How to Identify Your AirPods Model | Simple Guide

How to Identify Your AirPods Model | Simple Guide

If you’ve ever wondered, “Which AirPods do I have?”, you’re not alone. With multiple AirPods generations—including AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, and their respective charging cases—it can be tricky to identify your specific model. Knowing your AirPods model is crucial for compatibility with charging accessories, software updates, and troubleshooting.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to identify your AirPods model using model numbers, settings, and physical features.

Step 1: Check Your AirPods Model Number

The most reliable way to identify your AirPods model is by locating its model number.

Check the Model Number in Settings (When Paired):

If your AirPods are paired with an Apple device:

  1. Open the Settings app on your paired iPhone or iPad. 
  2. Go to Bluetooth.
  3. Find your AirPods in the list of devices (e.g., “John’s AirPods”).
  4. Tap the More Info (i) button next to your AirPods, and look for the Model Number.

Check the Model Number on the AirPods:

The model number is also printed directly on the AirPods themselves:

  • Look on the underside of each AirPod, near the base of the stem.

Check the Model Number on the Charging Case:

The Charging Case also has a model number printed on the inside:

  • Open the case lid and look for the text printed near the hinge.

Step 2: Identify Your AirPods by Their Physical Features

Each AirPods model has unique characteristics that can help you identify them at a glance. Here’s what to look for:

AirPods (1st and 2nd Generation):

  • Design: Both AirPods (1st Gen) and AirPods (2nd Gen) have the same design with stems and no silicone ear tips.
  • Charging Case (1st Gen): No wireless charging support, only Lightning port.
  • Charging Case (2nd Gen): Optional wireless charging support with an LED indicator on the front.

AirPods Pro (1st and 2nd Generation):

  • Silicone Tips: Both generations feature customizable silicone ear tips for a better fit.
  • Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes distinguish the Pros.
  • Charging Case (2nd Gen): Features a speaker and lanyard loop for Find My and improved tracking.

AirPods 3rd Generation:

  • Shorter Stems: 3rd Gen AirPods have a more compact design.
  • Spatial Audio: Includes personalized Spatial Audio support.
  • Charging Case: Comes with a MagSafe-compatible wireless charging case.

AirPods Max:

  • Design: Over-ear headphones with a digital crown for volume control.
  • No Case: Includes a Smart Case, but no charging case with Lightning/USB-C port.

Step 3: Check Serial Number for Detailed Info

In addition to the model number, the Serial Number of your AirPods can help you get more exact details about your specific product. Here's how to find it:

Find the Serial Number:

  • Open the Settings app, go to Bluetooth, and tap the (i) icon next to your AirPods name. The Serial Number is listed here.
  • OR, check the charging case lid (printed inside the hinge area).
  • If you have only one AirPod, connect it to your device to reveal the serial number in Bluetooth settings.

Once you have the serial number, you can use Apple’s Check Coverage site to get more details about your AirPods model and warranty.

Step 4: Reference Apple’s AirPods Model List

Here’s a list of AirPods models and their corresponding model numbers for easy identification:

AirPods:

  • Gen 4 (ANC): A3056, A3055, A3057
  • Gen 4: A3053, A3050, A3054
  • Gen 3: A2565, A2564
  • Gen 2: A2032, A2031
  • Gen 1: A1523, A1722

AirPods Pro:

  • Gen 1: A2084, A2083
  • Gen 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C): A3047, A3048, A3049 A2931, A2699

  • Gen 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (Lightning): A2931, A2699, A2698

AirPods Max:

  • Over-Ear Headphones: A2096
  • USB-C: A3184
  • Lightning: A2096

AirPods Charging Cases:

  • Wireless Charging Case for AirPods 4 (ANC) A3059
  • Charging Case for AirPods 4 A3058
  • MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) for AirPods Pro 2 A2968
  • MagSafe Charging Case (Lightning) for AirPods Pro 2 (with U1, Speaker, and Lanyard loop) A2700
  • Lightning Charging Case for AirPods 3 A2897
  • MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods 3 A2566
  • MagSafe Charging Case for AirPods Pro 1 A2190
  • AirPods Pro 1 Charging Case A2190
  • Wireless Charging Case for AirPods 2 and AirPods 1 A1938
  • Lightning Charging Case for AirPods 2 and AirPods 1 A1602

Step 5: Use Physical Traits to Confirm

If you still can’t identify your AirPods using the model or serial number, pay attention to additional physical traits:

  • LED Light Placement: On the AirPods (2nd Gen with wireless charging) and AirPods 3rd Gen charging cases, the LED is in front. For 1st Gen AirPods, the LED is inside the case.

  • Speaker and Lanyard Support: Only the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) case has a speaker and lanyard loop.

  • Port Type: All AirPods use a Lightning port on the charging case, though MagSafe-compatible cases are now more common.

Why Knowing Your AirPods Model Matters

Identifying your AirPods model helps you:

  1. Ensure compatibility with charging cases, ear tips, and other accessories.
  2. Verify support for features like Spatial Audio, MagSafe, and Active Noise Cancellation.
  3. Get the correct software updates, troubleshooting steps, or warranty/repair services.
  4. Assess the resale value of your AirPods accurately.

Conclusion

Figuring out your AirPods model is quick and easy with the steps in this guide. By using the model and serial numbers, physical traits, and Apple’s official resources, you can identify your AirPods in just a few minutes. Once you know your AirPods model, you’ll be able to enjoy them fully, ensure compatibility with accessories, and stay updated on the latest features.

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