How to spot fake AirPods Pro: a complete guide

Counterfeits of AirPods Pro are flooding UK marketplaces, from Marketplace to third-party retailers. A fake pair looks nearly identical but lacks Apple’s build quality, software features, and warranty protection. Here’s how to verify you have genuine AirPods Pro before you buy, or if you’ve already purchased them.

How to spot fake AirPods Pro: visual checklist

The easiest authentication checks happen before you even power them on.

Packaging details

Genuine AirPods Pro packaging has precision print quality. Fake boxes show telltale signs:

• Print clarity. Real Apple boxes have crisp, black text. Fakes often show faded or slightly blurry print, especially on the back panel.
• “iOS” vs “ios”. Check the box carefully. Real packaging says “iOS” with a capital “i”. Counterfeiters frequently spell it “ios” in lowercase. This single mistake catches most fakes.
• Seal integrity. The sealing strip should break cleanly. Fakes show crooked tears or poor adhesive quality.
• Instruction booklet. Apple’s instructions are precisely cut and centred. Fake booklets are clumsily trimmed, with misaligned text and poor edge finishing.

Inside the box

Open it carefully.

• Case molding. Real AirPods Pro come in a box with a cardboard mould that holds the case securely. Fakes use cheap plastic inserts instead. Feel the weight and rigidity, the difference is obvious.
• Cable wrap. The charging cable includes a velcro wrap in genuine boxes. Fakes use basic tape or string.
• Interior labels. The inside of the box should be plain. Fakes often print battery capacity specs and input/output current information inside, something Apple never does.

Earbud & case quality

The physical product itself reveals the most.

• Earbud finish. Real AirPods Pro have a smooth, glossy finish. The speaker grilles are perfectly aligned. Fakes show rough finishes, misaligned components, and visible imperfections.
• Mesh quality. Look at the mesh covering the top of each earbud. Real ones have uniform, fine mesh. Fakes show coarser or uneven mesh patterns.
• Tip material. Genuine silicone tips are soft, flexible, and matched to your ear shape. Counterfeit tips feel cheap, thin, and fragile.
• Charging case. The case should feel solid and well-finished. Check the back inscription: it should be clear, centred, and properly aligned. Fakes show stretched, blurry, or off-centre text.

Technical verification: the digital tests

Visual checks catch most fakes, but technology doesn’t lie.

The Settings menu test

This is the fastest technical check.

1. Pair the AirPods Pro to your iPhone by opening the case near it.
2. Go to Settings > General > About.
3. Scroll down. You should see a dedicated “AirPods Pro” menu item.

If that menu doesn’t appear, the AirPods Pro are fake. Genuine Apple products display this setting, counterfeit ones don’t.

Serial number validation

This is the definitive check. Apple has a database of every genuine device.

1. Find the serial number. It’s printed on three places: inside the AirPods case (top inside edge), on the back of the box (usually top right), or in your iPhone settings (Settings > General > About > AirPods Pro > Serial Number).
2. Visit Apple’s support page: checkcoverage.apple.com
3. Enter your serial number and click Check Coverage.

Real AirPods Pro will show

• Device model and name
• Coverage status (valid or unverified purchase date)

Fake AirPods Pro will show

“We’re sorry, but we are unable to complete your request at this time.”
This error means the serial number doesn’t exist in Apple’s system. The AirPods are counterfeit.

Note: Serial numbers on fakes can be real (copied from existing devices), so this test isn’t foolproof. But paired with visual checks, it’s highly reliable.

Firmware updates

Connect genuine AirPods Pro to an iPhone with the latest iOS version. Go to Settings > General > About > AirPods Pro. If there’s a firmware update available, allow it. Fakes often fail to update properly or reject updates entirely. If your AirPods Pro won’t update, that’s a red flag.

Real vs fake AirPods Pro: sound & connectivity tests

Quality issues reveal themselves during use.

Active noise cancellation (ANC)

Real AirPods Pro have industry-leading ANC. When switched on, ANC creates a noticeable vacuum effect in your ears, blocking low-frequency noise like aircraft engines or traffic.

Fakes have weak or non-existent ANC. The difference is immediate.

Microphone performance

Call someone. On genuine AirPods Pro, your voice sounds clear and natural. The dual microphones pick up your voice while filtering background noise.

Fakes often have a single, cheap microphone. You’ll sound muffled, echoey, or distorted to the person on the other end. They may complain immediately.

Bluetooth connection stability

Real AirPods Pro connect instantly when you open the case near an iPhone, and switching between devices (iPhone to Mac to iPad) is seamless.

Fakes can take several seconds to connect, drop connection randomly, or refuse to switch devices at all. Test this in-store if possible.

Battery performance

Genuine AirPods Pro show accurate battery percentage in iOS. Fakes often show incorrect levels or drop unexpectedly.

Red flags: where fakes hide

Know where to avoid buying, and which prices should make you suspicious.

