Secret code check reveals if your Apple AirPods are fake – six signs you’ve been scammed by counterfeit device sellers

FAKE Apple AirPods are easy to find – and you may have been scammed without realizing it.

Fortunately, there are several ways to instantly expose a pair of AirPods as fake.

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The US Sun has put together some important clues to look for.

CHECK #1 – SERIAL NUMBER

A very easy check you should do before doing anything else is the serial number.

You’ll easily find this in two main places: on the packaging and inside Settings > Bluetooth (and then tapping the little “i” icon next to connected AirPods).

There is also a third place you can find it, but it is very small so you may have trouble reading it.

Apple explains: “If you have AirPods or AirPods Pro, your AirPods and their charging case share a serial number.

“You can find the serial number on the bottom of the lid of your charging case, wireless charging case, MagSafe charging case, Ray 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 the packaging, settings, and charging case numbers match.

If they are not all identical, something is wrong.

Then go to the Apple website here and enter the serial number.

If the serial number isn’t recognized (and the purchase date doesn’t look correct), you’re a fake.

However, there’s a chance that experienced forgers have used a real serial number – so you’ll need to do some other checks.

CHECK #2 – Typing error

A dead giveaway that your Apple AirPods are fake is spotting a typo on the packaging.

For example, it could be a glaring error, like spelling California wrong.

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Or it could be using the wrong capitalization for the Apple brand, such as:

• IPhone or iphone instead iPhone
• IOS or ios instead of iOS
• Airpods instead of AirPods

Also, consider comparing your packaging to the packaging seen at your local Apple Store to see if it matches.

CHECK #3 – FIRMWARE VERSION

Firmware is the way the software in your AirPods communicates with the physical hardware (i.e. the chips) inside the earbuds.

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Apple will update the firmware from time to time and will have a version you can check.

To find it, go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap the little “i” icon next to your connected AirPods.

You will see a readout called “Version” that will show your firmware version.

You can check Apple’s latest firmware versions for all AirPods models any time here.

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If the firmware doesn’t match – or doesn’t even appear at all – then you’re in trouble.

CHECK #4 – ACCESSORIES

Accessories are another easy check to see if you have been sold a fake.

If you go to any Apple product page and tap Tech Specs, you’ll find a section called In The Box.

This will list everything that comes in the product box as standard.

How to clean AirPods

It’s 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
• Clean them with a damp cloth if they have been exposed to any liquid that could cause damage
• Wait until they are completely dry before using them
• Avoid sharp objects or abrasive materials to clean them
• (Same as above)
• Clean the microphone and speaker with a dry cotton swab

AirPods and AirPods Pro

• (Same as above)
• Clean the microphone and speaker with a dry cotton swab

AirPods and AirPods Pro Cases

• Lightly dampen the cloth with isopropyl alcohol or a soft, dry, lint-free cloth
• Remove debris from the Lightning connection with a clean, dry, soft-bristled brush
• Avoid placing anything in the charging ports

AirPod Pros ear tips

• Use a dry, lint-free cloth with the ear tip facing down to remove any accumulated water
• Pull the ear tips from the AirPods and rinse with water (do not use soap or household cleaners)
• Clean the ear tips with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth and make sure they are completely dry before replacing them.

For example, the 2nd generation Apple AirPods case includes:

• AirPods
• Lightning Charging Case
• Lightning to USB-A cable
• Documentation

Therefore, if your box does not contain these exact items, you are holding a fake.

CHECK #5 – CONNECTION

One of the great advantages of Apple AirPods is that they connect easily and seamlessly to your iPhone.

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Owners of original AirPods will know that when the case is opened, a pop-up will appear on the iPhone showing battery life – or a connection option for the first pairing.

If you have a fake one, you will need to connect them manually by going into your Bluetooth settings.

And you will never see the original battery-powered Apple pop-ups.

If you’ve tried all of the above and still aren’t sure, just take your AirPods to the Apple Store.

The Apple team will be able to find out very quickly if you are holding a fake pair of AirPods.