https://support.apple.com/en-us/111103

Identify counterfeit or uncertified Lightning connector accessories

Identify counterfeit or uncertified Lightning connector accessories
Apple recommends using only accessories that Apple has certified and that come with the MFi badge. Learn about the issues that counterfeit or uncertified Lightning accessories can cause and how to identify these accessories.

If you use a counterfeit or uncertified Lightning accessory, you could see these issues:

Your iOS device could become damaged

The cable might be easily damaged

The connector end might fall off, get very hot, or might not fit properly into your device

You might not be able to sync or charge your device

Compare packaging and writing on the cable
To identify counterfeit or uncertified cables and accessories, look carefully at the accessory's packaging and at the accessory itself. Certified third-party accessories have the MFi badge on their packaging:

MFi badge on certified accessory packagingMFi badge on accessory packaging, indicating Apple certification
Some accessories might have a previous version of the MFi badge:

MFi badge on accessory packaging, indicating it's certified for Apple devicesMFi badge on certified third-party accessory packaging
An Apple Lightning to USB cable has "Designed by Apple in California" and either "Assembled in China," "Assembled in Vietnam," or "Indústria Brasileira" on the cable about seven inches from the USB connector. You'll see a 12-digit serial number at the end of this text.

MFi badge on the packaging of a certified accessory.MFi badge on the packaging of a certified accessory.MFi badge on accessory packaging, used to indicate certified third-party accessories.
Compare connectors and laser etchings
You can use the Lightning connector, USB connector, and laser etchings to identify counterfeit or uncertified Lightning accessories. Compare the images below of certified Apple accessories and counterfeit or uncertified Lightning accessories. These are only a few counterfeit products. There are others.

Lightning to USB cable, Lightning-connector end
Here are examples of the Lightning-connector end of the Lightning to USB cable. The first three are Apple branded, the others are counterfeit or uncertified.

Apple-branded Lightning to USB cable
Image showing comparison of genuine vs counterfeit lightning connector.
Single piece

Smooth

Rounded, smooth, gold- or silver-colored contacts

Image showing rounded, smooth, gold- or silver-colored contacts of Apple branded Lightning to USB cable.
Width and length of Apple boot is consistent (7.7 mm x 12 mm)

Image depicting an Apple Lightning connector.
Gray/metallic faceplate insert

Counterfeit or uncertified Lightning to USB cable
Image of counterfeit Lightning connector accessories.
More than one piece

Rough or inconsistent finish

Squared contacts with an uneven surface

Image of counterfeit Lightning connector accessories.
Varying width, length, or thickness

Image of counterfeit Lightning connector accessories.
White or black faceplate insert

Lightning to USB cable, USB-connector end
Here are examples of the USB-connector end of the Lightning to USB cable. The first four are Apple branded, the next set are counterfeit or uncertified.

Apple-branded Lightning to USB cable
 Close up image of Apple-branded Lightning to USB cable
Interlocks on USB shell are trapezoidal

Interlocks are equally spaced from edge

Close up image of Apple-branded Lightning to USB cable 
USB contacts are gold-plated

Examples of certified and counterfeit Lightning connector accessories.
USB surface is smooth and consistent

Surface of USB shell is flat

Comparison of certified Apple accessories and counterfeit Lightning accessories.
Surface of the insulator for the USB connection is uniform and flat

Counterfeit Lightning to USB cable
Image of Lightning connector accessories.Image of connector.
USB shell interlocks have right angles

Interlocks are inconsistently spaced

 Image of a counterfeit connector.Comparison of genuine and counterfeit Lightning connectors.
USB contacts are silver-plated

Comparison of genuine and counterfeit Lightning connector ends.Comparison of genuine and counterfeit lightning connectors.
USB surface is rough or grainy

Surface of USB shell has a detent or retaining divot

Image of a counterfeit connector.Image of a counterfeit connector. 
Insulator for USB connection has notches or indents

Lightning to 30-pin Adapter
Here are examples of the Lightning to 30-pin Adapter. The first is Apple branded, the others are counterfeit.

Apple-branded Lightning to 30-pin Adapter
Comparison of genuine and counterfeit Lightning connectors.
Icon for 30-pin dock connection is laser-etched and clear

The connection between adapter body and Lightning connector is flush

Counterfeit Lightning to 30-pin Adapter
Counterfeit Lightning to 30-pin AdapterImage of a Lightning connector.
Blurry or missing laser etching

Step-down or large notch between adapter body and Lightning connector

Differences in the appearance of the Lightning connector

Lightning to Micro USB Adapter
Here are examples of the Lightning to Micro USB Adapter. The first is Apple branded, the others are counterfeit or uncertified.

Apple-branded Lightning to Micro USB Adapter
Comparison images of genuine and counterfeit Lightning connector accessories.
Laser-etched USB symbol

The connection between adapter body and Lightning connector is flush

Counterfeit Lightning to Micro USB Adapter
Image of connector. Image of a counterfeit connector Image of a counterfeit connector.
Embossed or missing USB symbol

Step-down or large notch between adapter body and Lightning connector

Differences in the appearance of the Lightning connector

Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Contact the vendor for additional information.

Published Date: June 05, 2026