When you buy AirPods, you might be worried that someone will try to scam you. This is completely understandable, as they are expensive and you want to get what you are paying for. Fortunately, you can spot fake AirPods by going through the following steps:
Check the Serial Number
The most reliable way to tell if AirPods are fake is to check the serial number. All Apple products come with a serial number, and you can confirm it on the official Apple website. You can open the case, and you will find a code on the underside of the lid. If you can’t read the serial number, you can also find it by connecting the AirPods to your iPhone or other IOS device. Connect the AirPods and go to your settings. Under General, you will find About and then AirPods.
The serial number is also on the original packaging. You will see it next to the barcode. It will also appear on the original invoice. When you type the serial number in on the Apple website, it will tell you if they have a valid purchase date and whether or not they have any service coverage left.
Look at the AirPods Box
It is important to look at the details of the box. The real AirPods have a box where attention is paid to details. The space between the cover and the box will be tight. On a fake box, you might notice that the gap is uneven between the box and the cover.
In addition, the authentic box will have a picture of the lightning cable that goes to the bottom. The fake box will often have the lightning cable cut off. You might also notice that the font is different on the fake box. It might be thicker and in a different shade of black. The font might also carry more reflection than the authentic box. You might find that the font is in a bold black color where it should be light black in some places and gray in others. Be sure to examine the box to look for these little details.
Notice Differences in the AirPods
You will want to examine the AirPods and the case to determine if they are authentic. The AirPods themselves will have a diffuser that is an oval shape, whereas the fakes will often have a round shape. There are two white strips on the diffuser, and on the fakes, they are a different color and set at deeper levels.
The diffuser on the side of the AirPod will be aligned with the circle, and on the fakes, it might be off. If you look at this part of the AirPod closely, you may be able to see the difference in quality.
The case will also have some differences. The circle on the fake case is higher than it is on the real one. It will say Designed by Apple in California Assembled in China on the bottom, but the text might be thicker and darker on the fake version. It should be very subtle and printed grey.
The hinge on the case will also have differences. You will notice that Apple products are high quality with attention to detail, while the fake case will be lower quality with a sharper hinge. The material on the hinge might be mirror shaped. Finally, the lightning port on the fake might be thicker and appear to be a lower quality part.
When you buy AirPods, you need to make sure that they are authentic, and you can use these tips. Remember to check the serial number, the case, and the AirPods themselves. You will notice distinct differences on the fake set. Checking the serial number is the best way to be sure that they are not fake. Make sure that you get this number from a seller before you pay for them.