Is it safe to buy used AirPods? How to check authenticity and soundness

You meet a seller at a coffee shop. They hand you a small white case. You pop the lid and see two buds inside. The scene feels fine, but you still need to know if those AirPods are real and working.

• Inspect the case and buds for gaps, uneven seams, or cheap plastic feel.

• Check the charging light behavior and hinge stiffness.

• Look up the model and serial on the device itself in Settings when paired.

• Test sound on both sides and try a call to check mic and echo-canceling.

• Confirm battery levels for case and each bud while paired.

• Try pairing with your phone without an account sign-in step.

• Ask for the original box or proof of purchase if possible.

Quick look: what fake AirPods usually give away

Fake AirPods often get small things wrong. The paint can be slightly off white. The hinge may be loose or too stiff. The LED light might be a different color or sit in the wrong place. Buttons or ports may not line up perfectly. These are easy clues you can spot fast.

Pairing test you should run right away

When you open the case near your phone, real AirPods show a native pop-up card and pair quickly. If the seller asks you to sign into an app or use a third-party pairing method, stop. Once paired, check the battery levels for left, right, and case. Play a short song and switch between single and both buds. Make a quick phone call to test the mic and call volume.

Micro-moment: You hand the seller your phone and pair the buds. They lean in and watch the screen. You notice the pop-up looks standard and the left bud shows lower battery but still connects.

Hardware checks that matter more than cosmetic looks

Look inside the case for clean molding and no glue stringing. The charging port should sit centered and not wiggle. Hold each bud between thumb and forefinger and twist gently; they should feel solid. Place the buds in your ear and walk around to check fit and comfort. If one bud falls out easily, the fit or internal magnet may be poor.

Serial numbers, model checks, and what they tell you

Find the serial or model printed on the case interior or on the stem of a real bud. When paired, real AirPods also show a model and firmware in your phone's Bluetooth info. Ask the seller to show that screen. If the serial is missing or looks printed on with cheap ink, be suspicious. You can also compare the model name to the physical design; mismatches are a red flag.

Battery life and real-world tests to do in ten minutes

Battery health is the quiet killer of used earbuds. Start with a full-charge check: ask the seller to fully charge case and buds if not already. Play continuous audio at medium volume for 15 minutes and watch battery drops. Both buds should drain somewhat evenly. If one side drains much faster, the battery in that bud is weak. Also test case charging by plugging it in and watching the light behavior.

Price, return policy, and negotiation levers

If the price is much lower than typical used listings, ask why. Use any fault you find for honest, quick negotiation. If sound is good but battery is poor, suggest splitting the cost of a new battery replacement. If the seller won’t let you test or refuses simple checks, walk away. Better deals come with clear answers and some proof of ownership.

Red flags that should make you decline the purchase

If pairing requires a separate app or a seller login, that is not normal. If the seller won’t let you test call quality or won’t show the phone pairing screen, be wary. Missing or inconsistent serials, very cheap plastic feel, and wildly mismatched LED behavior are all signs of counterfeit or damaged units.

If the console can’t be signed out and reset cleanly, treat it like a risk item and price it accordingly.

Today’s takeaway: Test pairing, batteries, and serials in person; if the seller resists those checks, don’t buy.