Apple has shared information explaining the iOS 16 “Cannot Verify AirPods” alert on the iPhone when a user tries to connect fake AirPods to their handset. The information came in a new support document spotted by developer Steve Moser and shared by MacRumors.
Apple says that unverified AirPods can still be connected to an iPhone, but may not perform as expected.
If you get a ‘Cannot Verify AirPods’ alert
If you get this alert when you try to connect your AirPods with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, verify that your AirPods are genuine.
You can choose to not connect your unverified AirPods, or to connect them in Bluetooth settings. If you connect your unverified AirPods, they may not perform as expected.
For more information, contact the place of purchase.
To help verify that your AirPods are genuine, identify your AirPods.
Apple’s alert includes a prominent “Don’t Connect” button, but users can tap on a smaller “Connect in Bluetooth Settings” link to continue connecting the unverified AirPods if they so choose.
The alert was first discovered in the iOS 16 Release Candidate last week.