Unlike iPhones, which come in different sizes and camera designs, it can be tricky to determine which AirPods you have just by looking at them. If you’re having trouble remembering which model of AirPods you purchased, here are several ways to figure it out.
1
Look at the Design of Your AirPods
Apple’s AirPods lineup comprises three models: AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max. You can identify which type you have by looking at the product design.
The AirPods Max is the most obvious because it’s an over-the-ear headphone.
For the in-ear buds: the regular AirPods have plastic tips, whereas the AirPods Pro have silicone tips.
For the regular, plastic-tipped AirPods, you can identify the generation based on their stem length. The 3rd and 4th generation AirPods are noticeably shorter than their predecessors; their length is similar to the silicone-tipped AirPods Pro.
However, this method is only good for identifying whether your AirPods are (broadly) first/second or third/fourth generation. For full info, you’ll need to use the model or serial number.
2
Identify Your AirPods Model Number
The second method is to refer to your AirPods’ model number. There are two ways to obtain this, which we’ll explain below.
From the Settings on Your Apple Device
First, make sure your AirPods are paired with your Apple device, whether it’s an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. If not, pair them to your device before you proceed. On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth and locate your AirPods in the list. Then, tap the info (i) button next to your AirPods’ name to view its model number.
To do the same on a Mac, head to System Settings, select Bluetooth from the sidebar on the left, and find your AirPods in the list of paired devices. Click the info (i) icon next to the AirPods entry to view its model number.
On the Underside of Your AirPods
If you can’t connect your AirPods to your iPhone or Mac, the alternative way is to look at the underside of each AirPod. You’ll see that the model number (starting with the letter A) is printed on both the left and right AirPod.
For the headphone-styled AirPods Max, you’ll need to remove the left magnetic ear cushion to see the model number.
List of AirPods and Their Model Numbers
Once you have the model number, match it with the list below to know what AirPods you have. Some models have two model numbers because the left and right AirPod each have their own:
- AirPods (1st generation): A1523, A1722
- AirPods (2nd generation): A2032, A2031
- AirPods (3rd generation): A2565, A2564
- AirPods (4th generation): A3053, A3050, A3054
- AirPods (4th generation with ANC): A3056, A3055, A3057
- AirPods Pro (1st generation): A2084, A2083
- AirPods Pro (2nd generation with Lightning Charging Case): A2931, A2699, A2698
- AirPods Pro (2nd generation with USB-C Charging Case): A3047, A3048, A3049
- AirPods Max (Lightning): A2096
- AirPods Max (USB-C) A3184
3
Use Your AirPods Serial Number
In addition to the model number, you can also find your AirPods’ serial number using the same method. For older models, the serial number might not be printed on the AirPods themselves, so the easiest way is to check it through your device’s Bluetooth settings (as explained above).
Once you have the serial number, go to Apple’s Device Coverage page, enter the serial number in the text field, type the characters shown in the image to confirm you’re human, and click the Submit button.
Once you do so, you’ll be redirected to a new page displaying your AirPods model, as shown in the image below.
4
Use Your AirPods Charging Case’s Model Number and Serial Number
Another method is to check your AirPods charging case. You can use its model number, serial number, and various design details to find what AirPods you have.
To get the model and serial numbers, flip open your AirPods case and check the numbers on the lid’s underside.
Then, match the model number you have to the following list:
- AirPods (1st and 2nd generation) Lightning Charging Case: A1602
- AirPods (1st and 2nd generation) Wireless Charging Case: A1938
- AirPods (3rd generation) Lightning Charging Case: A2897
- AirPods (3rd generation) MagSafe Charging Case: A2566
- AirPods (4th generation) Charging Case: A3058
- AirPods (4th generation with ANC) Charging Case: A3059
- AirPods Pro Charging Case: A2190. The serial number ends with 0C6L or LKKT
- AirPods Pro MagSafe Charging Case: A2190. The serial number ends with 1059 or 1NRC
- AirPods Pro (2nd generation) MagSafe Lightning Charging Case: A2700
- AirPods Pro (2nd generation) MagSafe USB-C Charging Case: A2968
You can enter the serial number into Apple’s service coverage page (explained above) to know what AirPods you have.
5
Look at the Design of Your AirPods Charging Case
On the design front, the charging case for the first- and second-generation AirPods has a square-ish shape. If it’s the original standard case, the status light will be on the inside, between the AirPods. If it’s wireless, the status light will be outside, on the front of the case.
Both the standard AirPods 4 and the higher-tier model with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) have a slightly smaller case than the AirPods 3. They also don’t have the pairing button, making it easy to figure out if you have the AirPods 4.
All other charging cases have a horizontal, rectangular shape. They will belong to either the AirPods (3rd Generation) or the AirPods Pro (1st or 2nd generation).
However, the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) is easier to spot as its MagSafe Charging Case, has a lanyard loop on the side and speakers at the bottom. You can tell the difference between a USB-C and Lighting case by looking inside the port, or trying either cable (gently).
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To find out which AirPods you have, you can simply look at its design and charging case. And if you don’t have them in hand, the best option is to head to your device’s Bluetooth settings and find the model or serial number. Then, simply match it to the corresponding information provided by Apple or enter it into Apple’s Device Coverage page.
