AirPods are fantastic wireless headphones. But on the outside they are all the same. Would you know how to identify AirPods and differentiate them from each other? We propose several solutions.
Introduced in 2017, AirPods have become one of the most recognizable Apple products . It is common to see someone wearing them in their ears while walking, running or traveling on public transport. And with so many in use around us, it is inevitable to ask: is it possible to identify AirPods with the naked eye and thus avoid possible confusion?
Obviously, if you have just bought them, you will know which model of AirPods you have in your hands. Or in your ears. Or in its charging case. But if it’s a gift or you’ve had them for a long time, you may have a hard time remembering if they are first, second or third generation, Pro or Max. Not only that. If you live with more people, would you know how to identify your AirPods and differentiate them from others?
The question may seem silly, but it wouldn’t be the first time someone has confused a jacket, a bag, or a phone. And that in the latter case you can look at the home screen and see if it has your custom background or someone else’s. But with some AirPods this is not the case. Unless you have made an engraving, they are identical.
Luckily, there are several ways to find out if you own the AirPods you’re wearing or if you’ve mistaken them for someone else’s. Let’s see how.
- The importance of the model number
- Identify your AirPods from your iPhone
- Identify AirPods with charging case
- Find the model number on AirPods
- What if I need the serial number?
- Identify the charging case for your AirPods
- The latest charging cases
- Find your lost AirPods
The importance of the model number
Normally, there is no problem in identifying your AirPods if you always keep them in their charging case. Or if you have them linked to your iPhone through the Bluetooth connection. But it can happen that, at home, in class or at work, two or more people have the same type of AirPods and the unthinkable happens.
Whether this is your case or simply if you want to know which AirPods model you have in your hands, the key is in the model number . Each pair of AirPods has its own identification number . Just like any Apple device you buy or own. Knowing this number will help you obtain information about your warranty, if you need to repair it or about the year of manufacture.
AirPods models and model numbers:
- 1st Generation AirPods(introduced in 2017): A1523, A1722
- 2nd Generation AirPods(introduced in 2019): A2032, A2031
- 1st Generation AirPods Pro(introduced in 2019): A2084, A2083
- AirPods Max(introduced in 2020): A2096
- 3rd Generation AirPods(introduced in 2021): A2565 and A2564
- 2nd Generation AirPods Pro(introduced in 2022): A2931, A2699 and A2698
Identify your AirPods from your iPhone
First way to find the model number of your AirPods: through pairing with your iPhone. As easy as going to Settings > Bluetooth or Settings > your AirPods . In versions prior to iOS 14, you may need to go to Settings > General > About .
Once in Bluetooth , you will see a list of paired devices. Click on the information icon next to the name of your AirPods and you will see a series of important data such as model name, model number, serial number, etc. Resolved.
One clue that the AirPods you’re wearing aren’t yours is that your iPhone will ask you to pair them like you did the first time. Something that shouldn’t be necessary. You may also see a “ You are wearing an AirPod device” message on the screen as if it is the first time detecting those AirPods.
Identify AirPods with charging case
Another way to find out if the AirPods you’re wearing are yours is through the charging case . Please note that both devices are linked . And while you can use another charging case to charge your AirPods battery, according to official Apple support, if you do that as is, the status light will blink amber . This occurs when the charging case and AirPods are not paired . It could be a specific error or it could be a different AirPods or charging case.
Regarding the status light of the charging case, remember these possibilities:
- Flashing white light: Appears when you press the pairing button.
- Green light: the case is charged. If there are AirPods inside, they are charged.
- Amber Light– Means the case and/or AirPods have a low battery.
- Flashing amber light: There is a pairing issue between the case and AirPods.
Find the model number on AirPods
If you don’t have your iPhone handy and you only have AirPods, they themselves will give you the information you need. No need to ask Siri. Your AirPods have the serial numbers written on them as well as other corresponding data and symbols. The model number is on the first line of text at the bottom of the AirPod. On AirPods Max, you’ll find that text below the left ear cup.
What if I need the serial number?
Model numbers are used to identify the AirPods model. But if the confusion is between two AirPods that have the same model number, things get complicated. Then you have to look at the serial number . The latter differentiates each device unit from the rest.
There are several ways to find it. We saw the first one before, from your iPhone. Going to Settings> Bluetooth and entering the information menu of your AirPods, you will see the serial number among other information of interest. If you have linked your AirPods to a Mac, you’ll find its serial number in System Settings > AirPods .
You will also find the serial number on the charging case of your AirPods. That is why you have to always keep them in their case. And in the case of AirPods Max, the serial number is also on the left pad.
Lastly, the serial number to identify your AirPods also appears on the original box the headphones came in. If you are one of those who keep the boxes as a souvenir or just in case, you will see the model number and the serial number on a sticker on it .
Identify the charging case for your AirPods
And if what you need to find out is the charging case model ? Some people put stickers on it to differentiate it from the rest. Or, directly, ask Apple to record something. But the normal thing is that all charging cases look very similar on the outside. A problem similar to the one we have had to identify AirPods.
Apple’s official support page says that to “find out which AirPods charging case you have, use the location of the status light and other details.” Let’s see what details it refers to:
- Lightning charging case. Introduced in 2017. Model number A1602. You can use it with 1st and 2nd Generation AirPods. They are taller than they are wide, the status light is inside the case, and the serial number is on the bottom of the lid. At the bottom of the case you have a Lightning connector.
- Wireless charging case. Introduced in 2019. Model number A1938. You can use it with 1st and 2nd Generation AirPods. They are identical to the original charging case but with the status light on the outside . The serial number is on the bottom of the lid. At the bottom of the case you have a Lightning connector.
- AirPods Pro charging case. Introduced in 2019. Model number A2190. Exclusive to AirPods Pro. It is wider than it is tall. The status light is on the front. It has a Lightning connector at the bottom. The serial number is on the bottom of the cover and usually ends with 0C6L or LKKT.
The latest charging cases
- MagSafe charging case for AirPods Pro. Introduced in 2021. Model number A2190. Identical to the previous charging case. The difference is in the serial number , which usually ends in 1059 or 1NRC.
- MagSafe charging case for 3rd Generation AirPods. Introduced in 2021. Model number A2566. It is narrower than previous charging cases. You will find the serial numberon the bottom of the lid.
- Lightning charging case for 3rd Generation AirPods. Introduced in 2022. Model number A2897. In appearance, identical to the previous case but without wireless charging.
- MagSafe Charging Case for 2nd Generation AirPods Pro. Introduced in 2022. Model number A2700. Wider than narrow. It differs from other cases by its external speaker to indicate the charge and battery status.
Find your lost AirPods
Once we have reviewed all the ways to identify your AirPods, know what model they are and do the same with the charging case, we have to figure out what happens if you can’t find your AirPods . It is something that can easily happen, since they are wireless headphones and they can fall or we can leave them in a place outside their charging case .
Apple has thought of this from the beginning, so if you can’t find your lost AirPods you have the help of the Find My app . It is free and available on your iPhone and iPad , although you can download it if you don’t have it installed . It is also present on Mac, Apple Watch and on the iCloud website. And it works for any Apple device linked to your Apple ID .
To find your AirPods from the Find My app, you’ll need to have them linked to your iPhone and your Apple ID. Thus, once the application is open, you can ask it to play a sound in your headphones. If they are close, you will hear it instantly. Or give you their approximate location if you forgot them at a coffee shop or at a friend’s house.