AirPods are among the best earbuds on the market, which is why everyone wants them. However, the demand is also the reason why a lot of people are making fakes. Whether you're buying from an unofficial store or purchasing used ones (please don't), here are ways you can make sure it's the real deal.
1. Ask for the Packaging
You can tell a lot about whether an item is a fake based on the packaging. In case you don't know, Apple products come in thick paperboard boxes, and the outer layer of it is smooth and matte-like. Other than that, you should also check the content of the box.
If you're buying it as a brand-new item, there should be a safety sheet and a warranty card. If those two are missing, then you got yourself a fake. If you are buying used ones, best to get one that still has these documents just to make sure.
2. Check the Product
Depending on the model you're purchasing, check the charging port to see what kind of charger it uses. The earlier models of AirPods still use the Lightning cable. The AirPods Pro 2nd generation already uses a USB-C cable, so this method of checking no longer works for that model.
On both the AirPods themselves as well as the charging case, look closely at how the device is put together. Apple products are built like they were a whole, meaning that you won't find visible seams or protruding plastic from the edges.
3. See How It Works
If you're using your AirPods with an Apple device, you can easily tell if they are counterfeit. For one, the AirPods will easily pair with Apple devices. If you have trouble connecting it to your iPhone, iPad, or other Apple products, it's more than likely that it's fake.
Since that's not a 100% guarantee, you can try the "Find My" feature to see if it works as well. Since it's an exclusive feature for Apple products, earbuds manufactured by other companies will not respond to the locator app.
Check the status lights as well. Authentic AirPods have various LED colors depending on the current circumstance. The location of the light is also important. It's just a small dot below the opening of the case.
When the light is green, it means that the AirPods or the case is fully charged. If the light is white, it means that your AirPods are pairing with a device. It doesn't happen often, but it can also flash an orange light when there are issues with the listening device.
4. Look for the Serial Number
Luckily for you when you're buying from a physical store and you can get a hold of the box, it already has the serial number which you can see without breaking the seal. You can check through https://checkcoverage.apple.com if it's the real thing.
If you're buying a used pair (again, please don't), there's also one that's in every charging case. They can be found right under the lid. If that's missing, then you'll know right away that it's counterfeit. If there's a serial number, it's still better to check it through the website.
