Buzz
Here’s what to do if you’ve unknowingly bought a fake Apple Watch
Counterfeit Apple Watches are everywhere—thanks to their sleek design and high price tag, they’re prime targets for knockoffs. If you scored one at a bargain price and now have doubts, this guide will help you figure out whether it’s authentic and explain how to report the scam or get a refund.
Top Method to Identify a Fake Apple Watch
To verify if your Apple Watch is authentic, start with the serial number. You’ll find it in the “Settings” app or engraved on the underside of the case. Visit the Check Apple Coverage website and enter the number. If the site doesn’t recognize it, you’re likely dealing with a counterfeit.
How-To Guide
Tips to Identify a Fake Apple Watch
Check the serial number on Apple’s official site. You can find your Apple Watch’s serial number by navigating to Settings > About, or by checking the underside of the case near the sensors. Go to Apple’s Check Coverage page, input the number, and pass the captcha. The result will reveal the watch’s authenticity:
- Authentic: A green checkmark will appear, along with verified purchase and service details. Ensure the serial number on the back of the device matches the one in the Settings.
- Fake: Missing or incorrect serial numbers are warning signs. A lack of serial number on the case or no matching record on the site typically points to a counterfeit. If Settings shows no serial number at all, that's a major red flag.
Evaluate the box quality. Real Apple Watch boxes are made with sturdy, premium materials. The text is sharp, durable, and designed to resist wear.
- Authentic: High-quality packaging rarely shows peeling or fading text. Use reference images to compare packaging details for your specific model.
- Fake: Counterfeit boxes often feel flimsy, have blurry prints, and feature labels that peel or fade quickly—common indicators of low-grade replicas.
Verify the software interface is genuine Apple. The GUI of a true Apple Watch follows Apple’s signature design language.
- Authentic: Expect correctly shaped and shaded app icons, a clean and familiar layout, and full Apple feature integration.
- Fake: Icons may appear off in color or shape, layouts can seem clumsy, and many fakes run on Android OS, making the interface look noticeably different.
Test all buttons for proper function. Counterfeit Apple Watches often fail here.
- Authentic: Buttons, including the side button and crown, operate smoothly and consistently.
- Fake: You may notice unresponsive or awkwardly placed buttons. Some replicas have purely decorative buttons that don’t function or break easily.
Check for unnatural screen gloss. Many counterfeit Apple Watches feature a screen that looks overly shiny or plasticky.
- Authentic: Real Apple Watches have a smooth, non-excessive finish that avoids a cheap plastic glare.
- Fake: High reflectiveness or an unnatural gloss on the display can point to poor build quality and a fake screen.
Confirm the band is removable. Unlike fakes, real Apple Watches allow for simple band swapping.
- Authentic: Bands should detach easily and have size markings. Genuine Apple bands feel premium, soft on skin, yet strong and vibrant.
- Fake: Some knockoffs have bands permanently attached, a major deviation from authentic design.
Look for proper sensors on the back. All real Apple Watches include a distinct sensor array used for heart rate tracking.
- Authentic: Activate heart rate mode by swiping to the Heart Rate screen. You should see green lights from the white sensors on the sides and slightly darker top/bottom ones.
- Fake: Missing or incorrectly arranged sensors, or the absence of lighting during heart rate readings, are key signs of a fake.
Inspect the charger for authenticity. A genuine Apple Lightning to USB cable includes specific printed details near the USB end.
- Authentic: Look for the phrases “Designed by Apple in California” followed by an assembly location and a 12-digit serial number. MFi-certified accessories will display the appropriate logo on packaging.
- Fake: Low-quality cables often overheat, break easily, or fail to connect. Poor fit and lack of labeling are strong indicators of a knockoff.
Steps to Take If You Bought a Fake Apple Watch
Ask the seller for a refund or return. If you discover your Apple Watch is a fake, you didn’t buy it directly from Apple. Reach out to the seller on the platform where you made the purchase and request a return or refund. If they don’t respond, escalate the issue to the marketplace itself—for instance, contact eBay's customer support if that’s where you bought it.
- If the platform can't resolve the issue, reach out to your bank. Most banks have procedures for disputing counterfeit purchases, which may help you recover your money.
Alert Apple about the fake product. If you come across what you believe is a counterfeit Apple item or something that infringes on Apple's intellectual property, you can report it by completing Apple’s online counterfeit prevention form. Your report may help Apple provide support and take action against sellers of knockoffs.
Knockoff Apple Watch: Benefits and Drawbacks
Pros Some buyers intentionally opt for a knockoff Apple Watch due to its low cost and basic functions. Benefits include:
- They're typically priced at a fraction of the real version.
- They can closely resemble the genuine Apple Watch.
- At first glance, many fakes convincingly mimic the real thing.
- They’re useful for basic functions like calls, notifications, or simple health tracking.
Cons Although affordable, knockoff Apple Watches come with trade-offs. Common drawbacks are:
- Displays may be pixelated or low-quality.
- Performance and features might fall short.
- Apple Support is not available for fake products.
- Functionality is often limited, especially with notifications and app compatibility.
If you're after a real smart watch, stick with the original. In the end, counterfeit Apple Watches simply can’t compete with the genuine article when it comes to performance, reliability, and features. If you’re serious about getting a truly “smart” device, a certified Apple Watch is your best option. However, if all you want is a basic, fun gadget with a flashy display, a replica might still meet your casual needs.
