Your AirPods are like a compact computer sitting in your ears. Just as you update the software on your laptop or phone, keeping your AirPods firmware up to date is essential for fixing bugs, enhancing functionality and improving security.
While AirPods generally update automatically in the background, it never hurts to manually check that you‘re running the most current firmware version. This guide will walk you through the steps to view your AirPods firmware details and manually trigger an update if needed.
Why Update AirPods Firmware?
Here are some of the key benefits of updating your AirPods to the latest firmware:
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Bug fixes: Firmware updates often address bugs and glitches to improve stability and performance of your AirPods. This prevents issues like disconnects, sound problems, syncing failures or battery drain.
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New features: Apple constantly tweaks the AirPods firmware to unlock new capabilities over time or optimize certain functions. Updating lets you test out these enhancements.
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Security: Outdated firmware poses security risks and leaves you vulnerable to malicious attacks when using AirPods to make calls or listen to audio. Updates patch vulnerabilities.
So while updating may seem tedious, keeping your AirPods firmware current pays dividends through added features, fewer headaches and better security.
Do AirPods Update Automatically?
In most cases, yes. AirPods are designed to automatically install newly released firmware in the background when:
- The AirPods are in their charging case
- The charging case is connected to power
- The case and paired iPhone are in close proximity (within Bluetooth range)
- The paired iPhone is connected to WiFi
As long as the above criteria are met, your AirPods self-update without any work required on your end.
You‘ll notice the update after it completes, as the firmware version displayed in your iPhone Bluetooth settings or About menu will change.
However, sometimes automatic updates don‘t trigger immediately. When this happens, you may need to manually update.
How to Check AirPods Firmware Version
Before manually updating, it helps to check your current AirPods firmware version so you can verify if the latest one installed after.
Here are the steps to view firmware details on iPhone:
- Place AirPods in case and bring near iPhone
- Open Settings app > General > About
- Scroll to bottom and tap your AirPods name
- View firmware version on next screen
Alternatively, you can check firmware from:
- Settings > Bluetooth > Tap "i" icon next to your AirPods
This displays the firmware alongside battery levels.
Current AirPods firmware version shown under About and in Bluetooth settings
Now that you know where to find firmware details, let‘s walk through manually updating.
How to Manually Update AirPods Firmware
Follow these steps to manually trigger an AirPods firmware update if one is available for your AirPods but hasn‘t auto-installed:
1. Bring AirPods and iPhone Within Range
Keep your iPhone and AirPods case close to each other to ensure Bluetooth and WiFi connection.
2. Connect Case to Power
Plug your AirPods case into a Lightning cable or Qi wireless charger. This powers on the update mechanism.
Note: Case must have at least 30% battery level
3. Pair AirPods with iPhone
Ensure AirPods are linked with your iPhone under Bluetooth settings.
4. Open AirPods Case
Flipping open the case lid wakes your AirPods to prepare for updates.
5. Wait for Update to Begin
It may take a few minutes, but the firmware update will now automatically kick off.
The update occurs silently in the background without notifications.
6. Verify Firmware Updated
After 15-30 minutes, double check your firmware version using the About section or Bluetooth tips above.
The firmware # should now reflect the latest version proofing a successful update.
Most of the time, these manual steps should trigger the OTA firmware update when placed under the right conditions.
If however, you still run into issues getting your AirPods to update, the next section covers some troubleshooting to fix problems preventing the firmware installation.
Fix AirPods Firmware Not Updating
Here are some troubleshooting solutions if your AirPods fail to update:
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Update iOS device – Ensure your paired iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch is running the latest iOS/iPadOS version and retry updating AirPods.
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Toggle Bluetooth – Turn Bluetooth off and back on via Settings to refresh the connection.
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Hard reset AirPods – Reset by pressing and holding the button on the back of the AirPods case for 15+ seconds. The light will flash amber and then white. Re-pair your AirPods with the device and test.
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Forget and re-pair AirPods – Go to Bluetooth settings, tap the "i" next to your AirPods, Tap Forget This Device, confirm and then re-pair.
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Check proximity – Bring case closer to iPhone if they aren‘t recognizing each other to update.
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Charge case and AirPods – Update requires substantial battery reserves. Fully charge both then retry.
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Switch charging method – If charging case via Lightning, try a Qi pad instead or vice versa.
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Use different device – Update your AirPods using someone else‘s compatible iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.
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Contact Apple Support – If all else fails, contact Apple for advanced troubleshooting or potential warranty coverage.
With some persistence and the right troubleshooting, you should be able to force your AirPods to update eventually.
How Long Do AirPods Updates Take?
Once initiated, firmware updates generally complete within 30 minutes up to an hour.
The exact installation time varies based on:
- AirPods battery level – Higher charge speeds it up
- Case battery level – 30%+ is recommended
- WiFi strength – Weak signals slow the update
As long as conditions are optimal, your firmware will push wirelessly in under an hour.
You won‘t see progress bars or get notifications when installation finishes. Simply re-check your firmware version later to confirm it worked.
Can You Revert Firmware Downgrades on AirPods?
No, iOS devices do not allow downgrading firmware once updated.
The only way is to wait for Apple to push a newer firmware version that may address bugs introduced in the latest one that causes issues.
So before updating, check online to see if other users are reporting problems on the firmware you‘ll receive. Only manually update if confidence is high on the update.
Do All AirPods Models Get Firmware Updates?
All generations of AirPods – the 1st, 2nd and 3rd gen along with various Pro models – receive ongoing firmware updates from Apple with bug fixes and enhancements.
So whether you own original AirPods from 2016 or the latest 2023 AirPods Pro, you‘ll benefit from installing the refreshed firmware releases.
Final Takeaways
Updating your AirPods firmware keeps them operating at peak performance for calls, music and overall reliability.
While mostly automatic, you may need to give updates a manual nudge using the steps listed.
Bookmark this guide to use as a reference whenever you need to quickly check your AirPods‘ firmware version or troubleshoot update problems.
Keeping your earbuds‘ software fresh results in a better wireless audio experience overall through enhanced connectivity, battery efficiency and access to the latest features from Apple.
