How to update your AirPods to the latest firmware

Back in the day, headphones and earphones were relatively simple pieces of tech. They played audio and that was about it. These days, there is a lot more going on. They’re wireless, they have noise-canceling, they have spatial audio, they can detect when they’ve been removed. As such, they have software that may need to be updated every once in a while. If you own a pair of AirPods, then here’s how to update the firmware on your earbuds.

Update your AirPods firmware

1. Place your AirPods back into their charging case. If you have the AirPods Max, then place it back into its Smart Case
2. Connect your AirPods to a power supply either via Lightning, USB-C, or MagSafe
3. Make sure that your iPhone or iPad is nearby
4. Make sure that your AirPods are also connected to your iPhone or iPad
5. Once they’re connected to your iOS device and are being charged, the update should start automatically

Unlike iOS updates, there’s no way to force an update. iOS updates are usually automatic and are done at night while you’re sleeping and your device is being charged. But you can force it to update if you prefer. AirPod updates can only be updated automatically, so the method above is the closest thing to “forcing” an update we’ve got.

You can also check to make sure you’ve the latest firmware.

1. Go to your iPhone or iPad Settings
2. Tap on General and go to About
3. Make sure that your AirPods are connected and if they are, there should be an option for “AirPods”, “AirPods Pro”, or “AirPods Max”. Tap on that
4. You should now see the firmware version that is installed