Apple HomePod mini: how to identify a counterfeit?

Released in 2020, the HomePod mini has been a great success ever since. This small connected speaker created by Apple retails for €99. As well as being able to play music, the HomePod mini is a real everyday tool. Thanks to it, you can also control all the connected devices in your home remotely, as it is linked to the Siri voice assistant. It has automatic equalisation technology that adjusts the sound according to the user's environment for optimum listening quality. Unfortunately, Apple's connected objects, such as this little speaker, attract counterfeiters who are quick to replicate them. The HomePod mini is no exception, but there are tricks to identifying a real HomePod from a fake. In this article, we give you some of them.

Serial number :

The first thing you need to pay attention to is the serial number of your HomePod mini. You can find this number on the bottom of the connected speaker or in the box it comes in.

This number will enable you to find out quickly whether or not the speaker has been manufactured by Apple. In fact, the serial number assigned to an Apple device is totally unique, as no other device has this number.

To carry out the check, simply go to the Apple website and access the section for consulting warranties. Once you've entered the serial number on this web page, you'll have access to a range of information, including its authenticity. If you are faced with a counterfeit Apple HomePod mini, you will see an error message informing you that the number does not correspond to any device in the Apple database.

Don't rely solely on this check, as some counterfeiters use real Apple serial numbers.

Speaker quality :

One of the other key points in determining whether a product is counterfeit lies in observing the materials used. Apple makes a point of honour of the quality and finish of all its products. This rigour is particularly evident in the mesh of the HomePod.

You should also pay attention to the weight of your connected speaker. The HomePod mini should weigh precisely 345 grams, due to the many functions inside. Counterfeit models don't usually weigh the same, as they're not made from the same materials and don't have all the features.

Also check all the finishes on the speaker. The top mesh should be pleasant to the touch. It should also be smooth. This is not the case with replicas of the speaker, which are less pleasant.

Above, a real HomePod mini with a perfect mesh.

The power cable :

The power cable also says a lot about the authenticity of this small connected device. The cable must bear a variety of information, including the Apple logo, the current in amperes and the certifications.

It is not uncommon for replica factories to forget to include some of this information. So if any of this information is missing from the cable itself, it may be a fake.

Synchronisation with connected devices :

The Apple HomePod is not only known for its high-quality sound, but also for the ease with which it can be synchronised with all other Apple connected devices.

It doesn't just work through a simple Bluetooth connection with the iPhone like other speakers. It has real artificial intelligence, because it's a home automation object before it's a speaker. When you switch it on, you should be able to see that it is automatically detected by the iPhone.

If this is not the case and you have to use the Bluetooth connection to connect, you are most likely dealing with a counterfeit.

Secure the purchase of your used HomePod with Obvy:

If you want to conduct transactions, sales and/or purchases, between private individuals in complete security, choose Obvy. Obvy is a secure payment platform designed to eradicate online scams between individuals.

When you make a transaction on Obvy, the funds are only credited to your seller when the buyer certifies the conformity of the property purchased.

In the event of a counterfeiting scam, you can quickly and easily return the product to the seller and get your money back. What's more, you'll have all the information you need about the seller in the event of legal action.