How to Update AirPod Firmware: Quick and Easy Guide

We often overlook the fact that our Apple AirPods, just like our other devices, receive firmware updates. These updates can bring new features, improvements, and bug fixes to ensure our listening experience remains top-notch. Keeping them up to date might not come as naturally as updating our phones or computers; that’s because the process is slightly more indirect, but nonetheless, it’s essential for maintaining the performance and security of our AirPods.

The firmware in our AirPods plays a critical role—it’s the software that governs everything from sound processing to how the AirPods communicate with other devices. When Apple releases a firmware update, it’s not just about adding new functionalities. It’s also about ensuring that our AirPods are performing as efficiently as possible. These updates can address issues we might not even be aware of, such as battery life optimizations or connectivity enhancements.

Making sure our AirPods are up to date doesn’t have to be complicated. The updates usually happen in the background when they’re connected to an iOS device, but there are times we may need to give the process a little nudge. While there’s no direct ‘update button,’ we can encourage an update by ensuring our AirPods are charged, within range of a paired device, and connected to Wi-Fi. If we’re curious about which firmware version we’re currently running, we can easily check that on our iOS device and see if we’re on the latest one.

Contents

1 Preparing Your Devices for Update
2 Updating AirPods Firmware
- 2.1 Automatic Update Process
- 2.2 Confirming Firmware Version
3 Troubleshooting Update Issues
- 3.1 Forcing a Firmware Update
- 3.2 Resetting AirPods
4 After the Update
- 4.1 Verifying New Features
- 4.2 Addressing Remaining Audio Issues

Preparing Your Devices for Update

Before updating your AirPods firmware, it’s essential that we check compatibility, ensure a stable connection, and have our devices adequately charged. These steps are critical for a smooth and successful update process.

Checking Compatibility

First, we need to ensure that our AirPods are compatible with the latest firmware update. Updates generally require an iPhone running the latest version of iOS, an iPad with the latest version of iPadOS, or a Mac running the latest MacOS version. Keeping our devices up to date allows us to get the best performance and latest features.

Ensuring Connectivity

A stable connection is vital during the update process. Our iPhone, iPad, or Mac should be connected to the internet, and Bluetooth should be turned on to maintain a connection between the AirPods and the device. We must stay close to the device and ensure that it has internet connectivity throughout the update process.

Charging Your AirPods and Case

The AirPods and the charging case should have sufficient battery life before initiating an update. We recommend charging both the AirPods and the case for at least 30 minutes prior to updating. They must be in the case with the lid open and close to the paired iPhone, iPad, or Mac during the entire update process to prevent any interruptions due to power issues.

Updating AirPods Firmware

We must ensure our AirPods have the latest firmware to maintain optimal performance and access new features. Apple’s automatic update process is straightforward, but knowing how to confirm the current firmware version is also important.

Automatic Update Process

We don’t manually update the firmware on our AirPods. Instead, Apple designed them to update automatically when they meet certain conditions. Here is how we can facilitate the process:

Place AirPods in their charging case.
Ensure that the case has charge or is connected to a power source.
Keep the AirPods within close proximity to an iOS device connected to Wi-Fi.
Wait for the magic to happen—this process generally occurs when the AirPods are idle.

Confirming Firmware Version

Knowing the installed firmware version helps us verify if our AirPods are up to date:

Step	Action
1. Open the Settings App on the iOS device.	Select Bluetooth.
2. Find your AirPods in the list.	Tap the ‘i’ next to them.
3. Tap About.	View the Firmware Version number.

If your AirPods have been next to your iOS device and connected to Wi-Fi but haven’t updated after 24 hours, you may want to contact Apple Support for further assistance.

Troubleshooting Update Issues

When updating AirPods firmware, sometimes things don’t go as planned. We’ll guide you through forcing an update and resetting your AirPods to resolve common issues.

Forcing a Firmware Update

Sometimes, AirPods don’t update automatically as they should. If you encounter this issue, you can try to force a manual update. Here’s our suggested approach:

1. Ensure your AirPods are paired. Make sure your AirPods are connected to your iPhone or iPad via Bluetooth.

2. Keep your AirPods in their charging case. Open the lid, then place your AirPods close to your paired device.

To achieve the best results, we have noticed that your device should be connected to Wi-Fi with internet access, and your AirPods should be sufficiently charged.

Resetting AirPods

If forcing an update doesn’t work, resetting your AirPods can often clear bugs and restore functionality, which may allow the update process to start. Here’s what we recommend:

1. Press and hold the setup button. The button is located on the back of your AirPods’ charging case.

2. Wait for the status light. It should flash amber and then white, indicating that your AirPods are resetting.

After resetting, reconnect your AirPods to your device. This should also remove any existing performance issues.

Keep in mind, firmware updates are designed to improve your AirPods’ performance. If issues persist, contacting Apple Support may be necessary.

After the Update

Updating firmware can provide significant improvements, such as adding new features or addressing existing audio issues. Let’s explore how we can verify these updates and troubleshoot any remaining issues.

Verifying New Features

Here’s how to confirm new features and enhancements:

Check the firmware version: To ensure the update applied successfully, go to your device’s Bluetooth settings and verify the firmware version.
Test new features: Look for any enhancements listed in the update, such as improved Bluetooth range or additional controls.

After updating, we might notice an increase in Bluetooth range, or perhaps a new setting in our AirPods’ control scheme — these are solid indicators of a successful update.

Addressing Remaining Audio Issues

Some users might still face audio discrepancies post-update. If we’re noticing persistent audio problems, here are steps to potentially resolve them:

Reset your AirPods: Sometimes, a simple reset can resolve lingering issues.
Contact Support: If problems persist, reaching out to Apple support will be the next best step for a resolution.

Bug fixes are typically a part of the firmware update. However, should any audio issues remain unsolved, we must troubleshoot. This may involve checking our wireless charging case for any signs of the issue or observing the design for any changes. It’s rare, but sometimes design tweaks are made that can impact the way our AirPods function or fit.