Along with our partners, Google makes hardware products that are sold around the world. Because counterfeit products are an unfortunate reality, we recommend buying (and using) devices sold only by our official store, or from one of our authorised retailers.
Counterfeit products can be hard to spot; the differences are often subtle. But when you buy elsewhere, you're unlikely to get the real thing.
What does 'counterfeit' mean, exactly?
The definition is clear. Whether they're easy to recognise or not, fake or counterfeit products:
- Are not created by Google or an authorised Google partner
- Use identical trademarks or logos on a device or packaging
- Mimic brand features of authentic products
- Attempt to pass off products as genuine
Authentic Google devices are engineered and manufactured with high-quality materials, and they're always quality-tested before they leave our factory. Since counterfeit or fake devices are not built or tested to these standards, they might perform poorly or malfunction. So, if you don't buy from the Google Store or from one of our authorised retailers, we're unable to stand behind the products in any way. We can't honour a warranty, or accept returns.
We have no idea where the counterfeit products were made, or by whom; whether they are new or used; what they sell for; or how the parts were obtained.
Why should I care if something is real or fake?
Fraudulent products harm people just like you: Our potential customers.
Counterfeit products are typically subpar quality (if they function at all)—and in any case, they fail to meet regulatory standards.
Because Google has no control over the manufacturing process of counterfeit products, there’s a chance that the components can fail or even prove harmful. Our products, of course, are always tested for safety. Then, there’s the issue of security – the risk of personal information being downloaded without your knowledge.
As you can see, counterfeit products are problematic all-round. (And, they’re against the law, too.)
How do I know if I have an authentic device?
For 2018—2021 devicesFor Google products purchased from 2018 through mid-2021, start by checking the anti-counterfeiting label on the product packaging. The label shows a multi-coloured G Logo over multi-coloured dots.
When you look at the label head-on, it appears silver:
When you tilt it side-to-side, the Google colours appear:
Don’t see the label on your product package? That means (sorry!) you’ve got a fake.
For Pixel 6 and later phones, you can scan the QR Code on the phone box to get more info about the device. You'll then be taken to a landing page. Check to see if the details on the page, such as the device status, match your phone.
Let's look at some examples of counterfeit Chromecast, Chromecast Ultra devices, Pixel phones and Pixel earbuds, and compare them with the authentic products below.
| Counterfeit | Authentic |
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Note the incorrect spacing and font, and the wrong device in the photo. |
Note the two-part sleeve packaging, the correct font and the device shown correctly (including the silver strip on the HDMI cable). |
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All-matte finish? Nope. |
Correct: high-gloss finish, with a matte Chrome logo in the centre. |
|
No Chrome or Google logo? It's a fake. |
The real thing. Note the shiny Chrome logo on a matte charger. |
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Use of letter 'C' instead of our letter 'G'. The outside packaging is a thin cardboard material. If you see listings with 'Mirascreen' or generic branding, that is not us. |
We use a letter 'G' on our device and if you feel the letter, you’ll notice an indent/deboss. Our packaging is sturdy, made from thick cardboard, and has a plastic tag on the top of the box. |
|
Our product does not have a letter 'C' in the middle. |
We use a letter 'G' on the centre of our Chromecast with Google TV. The device comes packaged with a remote controller, which is sometimes missing with counterfeits. |
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If you need to download a non-Google app to operate the device, it is probably fake. |
To set up an authentic Chromecast, you’ll be asked to download the Google Home app and follow the prompts to install the device. We never charge users for setup services. |
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On the back of the Pixel phone, you’ll notice the poor print job alignment of the device. |
The print is parallel to the box’s sides. |
|
Starting with the Pixel 3 phone, we’ve used the anti-counterfeit sticker. Here you’ll see a fake version of the sticker. |
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When you purchase items online, if they come in a plastic bag without Google packaging, it may be fake. Also note the combining of products into a single package; unless it’s an official Google set, you might be getting a used or counterfeit product. |
Our Pixel USB-C earbuds are either packaged separately like the image above, or they are included in packages with certain Pixel phones. |
So how can I report a fake device?
If you think you've purchased a counterfeit device or you find what you believe are fake devices being sold, you can report a fake device.
What can Google do about it?
We take this issue very seriously. We'll investigate every potential counterfeit case reported to us, and if necessary, we'll bring litigation.