’ll never see the genuine Apple pop-ups with battery life.
If you’ve tried all of the above and you’re still not sure, you can simply take the AirPods to the Apple Store.
Apple staff will be able to work out very quickly whether you’re holding on to a phoney pair of AirPods.