Whether you need to check your warranty status, verify authenticity when buying a used pair, or contact Apple Support for a repair, you will inevitably need the serial number for your AirPods. Because AirPods and their charging cases are incredibly small, Apple has placed the serial number in several different physical and digital locations to ensure you can always find it, even if the printing has rubbed off the hardware itself.
Method 1: Find It Using Your iPhone Settings
The easiest and most reliable way to find your serial number is digitally, through the iOS Settings app, while the AirPods are connected to your device.
- Ensure your AirPods are connected to your iPhone (put them in your ears or simply open the lid of the charging case near the phone).
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- You should see a dedicated tab for your AirPods near the top of the settings list, just below your Apple ID profile. Tap on your AirPods’ name.
- Scroll down to the “About” section near the bottom of the screen.
- Look for the line labelled Serial Number.
Important Note for AirPods Pro and AirPods 3: The charging case has one main serial number, but each individual earbud also has its own unique serial number. In the Settings menu, simply tap on the serial number line repeatedly; it will cycle through the serial number for the Case, the Left earbud, and the Right earbud.
Method 2: Check the Hardware
If your AirPods are dead, broken, or not currently paired to a phone, you can find the serial number physically printed on the hardware.
- AirPods and AirPods Pro: Open the lid of the charging case. Look inside the lid itself. The serial number is printed in incredibly small text on the underside of the lid, nestled into the curved plastic above where the earbuds sit.
- AirPods Max: Because they do not have a charging case, the serial number is located directly on the headphones. You must remove the magnetic left ear cushion. The serial number is printed on the plastic housing underneath.
Method 3: Check the Original Packaging
If you have lost your AirPods entirely and need the serial number to file a police report or an insurance claim, your only option is to check the original retail packaging.
Find the original white box. Look at the bottom edge where the barcodes are located. The serial number will be printed clearly on the sticker, usually located right above the barcode and explicitly labelled as “(S/N) Serial No.”