Unlike the iPhone, which comes in many different sizes and camera designs, determining which AirPods you're using just by looking at them can be difficult. If you're having trouble remembering which AirPods you bought, here are some ways to find out.
1. See AirPods design
Apple's AirPods product line includes 3 models: AirPods, AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. You can determine the type of AirPods you are using by looking at the product design.
AirPods Max are the most recognizable model because they are over-ear headphones.

As for in-ear headphones: Regular AirPods have plastic tips, while AirPods Pro have silicone tips.
For regular AirPods with plastic tips, you can identify the generation based on their stem length. The 3rd and 4th generation AirPods are significantly shorter than the previous generation; Their length is similar to AirPods Pro with silicone tips.

However, this method is only effective for determining whether AirPods are first/second or third/fourth generation. For complete information, you will need to use the model number or serial number.
2. Determine the AirPods model number
The second method is to refer to the AirPods model number. There are two ways to get this number, the article will explain below.
From Settings on your Apple device
First, make sure the AirPods are paired with your Apple device, whether it's an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. If not, pair them with your device before continuing. On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth and locate your AirPods in the list. Then, tap the information button (i) next to the AirPods name to see the model number.

To do the same on your Mac, go to System Settingsselect Bluetooth from the left sidebar and find your AirPods in the list of paired devices. Click the information icon (i) next to the AirPods entry to see its model number.

On the bottom of AirPods
If you can't connect your AirPods to your iPhone or Mac, the alternative is to look at the bottom of each AirPod. You'll see the model number (starting with the letter A) printed on both the left and right AirPods.

For headphone-style AirPods Max, you will need to remove the left magnetic earbud to see the model number.
List of AirPods and their model numbers
Once you have the model number, compare it with the list below to see what type of AirPods you have. Some models have two model numbers because the left and right AirPods have separate numbers:
- 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 the 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 may not be printed on the AirPods, so the easiest way is to check through settings Bluetooth of the device (as explained above).
Once you have the serial number, go to Apple's Device Coverage page, enter the serial number in the text field, enter the characters shown in the image to confirm you are human, and click the button Submit.

Once done, you will be redirected to a new page displaying your AirPods model, as shown in the image below.

4. Use the model number and serial number of the AirPods charging case
Another method is to check your AirPods charging case. You can use the model number, serial number, and various design details to find what type of AirPods you have.
To find the model and serial number, flip open the AirPods case and check the numbers on the underside of the lid.

Then, compare the model number you have with 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) Lightning charging case: A3058
- AirPods (4th generation with ANC) MagSafe charging case: A3059
- AirPods Pro Lightning charging case: A2190. The serial number ends with 0C6L or LKKT
- AirPods Pro MagSafe charging box: A2190. Serial numbers end 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 warranty page (explained above) to find out what type of AirPods you're using.
5. See the design of the AirPods charging case
In terms of design, the charging case for the first and second generation AirPods is square. If it's the original standard case, the status light will be inside, between the two AirPods. If it's wireless, the status light will be on the outside, on the front of the case.

Both the standard AirPods 4 and the higher-end model with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) have a slightly smaller case than the AirPods 3. They also don't have a pairing button, making it easier to tell if you have AirPods 4 or not. .

All other charging cases have a horizontal rectangular shape. They will belong to AirPods (3rd generation) or AirPods Pro (1st or 2nd generation).

However, AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are easier to detect because the MagSafe charging case has a lanyard loop on the side and a speaker on the bottom. You can tell the difference between a USB-C case and a Lighting case by looking inside the port or trying either cable.

To know which AirPods you have, just look at its design and charging case. And if you don't have them at hand, the best option is to go to your device's Bluetooth settings and look for the model or serial number. Then, simply match the corresponding information provided by Apple or enter it into Apple's Device Coverage page.