Have you noticed any strange quirks with your AirPods lately? Weird connection dropouts, changes in audio quality, or other small issues can often be fixed by updating to the latest firmware version.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through everything involved in manually updating the firmware on your AirPods models – including important reasons for keeping the software current.
An Introduction to AirPods Firmware
But first, what exactly is "firmware" and why does it matter for your AirPods?
Firmware is low-level software programmed directly onto the integrated circuits inside each AirPod‘s housing and charging case. This controls basic functions from noise cancellation capabilities to how AirPods communicate with your iPhone.
Apple issues new firmware versions to fix bugs in existing features, enhance performance like battery life optimizations, and activate support for newly launched capabilities.
Examples:
| Firmware Version | Changes |
|---|---|
| 4A400 | Added "Find My" integration to locate lost AirPods |
| 3E751 | Enabled Spatial Audio with head tracking on AirPods Pro paired with 2nd gen Apple TV |
So in short – keeping your firmware up-to-date ensures your AirPods perform as designed and that you can access all the latest features.
Now let‘s jump into the step-by-step process…
Step 1: Check AirPods Firmware Version
Before updating, you‘ll want to check what firmware version is currently installed on your AirPods.
To do so:
- Open the Settings app
- Select General > About
- Look for the entry showing your AirPods – the firmware number will be next to this
My AirPods Pro in this example need updating because 2D15 is not the latest release.
What AirPods Do You Have?
Determining your specific AirPods model is also important before updating as the process can vary.
- AirPods Pro – Released 2019. Active noise cancellation and transparency mode. Wireless charging case option.
- AirPods Max – Over-ear headphones launched in 2020. Adaptive EQ, Spatial Audio, digital crown control.
- AirPods 2 – 2nd generation AirPods from 2019. "Hey Siri" support, wireless charging case option.
- AirPods 1 – 1st generation AirPods from 2016. Lack wireless charging case support.
If you‘re still unsure, check for the model name printed on the inside of the AirPods charging case.
Step 2: Update iOS Device
AirPods firmware is delivered wirelessly through your paired iPhone or iPad. This means your iOS device itself must be running the latest supported software:
- iPhone – Requires iOS 13 or later
- iPad – Requires iPadOS 13 or later
- Mac – Requires macOS Big Sur 11.1 or later
So prior to updating your AirPods, ensure your device‘s operating system is also up-to-date:
On iPhone/iPad
- Open Settings
- Go to General > Software Update
- Install any available OS updates and reboot
On Mac
- Click on the Apple icon
- Select About this Mac > Software Update
- Install updates and restart computer
Updating provides compatibility with the newest AirPods firmware releases.
Step 3: Prepare AirPods for Updating
With compatible device OS version confirmed, now prep your AirPods:
- For All Models
- Check battery level of both AirPods and charging case
- Should be at least 30% charge in each
- Power on Bluetooth on device
- Enable location services
- Check battery level of both AirPods and charging case
- For AirPods Pro & Max
- Place AirPods inside open charging case
- Plugin case via Lightning cable or Qi wireless charger
Charging your AirPods ensures update process completes without powering down mid-install.
Location services and Bluetooth provide necessary connections.
Step 4: Connect Your AirPods
Next, connect your AirPods to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac:
- Open Bluetooth settings
- Select your AirPods when they appear in "Other Devices" list
- Verify successful pairing
Pairing kickstarts communication allowing firmware transfer once update begins.
If your AirPods don‘t automatically appear for pairing, try resetting:
- AirPods Pro – Press and hold case button for 30+ seconds
- AirPods Max – Press and hold noise control button 15+ seconds
- AirPods 1 & 2 – Forget device from Bluetooth menu then reboot
After resetting, reconnect back to Bluetooth.
Step 5. Start the AirPods Firmware Update
Finally, with fully charged AirPods linked via Bluetooth, the actual over-the-air firmware update will now automatically install in the background!
- For AirPods Pro & Max
- Keep AirPods in OPEN charging case
- Leave case next to iPhone/iPad
- Wait approx. 30 minutes
- Case status light will flash during update
- For AirPods 1 & 2
- Insert AirPods into ears
- Keep within Bluetooth range of device
- Update installs when stored in case
- For All Models
- Don‘t use AirPods during update
- Maintain Bluetooth connection
Be patient and avoid disconnecting Bluetooth or removing AirPods during this process.
Once the flashing status light or firmware transfer finishes, the new firmware version will be live!
Step 6: Verify AirPods Firmware Updated Successfully
To confirm the latest firmware actually installed correctly:
- Reopen Settings > General > About
- Check AirPods section for new firmware number
- Compare to latest public version on Apple‘s site
If numbers match, update is complete! If still lower number, try updating again.
And there you have it – a complete walkthrough of manually updating your AirPods firmware!
The key is properly preparing your AirPods, pairing them via Bluetooth, triggering the install, then verifying completion afterwards. Straightforward when you know the steps.
I hope this guide gave you everything you need to keep your AirPods performing at peak condition. Let me know if any other questions!