What AirPods Do I Have? How to Identify Your AirPods

Since Apple first released AirPods in 2016, the lineup has expanded significantly. There are now four generations which include AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, resulting in ten models in total.

With similar designs and overlapping features, it’s easy to be unsure which AirPods model you own. Whether you’re troubleshooting, buying accessories or comparing upgrades this guide will help you confidently answer the question, which AirPods do I have?

How to identify your AirPods

There are a few different ways to find out which AirPods you have.


Check Model Number in Blutooth Settings

Open Settings on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, then select Bluetooth. Find your connected AirPods and tap on them. Here you will see the Model Name, Model Number, and Serial Number. Locate the model number and use the table below to find which AirPods you have, including the generation and release date. Please note the Model number will be for the right airpod so look at the right airpod serial in the table.

Check Model Number on AirPods

If you don’t have your AirPods connected to a device, or you’re unable to connect them due to an issue, you can check the AirPods physically. On the underside of each AirPod stem or on the case, you’ll see a number starting with an “A”.

If you have AirPods Max, the model number is located behind the cushion on the left ear cup. To remove the ear cushion, gently pull it outwards. It is attached magnetically, so it shouldn’t require much force.

Now that you’ve located the model number, you can use the table below to identify which AirPods you have.

Table of all AirPod Model Numbers

Now that you know how to identify which AirPods model you have, it becomes much easier to choose the right accessories and decide whether an upgrade is worth it. Understanding your exact AirPods model helps you make more informed decisions, especially if you’re comparing your current pair to newer generations and their features.

If you’d like a more in depth comparison of all AirPods models and how they’ve evolved over time, be sure to check out our What Are the Differences Between AirPods? A Complete Buying Guide.

If you’re thinking about upgrading, take a look at our available AirPods models. We stock a wide range of options that you can explore here.

FAQ

I can’t find the model number on my AirPods. What should I do?

The AirPods model number can be found in three places:

• Underneath the left AirPod
  
  

• Underneath the right AirPod
  
  

• On the charging case
  
  

The text is very small, so using a magnifying glass or your phone’s camera zoom can help. If you’re still unable to locate the model number, connect your AirPods to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac and check the Bluetooth settings, where the model number will also be displayed.

My AirPods don’t show a model number in Bluetooth settings. Why?

In most cases, this indicates that the AirPods are not genuine Apple AirPods. Authentic AirPods will always display a model number in Bluetooth settings and on the hardware itself. If you can’t find a model number in either location, the earbuds are likely third-party or counterfeit rather than official Apple products.

Why don’t my AirPods and charging case have matching model numbers?

This is normal. Each AirPod (left and right) has its own model number, and the charging case has a separate model number, meaning there are typically three different model numbers in total.

If the charging case model number does not match the AirPods listed in the table above, it usually means the AirPods or case have been mixed with another set at some point. The AirPods will still function, but you may experience issues with features like Find My, where the system may report a mismatch.