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How to Check if Your Airpods are Gen 2

Apple’s AirPods are one of the most popular wireless earbuds on the market. Since their initial release in 2016, Apple has released multiple generations of AirPods, each with slight hardware and software improvements. Knowing which generation of AirPods you have can be important to understand their features, compatibility, and resale value.

The second generation of AirPods, often referred to as AirPods Gen 2, were released in March 2019. Here are some ways to check if your AirPods are the Gen 2 model.

Check the AirPods Case

The easiest way to identify AirPods Gen 2 is by looking at the charging case.

Gen 2 AirPods cases have these distinguishing features:

  • The case has a matte finish instead of a glossy appearance
  • The charging LED light is visible on the front exterior of the case
  • There is no lip or raised edge on the bottom part of the case
  • The case can be wirelessly charged (on Qi-compatible wireless chargers)

If your AirPods case has all of these features, then you have the second generation AirPods.

Pair With an iPhone and Check Settings

You can also pair your AirPods to an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and check the settings to verify which model you have.

Here is the process:

  1. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your iOS device
  2. Open the AirPods case close to the iOS device
  3. An AirPods animation will appear on the screen. Tap “Connect”
  4. Go to the Settings app and select “Bluetooth”
  5. Find your AirPods in the list of devices
  6. Tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods
  7. Look at the “Model Number” field

If you see Model Number A2031 or A2032, then you have AirPods Gen 2. Any other model number indicates you have the 1st generation or 3rd generation AirPods instead.

Check for “Hey Siri” Support

Another way to confirm if your AirPods are 2nd generation is to test “Hey Siri” functionality. Only AirPods Gen 2 and newer models support hands-free “Hey Siri” voice activation.

Follow these steps to check if “Hey Siri” works on your AirPods:

  1. Connect your AirPods to your iPhone or iPad
  2. Put both AirPods in your ears
  3. Say out loud “Hey Siri”
  4. See if Siri activates from your AirPods

If Siri responds and you can ask it to do things hands-free, then your AirPods support “Hey Siri” and must be Gen 2 or newer. Lack of “Hey Siri” functionality indicates 1st generation AirPods instead.

Check Wireless Charging Support

Since AirPods Gen 2 gain support for Qi-based wireless charging, you can test if your AirPods charge wirelessly to identify the model.

Simply place your AirPods case on a Qi-certified wireless charging pad, stand, or mat. If the status light on the front of the case turns orange, then wireless charging is working and you must have AirPods Gen 2 or newer. If the light does not indicate charging, then they are likely 1st generation.

Updated Chipset

The H1 chipset debuted with the 2nd generation AirPods, enabling hands-free Siri, faster connection speeds, and longer battery life during phone calls. There is no visible way to confirm the chipset itself, but you can infer the H1 chip if your AirPods pass the above tests for newer features and functionality.

Ask Apple Support

As a final option, you can contact Apple Support with your AirPods’ serial number and ask them to provide the model details. Give them the serial number printed on the inside of the AirPods case below the left AirPod. Their internal product databases can definitively identify the generation from the serial number.

Why the Generation Matters

Once you’ve determined whether you have first, second, or third generation AirPods, you may be wondering why the generation even matters in the first place.

Here are some key differences between generations that are good to know:

AirPods Gen 1

  • Released: Dec 2016
  • Chipset: Apple W1
  • No wireless charging case option
  • No “Hey Siri” hands-free feature

AirPods Gen 2

  • Released: Mar 2019
  • Chipset: Apple H1
  • Wireless charging case option
  • “Hey Siri” hands-free support

AirPods Gen 3

  • Released: Oct 2021
  • Chipset: Apple H1
  • Wireless charging case
  • “Hey Siri” support
  • Spatial audio support
  • Longer battery life
  • IPX4 sweat/water resistance
  • Contour design with shorter stem

As you can see, Gen 2 AirPods gained considerable improvements over the originals, especially wireless charging support and “Hey Siri.” Check your generation so you know if your AirPods offer these great features. Understanding your model also helps identify their current value if reselling your old AirPods.

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