What to Know
- You can find your AirPods' model number and serial number in the Bluetooth section of the Settings app.
- The model number is also printed on the AirPods.
- It's rumored that Apple will releasenew AirPods in2024; we'll keep you posted!
Which AirPods do Ihave? Sometimes, it'shard to know which AirPods you have just by looking at them, and the difference between AirPods gen 1 vs. AirPods gen 2is even more difficult to spot. Learn how to find your AirPods model number on your iPhone or iPad, as well as where to find it on the AirPods themselves, and then how to tell what generation AirPods you have using that number.
Jump To:
- How to Find Your AirPods Model Number in Settings
- How to Identify AirPods Without Using Your iPhone or iPad
- How to Identify AirPods by AirPods Model Number
- Identify AirPods Using the Charging Case
- FAQ
Which AirPods Do I Have?
Learn how to tell what generation your AirPods are using the AirPods' model number,case, orserial number. Below, you'll find four different options for identifying your AirPods.
1. How to Find Out AirPods Model in Settings
The most reliable and efficient way to identify AirPods or AirPods Pro is to find the model number on your device. However, if you have over-ear style AirPods, you may not needto use this step, as the AirPods Max are the only over-ear Apple AirPods currently on the market. Here's how to find your AirPods model number in the Settings app:
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- Open the Settings app, and tap your AirPods. If you don't see your AirPods, select Bluetooth.
- Find your AirPods and tap the blue info icon next to your AirPods' name. The icon looks like a blue circle with the letter "i" inside it.
- You will see Model Name, Model Number, Serial Number, and Version. If you are currently using your AirPods, you may need to scroll down to view this information.
Note
Did you know that fake AirPod manufacturers may copy serial numbers from real AirPods to trick you? Learn how to quickly identify fake AirPods and AirPods Pro.
You may also see your Model Name on this screen and that can help, but by far, the most accurate way is to look up your model number. Once you know your model number, click on it here to identify your AirPods:
A2084•A2083•A2032 •A2031•A1523•A1722• A2096•A2565•A2564•A2931•A2699•A2698• A3047 • A3048 • A3049
2. How to Identify Your AirPods without Using Your iPhone or iPad
You'll be looking very closely at your AirPods for this, so if you need visual assistance to read small text, be sure to grab your glasses or a magnifying glass.
- Look at your AirPods.
- If you have AirPods that are earbuds, look near the base of the stem of the earpiece. If you have over-ear headphones, look on the upper inside of the headphone, near where the over-ear piece connects to the headband. You will see some light gray numbers and text. The model number will be in the format A#### (an A with four numbers after it).
Image: Apple.com
3. How to Identify Your AirPods by the Model Number
You can use your model number to identify the type of AirPods you have if you're not able to identify them in some other way. Below is a list of model numbers and the year they came out. This will help you identify what type of AirPods you have and is the best way to figure out if you have first-generation or second-generation AirPods.
AirPods Max
- Model number:A2096
- Year introduced: 2020
AirPods Pro Second Generation with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C)
- Model number: A3047, A3048, A3049
- Year introduced: 2023
AirPods Pro Second Generation with MagSafe Charging Case (Lightning)
- Model numbers:A2931,A2699,A2698
- Year introduced: 2022
AirPods Pro
- Model numbers: A2084, A2083
- Year introduced: 2019
AirPods Third Generation
- Model numbers: A2565, A2564
- Year introduced: 2021
AirPods Second Generation
- Model numbers: A2032, A2031
- Year introduced: 2019
AirPods FirstGeneration
- Model numbers: A1523, A1722
- Year introduced: 2017
4. Identify AirPods Using the Charging Case
To use your charging case to identify the model of your AirPods, you will need to locate the status light and a couple of other details such as the charging method.The best way to determine what type of AirPods you have or the difference between AirPods 1,2, and 3, as well as AirPods Pro and AirPods Pro 2is by finding the model number within the Settings app, but identifying the case can certainly help. This method is also helpful if you need a replacement AirPod case and want to purchase the correct one.
