Counterfeit alert: how to spot fake AirPods

Why fakes are harder to spot now

AirPods are among the most popular electronics in the world, which makes them a prime target. Counterfeit AirPods regularly appear in customs seizure announcements, including those published by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

• Many fakes show a pairing animation on an iPhone, just like the real thing
• Serial numbers copied from genuine units can pass Apple's online coverage check
• Boxes and printing are close enough to fool a quick look

Check the serial number properly

1. 1Find the serial in your iPhone's settings for the connected AirPods
2. 2Find the serial printed inside the case lid or on the case, depending on the model
3. 3Compare both with the serial on the box
4. 4Enter it on Apple's coverage check page and confirm the model shown is exactly the one you have

The case and earbuds

• The case feels solid, and the lid snaps shut firmly with a smooth hinge
• The charging port is centred and cleanly cut
• Printing inside the lid is sharp and correctly spaced
• The earbuds sit flush in the case, with no gaps
• Speaker meshes and sensors are neat and evenly placed

The packaging

• Printing is sharp, with consistent fonts and spacing
• Product photos on the box are crisp, not pixelated
• The model details on the label match the AirPods inside
• The box opens the way Apple boxes do, with clean inner trays

The software test

• The AirPods show the correct model name and firmware details in settings
• Features that model should have, such as noise control or spatial audio, work properly
• They can be added to Find My
• Battery levels and the sound quality are as you would expect