User profile for user: eviandrinker
eviandrinker Author
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AirPods Pro show one serial number on the box but a different one on my iphone

I bought a pair of AirPods Pro during thanksgiving. The serial number on the box is different from the one that shows when they’re connected on my iPhone. Which didn’t occur to me that it could potentially be an issue. Unfortunately someone smashed the window of my car the following day and stole the cas before I had the chance to register for Apple Care.

when I reach out to Apple support they see the serial number that apparently was for previous AirPods.

Im Trying to get a replacement case and then get coverage. The purchase is less than a week old. Is that even possible?

i bought the AirPods on Amazon and Amazon is now telling me I can buy Apple care for them, but it’s in reference to the serial number of the case…which got stolen. What should I do? Any help would be very appreciated!

AirPods Pro (2nd generation)

Posted on Nov 28, 2023 8:16 PM

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User profile for user: eviandrinker
eviandrinker Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Posted on Dec 8, 2023 9:06 AM

Thanks for responding and apologies for the late follow up.


I ended up going to an Apple store and the gentleman that assisted was very helpful. I bought a new charging case. He did mention that, though the Airpods have a different serial number than the actual case, when I put the Airpods in the case and let them charge for 90min without trying to sync them with my phone, the serial number on the case will bind with the Airpods, essentially creating 1 unique serial number when I sync my Airpods.

He was right. After unpairing the Airpods with my phone, I bought the new case and charged the Airpods for 90+min. I opened the case and my iPhone asked if I wanted to pair, which I did. I looked at the serial number that showed on both the case and on my phone and it was the same. I was able to buy Apple Care + after that, so in the end it got fixed and I love my Airpods. Just a little headache to have to deal with a case stolen like this the day after Thanksgiving

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User profile for user: eviandrinker
eviandrinker Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Dec 8, 2023 9:06 AM in response to brbo

Thanks for responding and apologies for the late follow up.


I ended up going to an Apple store and the gentleman that assisted was very helpful. I bought a new charging case. He did mention that, though the Airpods have a different serial number than the actual case, when I put the Airpods in the case and let them charge for 90min without trying to sync them with my phone, the serial number on the case will bind with the Airpods, essentially creating 1 unique serial number when I sync my Airpods.

He was right. After unpairing the Airpods with my phone, I bought the new case and charged the Airpods for 90+min. I opened the case and my iPhone asked if I wanted to pair, which I did. I looked at the serial number that showed on both the case and on my phone and it was the same. I was able to buy Apple Care + after that, so in the end it got fixed and I love my Airpods. Just a little headache to have to deal with a case stolen like this the day after Thanksgiving

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User profile for user: brbo
brbo
User level: Level 8
39,079 points

Nov 29, 2023 2:12 PM in response to eviandrinker

Hi, and welcome to the Apple (user-to-user) Community.


Re: AirPods Pro show one serial number on the box but a different one on my iphone.


Sorry you lost your case so soon. Am no expert in this area, yet your request certainly deserves some response.

Seems AirPods usually come with a warranty. More info: about Warranty: Legal - Hardware Warranties - Apple


AirPods may not need need to be registered. They are automatically tied to your Apple ID once they are paired with your device.


Apple support's online article (link below)

says: "If you have AirPods or AirPods Pro, your AirPods and your charging case share a serial number".

How to: Find the serial number of your AirPods - Apple Support


You can generally enter a serial number online to: Check Your Service and Support Coverage - Apple Support

(You can often then follow onscreen instructions)

__________________

About Replacement : AirPods Repair & Service - Apple Support AirPods Repair & Service - Apple Support


More info: AirPods Express Replacement Service”

AirPods Express Replacement Service - Apple Support


If you decide to visit an Apple Store: a Genius Bar reservation is recommended:

(You would likely need to take your airpods, your receipt, and ID along with you. )

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Appl

_______________________________________

Apple Care Purchases and support webpage:

AppleCare Products - Apple

________

Resource:

AirPods User Guide - Apple Support

__________________________

More support . info. if needed:

AirPods Support Website: Find all the topics, resources, and contact options you need for your AirPods...

AirPods Support - Official Apple Support


All the best :-)

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AirPods Pro show one serial number on the box but a different one on my iphone

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