AirPods Max
Image courtesy of Apple.com
These are by far the easiest AirPods to identify, as the new over-ear design is unique to the AirPods Max. Still, it's always good to know how to tell if AirPods are fake or legitimate, and this can help you do that!
AirPods Maxdo come with a Smart Case, but the case only preserves charge when the AirPods Max are in Ultra-low Power Mode. Otherwise, charging must be done with a Lightning cable.
AirPods Pro
Image courtesy of Apple.com
Charging case model number: A2190
The AirPods Pro charging case can be used with wireless chargers. The shape of the charging case is longer than it is tall. It has a Lightning connector at the bottom of the case. The status light is on the front of the case. The serial number is on the underside of the case lid. If this describes your AirPods charging case, you have the AirPods Pro.
AirPods Pro 2
Image courtesy of Apple.com
Charging case model number:A2700 (Lightning, 2022), A2968 (USB-C, 2023)
The AirPods Pro 2 chargingcase canbe used with wireless chargers andMagSafe-compatible chargers. For the 2022 model, there's a Lightning connector on the bottom of the case, and for the 2023 model, you'll have a USB-C connector for plug-in charging. New features of the AirPods Pro 2 case include a lanyard loop on the side andan external speaker on the bottom of the case to indicate charging and battery level. The status light is on the front of the case, and the serial number is on the underside of the case lid. The only difference between the 2022 and 2023 AirPods Pro 2 is that the newer model uses a USB-C connector instead of a Lightning connector.
AirPods 1st Generation orAirPods 2nd Generation
Image courtesy of Apple.com
Charging casemodel number: A1938
This AirPods charging case is taller than it is long. You can charge this case wirelessly or with a lightning cable. There is a Lightning connector at the bottom of the case. The status light is at the front of the case. The serial number is on the underside of the case lid. If this describes your AirPods charging case, you may have the AirPods 1st or 2nd Generation.
AirPods 1st Generation or AirPods 2nd Generation
Image courtesy of Apple.com
Charging casemodel number: A1602
This AirPods case has a Lightning connector on the bottom of the case. The status light is on the inside of the case. The serial number is on the underside of the lid. If this describes your Charging Case, you may have the AirPods 1st or 2nd Generation.
AirPods 3rd generationLightning Charging Case
Charging case model number:A2897
There are two types of case for Apple's AirPods 3. This case charges via a Lightning connector on the bottom. The status light is on the front of the case, and you'll find the serial number on theunderside of the lid.
AirPods 3rd generationMagSafe Charging Case
Charging case model number: A2566
The second type of case for third-generation AirPods is the MagSafe charging case. This case charges wirelessly and is, of course, MagSafe compatible. If wireless charging isn't available, there's also a Lightning connector on the bottom of the case.The status light is on the front of the case, and the serial number on theunderside of the lid.For more great AirPods content, check out our free Tip of the Day.
Now that you have found your model number and identified which type of AirPods you have, you can find the right accessories or ask specific questions to Apple Support when needed. You can also learn how to keep your AirPods from falling out.
FAQ
- How can I tell what generation my AirPods are? You can check the Settings app on yout iPhone or iPad, look up the model number, or tell what generation your AirPods are based on their features or charging case.
- How do I know if I have AirPods 1 or 2? First-generation AirPods havemodel numbers A1523 orA1722. Second-generation AirPods havemodel numbers A2032 orA2031.
- How do Iknow if I have AirPods Pro 1 or 2? The main difference between the AirPods Pro 1 and 2 is that the 2nd generation model has better sound quality, improved battery life, and the ability to use Find My to locate each AirPod independent of the charging case. You can also adjust the volume by swiping up or down on the stem of the AirPods Pro 2. If you're unsure of which ones you have, find the model number and use the above guide to identify which AirPods Pro you have.
- How can you tell whether AirPods are fake? We have an article that will help you know how to check if AirPods are real or fake.
- How do I find my AirPods? Like most Apple devices, you can use Find My to locate your AirPods. Find out more in our article onhow to find your AirPods case.
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