If you’re interested in buying an AirPod, you’ll want to make sure it’s authentic before you put it in your pocket. Luckily, there are some clues to help you spot a fake.

The first clue is the packaging. Apple has a strict set of quality controls, which means you should be able to tell by looking at the packaging that a product is genuine. You should see a tight fit, and the box should be in good condition. This is especially important if the AirPods have a charging case.

Another way to determine whether the AirPods you’re considering are authentic is to check the manual. A genuine manual will have four languages, whereas a fake may only have two. It’s also worth mentioning that a legitimate AirPods manual has a better-looking cover. There should be a smooth bottom part.

One of the most obvious signs of a fake is a missing lightning port. While the original AirPods have a Lightning connector on the bottom of the box, the fakes will not. Instead, the charging case will have a Micro-USB port. The metallic outline of the micro-USB port is much thicker than the Lightning port.

Another common sign of a fake is an incorrect serial number. You can find the AirPods Pro’s serial number on the underside of the lid or on the inside of the carrying case. However, it’s not always easy to tell if the number is real. Fortunately, there is a website that can verify the AirPods’s serial number for you. But even if this isn’t possible, you should be able to look up the AirPods’s number on the Apple site.

Finally, a fake AirPods charger might have a different type of charging case. For example, they might have a USB-C port or a Lightning port that isn’t the same color as the AirPods. These chargers are also not very likely to match the AirPods’s ends.

To be on the safe side, you should always buy an AirPod from an official retailer. If you don’t have the opportunity to check the AirPods in person, you can also try to find detailed photos of the packaging.

Another indicator of a fake is the font. Genuine boxes usually have simple, straight-forward grey text. On the other hand, a fake might have a more reflective typeface. Some fakes might even have Chinese characters. In addition, the AirPods’s logo on the box should be reflective.

Other signs of a fake AirPods include typos, bad manufacturing, or incorrect battery specs. If you find any of these, you should take steps to fix them. Alternatively, you can visit a local repair shop and they can help you with any problems. Just remember, a fake AirPod will not be eligible for a refund.

Aside from these tips, the best way to verify the authenticity of your AirPods is to test them out. Buying an AirPod is a big investment, so you should be sure you know what you’re getting before you hand over your hard-earned money.