How to authenticate genuine AirPods

Is it orginal or fake,because i baught 10.03.2024 but warranty mention until 24.11.2024.please advice

kasun235 wrote:

Is it orginal or fake,because i baught 10.03.2024 but warranty mention until 24.11.2024.please advice

The only way you will know for sure is to purchase from Apple or Authorized Apple seller. The serial number can be faked just as easily as the device. If purchased from a third party site, they could be used devices that are repackaged and that is all that is left on the warranty. As the warning says, there is no purchase date information, so the warranty information is not accurate. Among other things that you may experience with used or fake AirPods are:

• Activation Lock
• Poor Audio Quality
• Find My may not work
• Noise Cancellation may not work

You really only have 2 choices:

• Purchase from Apple or Authorized Apple seller and be guaranteed that they are genuine.
• Purchase from a third party and take a chance if any of the features will work.

One thing you can not do reliably is to verify a pair are genuine unless you take it apart, which will destroy them. There is no magic number that you can give that will verify the authenticity. In any case as long as you are happy with them, it does not matter. Warranty may be an issue, but the only way to resolve that would be the original purchase receipt from Apple.

Serial numbers can be faked as well and usually are when dealing with a fake set of AirPods. The only way to guarantee they are real is to buy from Apple. The fake AirPod market is huge and you will find many that look legitimate. You may find a fake pair that work, but will likely have some features that will not including noise cancellation, find my, and will not be covered by warranty. Also the audio quality will be poor. The choice is yours and will depend on if you think the gamble will be worth it. The other concern is if they are used, they could be locked to the original owner and will be no use to you.

Based on the photos and serial number, it appears to be authentic.

There are also several quick tests you can do:

1. Assess build quality - real ones are metal, not plastic.
2. Inspect ear cups - should be smooth, without unevenness or excess seams. (check out the images)
3. Examine the mesh headband for firmness. Fake ones have headbands that are loose and poorly made.
4. Check buttons - real ones feel premium, not stiff or overly clicky.
5. Look at the charging port and LEDs - should align perfectly and not exhibit unusual colors like blue.

To be absolutely sure, bring it down to the Apple Store and get it checked out.

kasun235 wrote:

i bought from apple reseller

If purchased from Authorized reseller, then yes they are genuine and you just need to update your Purchase Date. This is detailed in these 2 Support Articles:

About the purchase date or expiration date for your AppleCare agreement - Apple Support

Update your proof of purchase - Apple Support

To update your Proof of Purchase, you will need the original purchase receipts, serial number of device, and AppleCare agreement number. To check the agreement number and also more information about your AppleCare plan, check here:

Find information about your warranty or AppleCare plan - Apple Support

To verify the reseller is Authorized:

Find Locations

They appear to be genuine. Be mindful of red flags such as price, as counterfeiters can create very convincing replicas, provide S/N for a genuine product, and then sell you a fake. It won't be easy to know without inspecting and holding them yourself. As I mentioned, the S/N provided is genuinely attached to Airpods Pro Max.

If “genuine” is important to you, purchase them from Apple or an Apple-authorized reseller.

If you purchase “elsewhere” … then “genuine” obviously isn’t THAT important to you.

The online marketplace is absolutely flooded with counterfeits.

Caveat emptor.

[Edited by Moderator]

Serial number checks out.

[Edited by Moderator]

i bought from apple reseller

Thanks for replying; I hadn’t yet been able to look up those reference links