diff --git a/adafruit_ds3231.py b/adafruit_ds3231.py
index 4655a2e..409d787 100644
--- a/adafruit_ds3231.py
+++ b/adafruit_ds3231.py
@@ -96,16 +96,6 @@ class DS3231:
     def __init__(self, i2c):
         self.i2c_device = I2CDevice(i2c, 0x68)
 
-        # Try and verify this is the RTC we expect by checking the rate select
-        # control bits which are 1 on reset and shouldn't ever be changed.
-        buf = bytearray(2)
-        buf[0] = 0x0e
-        with self.i2c_device as i2c_device:
-            i2c_device.write_then_readinto(buf, buf, out_end=1, in_start=1)
-
-        if (buf[1] & 0b00011000) != 0b00011000:
-            raise ValueError("Unable to find DS3231 at i2c address 0x68.")
-
     @property
     def datetime(self):
         """Gets the current date and time or sets the current date and time