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These AirPods Pro 3 open box units are drawing attention for strong value, especially when promo codes or Venmo checkout drop the price well below retail. The main appeal is that many pairs appear to be genuine, with Apple serial checks, working features, and in several cases AppleCare plus coverage running into 2028. Cosmetic wear is common, though, with beat up boxes, micro scratches, and occasional signs of prior use. The biggest caution is authenticity and Find My behavior, since some pairs need resets or purchase date updates while others are returned as mismatches or fakes, making this a higher risk open box buy.
Apple device owners who want active noise cancellation and spatial audio, because the earbuds work properly once paired and can sound better than the previous generation.
Buyers who want zero authenticity risk, because several reports describe fake or mismatched units and Find My can behave inconsistently on problem pairs.
People who need a plug-and-play setup, because some pairs require resets, re-pairing, or purchase-date updates before Find My and warranty status work correctly.
Shoppers relying on a specific warranty outcome, because coverage can vary between standard warranty and AppleCare+ depending on the unit and purchase date.
The units can be legitimate Apple AirPods Pro 3, but the coverage is inconsistent: some arrive with AppleCare+ already attached through early 2028, while others show only an Allstate warranty or an unvalidated purchase date. Checking the serial numbers in Apple's support app and updating the purchase date can reveal whether AppleCare+ is active.
A real pair should pass Apple serial checks, show up correctly in Find My, register in Settings, and support normal features like play sound, firmware updates, and the Apple Music trial. Red flags include AirPods Mismatch, setup incomplete, missing Find Nearby, or Find My behavior that keeps breaking after resets.
Yes. Installing the Apple Support app and updating the purchase date in My Devices can make AppleCare+ recalculate, with reported extensions to dates like March 2028 or January 2028. This is useful when Apple initially says it cannot validate the purchase date.
Expect used/open-box signs such as a beat-up or torn box, micro-scratches on the case, small ear tips already installed, and sometimes dirt or earwax. Some units arrive looking nearly pristine inside, but cosmetic wear is common enough that cleaning them before use is practical.
The issue can come from pairing glitches, and some units start working after a reset, re-pairing, or a full Find My/Bluetooth reset sequence. If the problem keeps returning after troubleshooting, it may indicate a defective or fake unit rather than a normal setup issue.
No I restarted my iPad, if turning off Find My or re-pairing doesn't help it I would think about returning them as defective.
Interesting, it shows up normally on Find My (after doing your steps) then after a minute it shows the same issues ("AirPods mismatch"). I will maybe try to take them to Apple store before returning them. Again much appreciate all the help!
Interesting, it shows up normally on Find My (after doing your steps) then after a minute it shows the same issues ("AirPods mismatch"). I will maybe try to take them to Apple store before returning them. Again much appreciate all the help!
I am having the same problem. I wonder if it is because the case and AirPods are mismatched. I also wonder whether the case might be a knockoff and the AirPods are real... will be returning mine, thanks for helping troubleshoot it!
I got it to work briefly after several resets, unpairing and paring to different devices and fiddling with Find My. It still didn't have the precision find nearby and mark as lost though. And eventually it reverted back to no location found, setup incomplete. So back they go.
I'll add my data point. My came in obviously used (small ear tips installed), several micro scuffs on the polycarbonate case. Works perfectly, no issues with Find My - firmware checks out. Applecare until January 2028. Case serial matches that of the box and what is reported by IOS from the buds. Good enough for me.
Same experience, even with the smaller ear tips installed and micro scratches. Box was open but sealed with scotch tape. Functioning perfectly. The experience, compared to my AirPod pro 2's, reflects what most reviewers are saying. More bassy, transparency and anc are leveled up and the fit is a bit different. I have to insert the app3's a little deeper into my ear to really "lock" them in place. Also has Apple care until the end of this month.
You have to have the Apple support app installed, then go into the support app, my devices. It actually updated my Apple care to march 2028 when I put in the dec 2 purchase date
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You have to have the Apple support app installed, then go into the support app, my devices. It actually updated my Apple care to march 2028 when I put in the dec 2 purchase date
Hmm when I tap to update my purchase date it doesn't offer options to change it
eBay had a promo under my notifications for a dual use $25 off $50 code that would be emailed once I join and buy off of a live feed auction. Purchased the buds for $150 and received the code a few days later (valid until Jan 7). $25 discount automatically comes off any item (minus some obvious exclusions). So technically got the buds for only $100 w/ 2yrs Apple care. They didn't even look used. Super score for sure!
Thank you OP! 🙏🏻
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Community Reviews
These AirPods Pro 3 open box units are drawing attention for strong value, especially when promo codes or Venmo checkout drop the price well below retail. The main appeal is that many pairs appear to be genuine, with Apple serial checks, working features, and in several cases AppleCare plus coverage running into 2028. Cosmetic wear is common, though, with beat up boxes, micro scratches, and occasional signs of prior use. The biggest caution is authenticity and Find My behavior, since some pairs need resets or purchase date updates while others are returned as mismatches or fakes, making this a higher risk open box buy.
Apple device owners who want active noise cancellation and spatial audio, because the earbuds work properly once paired and can sound better than the previous generation.
Shoppers comfortable verifying authenticity, because serial checks, Apple website validation, and Find My setup can confirm a legitimate pair.
People who want extended coverage, because some units include AppleCare+ through 2028 and the purchase date can be updated in Apple Support.
Buyers who want zero authenticity risk, because several reports describe fake or mismatched units and Find My can behave inconsistently on problem pairs.
People who need a plug-and-play setup, because some pairs require resets, re-pairing, or purchase-date updates before Find My and warranty status work correctly.
Shoppers relying on a specific warranty outcome, because coverage can vary between standard warranty and AppleCare+ depending on the unit and purchase date.
Shoppers who need guaranteed factory-fresh condition, because open-box units can arrive with scuffs, dirt, earwax, scratches, or signs of prior use.
Common Questions (5)
AI-generated summary based on comments from the community. Updated ago
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Thank you OP! 🙏🏻
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