How do I update the firmware on my AirPods?

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How do I update the firmware on my AirPods? I recently noticed that my AirPods Pro are disconnecting randomly during calls, the battery drain seems faster than usual, and I haven’t received any automatic updates on my iPhone 13 running iOS 17. I’ve tried resetting the AirPods, re-pairing them, and restarting my phone, but the issues persist. I also checked the firmware version under the Bluetooth settings and see it’s outdated compared to the latest release notes I found online. Since firmware updates for AirPods don’t show up like on other Apple devices, what’s the exact step-by-step process to manually trigger or ensure the update installs correctly? Do I need to leave the AirPods in the case connected to power while they’re paired to my phone? How long does the update typically take, and will I see a confirmation when it’s complete?

To update the firmware on your AirPods, you need to ensure your AirPods are connected to your iPhone or iPad, as updates are applied automatically over the air (OTA). You cannot initiate a manual update for your AirPods through a settings menu. The process is managed by Apple’s software, and you can only check for and confirm the update’s availability and completion. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to ensure your AirPods are updated to the latest firmware version.

Prerequisites for an AirPods Firmware Update

Before you begin, make sure your devices meet the following requirements:

  1. Compatible iOS Device: You must have an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch that is running a supported version of iOS or iPadOS. For the latest AirPods models (like the AirPods Pro 2nd generation, AirPods 3rd generation, and AirPods Max), your device needs to be running iOS 16.5 or later or iPadOS 16.5 or later. For older AirPods models (like the AirPods Pro 1st generation, AirPods 2nd generation, and AirPods 1st generation), you need iOS 14.2 or later.
  2. Active Internet Connection: Your iOS device and AirPods must be connected to a stable and reliable Wi-Fi network or a strong, stable cellular network. AirPods firmware updates are delivered OTA and can be several hundred megabytes in size, so a strong connection is crucial.
  3. Sufficient Battery Life:
    • Your iOS device’s battery should be charged to at least 50%.
    • Your AirPods (and their charging case, if applicable) should be charged to at least 50%.
    • The AirPods should be in the charging case with the lid closed (if wireless charging is enabled, the case can be placed on a Qi-certified charging mat). The AirPods must be connected to your iOS device via Bluetooth.
  4. Physical Proximity: Place your iOS device within close physical proximity to your AirPods and their charging case; within a few feet is ideal.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Update Your AirPods Firmware

The process is designed to be seamless and automatic. Follow these steps to ensure the update is initiated and completed successfully.

Step 1: Connect Your AirPods
Ensure your AirPods are actively paired and connected to your iPhone or iPad.

  • Open the charging case lid, or take an AirPod out of the case and put it in your ear. The Apple device you want to use should already be configured to auto-connect to your AirPods.
  • A pop-up animation should appear on your iOS device’s screen confirming the connection.

Step 2: Place Your AirPods in the Charging Case
After confirming the connection, place the AirPods back into their charging case and close the lid firmly. The charging case will need to have a charge of at least 50% to proceed with the update.

Step 3: Connect to a Power Source
It’s recommended to plug your iPhone or iPad into a power source using the official Apple charging cable and adapter. This prevents your iOS device’s battery from draining during the potentially lengthy update process.

Step 4: Stay Connected and Patient
This is the most critical step. The firmware update will download and install automatically in the background while you are not actively using your AirPods. The update process can take anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour, depending on the size of the update and your Wi-Fi speed.

The update will proceed under the following conditions:

  • Your AirPods are in the charging case with the lid closed.
  • Your iOS device is locked or you are using it for other tasks (e.g., browsing the web, watching videos).
  • Both devices are charging and connected to the internet.
  • Your iOS device has a stable internet connection.
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The update will not install if you:

  • Use your AirPods while the update is in progress.
  • Play audio on your iOS device.
  • Open the case lid or remove an AirPod.
  • Move your iOS device too far away from the charging case, causing a Bluetooth disconnection.
  • Turn off the Wi-Fi or enable Airplane Mode on your iOS device.

Step 5: Monitor the Update Progress
There is no on-screen progress bar for AirPods updates. The only way to know it’s happening is by observing the status light on the charging case.

  • When the update is in progress, the status light on your charging case will flash amber/orange intermittently.
  • When the update is complete, the status light will turn solid green for about a second, then turn off, or pulse amber/orange once if the battery level is low.

Step 6: Confirm the Update
Once the status light indicates the update is complete, your AirPods will automatically restart. To confirm the new firmware version, follow these steps:

  1. Make sure your AirPods are connected to your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Go to the Settings app.
  3. Tap General.
  4. Tap About.
  5. Scroll down and tap AirPods.
  6. Look for the Version number. If it has changed from the previous version, the update was successful. AirPods firmware usually follows a versioning scheme like "Axxx" (e.g., 6A316).

Troubleshooting and Common Issues

If you believe your AirPods are not updating, or you are having trouble, try the following steps:

  1. Ensure Compatibility: Verify that your iOS device is running a compatible version of the operating system. An unsupported version of iOS will not trigger an update.
  2. Check Network Stability: Move closer to your Wi-Fi router to ensure a strong signal. Try switching to a different Wi-Fi network if possible.
  3. Restart Your Devices:
    • Restart your iPhone or iPad by holding the side (or top) button and either volume button, then sliding to power off.
    • To "reboot" your AirPods, place them in the charging case, close the lid for at least 15 seconds, then open the lid and reconnect them to your device.
  4. Ensure Connectivity: Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your iOS device and that the AirPods are the primary audio output device. Try unpairing and then re-pairing your AirPods with your iPhone or iPad via Bluetooth settings.
  5. Charge Everything: Double-check that your iPhone, iPad, and AirPods are all charged to at least 50%. An interruption due to a dead battery will halt the update.
  6. Wait Patiently: Sometimes, the update notification from Apple’s servers can be delayed. If you’ve met all the prerequisites, simply keep your AirPods charged and connected to your iOS device for several hours while both are on Wi-Fi. The update will eventually download.
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Published: October 18, 2025