Suspicious marketplaces

• Alibaba, DHgate, AliExpress. These are wholesale hubs for counterfeiters. If you’re buying from these platforms, you’re likely getting fakes. Same with Wish.
• Street vendors and market stalls. AirPods Pro cost around £200 at Apple. If someone on the street is selling them for £50-100, they’re fake.
• Untrusted Facebook Marketplace sellers. Check feedback. New sellers with no history, or those offering multiple units, are red flags.

Price red flags

• Too cheap. Genuine AirPods Pro cost £200 (Apple Store UK) to £169-180 (authorised retailers). Anything significantly cheaper should raise suspicion.
• Suspiciously cheaper than everywhere else. If one seller’s price is 20-30% below the market rate, ask why. Fakes are the answer.
• Bundle deals. “Buy AirPods Pro + case + extras for £99” is not a deal, it’s a scam. Genuine bundles come from Apple or authorised retailers only.

Seller red flags

• New or unverified seller accounts. No feedback history means no accountability.
• Sellers claiming “overstocked” or “factory clearance”. Apple doesn’t work that way.
• Unwillingness to provide tracking or proof of authenticity. Real sellers offer these without question.
• Pressure to buy quickly. “Only 2 left, buy now or lose them” is a classic scam tactic.

Where to buy genuine AirPods Pro (and get verified devices via Vendi)

Protect yourself by shopping from trusted sources.

Official Apple Store (safest)

Visit apple.com/uk or any Apple retail store. You get:

• 100% authentic products
• Full Apple warranty (one year, extendable)
• Free setup and support
• Easy returns within 14 days

Price: £200 RRP (often discounted during sales).

Authorised UK retailers

Apple’s official partners sell genuine stock:

• John Lewis. Reliable, offers its own warranty on top.
• Currys. Stock genuine AirPods Pro and provide receipt-backed authenticity.
• Amazon.co.uk. Only buy if the seller is “Sold by Amazon.com” and “Shipped from Amazon.co.uk”. Third-party sellers on Amazon often stock fakes. Check the seller feedback carefully.
• Argos. Physical stores and online, all genuine stock.

Vendi: get verified devices

If you’re trading in old AirPods or looking to buy second-hand, Vendi verifies every device it receives.

Our process:

1. We authenticate every product using the same tests outlined above (plus professional equipment).
2. Only verified genuine devices are listed for sale.
3. All devices come with a 30-day Vendi guarantee.

This is how you avoid counterfeits on the second-hand market. Sell your old AirPods to Vendi or browse verified devices.

FAQ

How can you tell fake AirPods Pro?

Use the visual checklist first (packaging print, “iOS” spelling, case molding, earbud finish). Then run the digital tests: check the Settings menu for the dedicated AirPods Pro option, and validate the serial number on checkcoverage.apple.com. If any of these fail, the AirPods are fake.

Can you get fake AirPods Pro?

Yes. Counterfeiters produce thousands of fake AirPods Pro every month. They sell through Alibaba, DHgate, AliExpress, Marketplace, and opportunistic third-party sellers on Amazon. Many UK buyers have received fakes without realizing it. This is why authentication is critical.

Is it okay to wear fake AirPods?

No. Fakes have three major issues: (1) Poor sound quality and weak ANC, (2) No warranty or Apple support, (3) Battery unpredictability, and potential safety concerns from cheap materials. Genuine AirPods cost £200 once. Fakes cost you money and frustration repeatedly.

What do fake AirPods Pro serial numbers look like?

Real serial numbers are 12-14 character alphanumeric codes (e.g., FJ8R2Z3GX4K9). Fakes often use real serial numbers copied from other devices. The only reliable way to verify is to check the number on checkcoverage.apple.com. If Apple’s database doesn’t recognize it, it’s fake.

Do fake AirPods Pro connect to iPhone?

Yes, but with issues. Fakes will pair and work at a basic level. However, they show connection instability, fail to update firmware, and don’t display the dedicated Settings menu. Connection speed is noticeably slower than genuine AirPods Pro.

Where do fake AirPods Pro come from?

Counterfeit manufacturing hubs are concentrated in Southeast Asia and China. Products are shipped to UK marketplaces through intermediaries, often labeled as “bulk orders” or “overstock”. Sellers claim authenticity but provide no verification. Alibaba and DHgate are primary distribution channels; Marketplace, eBay, and Amazon third-party sellers are secondary.

Can I return fake AirPods Pro?

Legally, yes. If you bought from Amazon, Currys, or any major retailer, you can return them within their return window (usually 14-30 days) and request a refund. If you bought from a private Marketplace seller, it’s harder. Marketplace disputes are notoriously difficult to win. Prevention (buying from trusted sellers) is far easier than fighting returns.

Are fake AirPods Pro safe to use?

Counterfeits are made from cheap materials not subject to Apple’s safety testing. There have been isolated reports of poor battery performance, overheating, and materials that cause ear irritation. While serious injuries are rare, the risk is real. Stick to genuine products.

Final word

You’ve spent time researching. Now spend the extra few minutes checking authenticity before you buy. One serial number validation, one Settings menu check, these take 60 seconds and save you £200.

If you’re selling used AirPods Pro, Vendi verifies every device before we pay. Sell to Vendi and know your tech is going to someone who’ll verify it’s genuine