Your AirPods should update on their own. But sometimes they don’t, and there’s no progress bar to tell you why. You wait 30 minutes, check again, and nothing’s changed.
That’s frustrating, especially when you’re not sure what went wrong. Most failed updates actually come down to one small, fixable detail.
Here’s how to update AirPods firmware the right way, step by step. You’ll also find out what usually causes updates to fail, and exactly what to do if your AirPods still won’t update.
Why Do AirPods Need Firmware Updates?
AirPods firmware updates help improve how your earbuds work with Apple devices. Unlike iPhone or Mac updates, AirPods firmware updates happen quietly in the background.
These updates can fix software bugs, improve performance, maintain device compatibility, and sometimes add new features to supported AirPods models.
Firmware updates are also important when Apple introduces improvements for specific AirPods models. It can add things like better audio, refined touch, and support for new device features.
Updated Firmware ensures you get the latest fixes and improvements without needing to replace your earbuds or manually change any settings.
How to Prepare Your AirPods for the Firmware Update?
Getting your AirPods ready first can save you a failed attempt down the line. Follow these steps before waiting for the update:
- Connect your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to Wi-Fi.
- Make sure your AirPods are paired through Bluetooth.
- Place your AirPods inside the charging case.
- Connect the charging case to power.
- Keep the AirPods near the paired Apple device.
Your paired Apple device checks for new firmware and sends it to your AirPods while they charge. The connection just needs to stay active throughout.
How to Update AirPods Firmware: Step by Step
Updating your AirPods firmware isn’t complicated, but it does depend on getting a few small details right.
Here’s the exact process broken down step by step so nothing gets missed along the way:
Step 1: Put Your AirPods in the Charging Case
Place your AirPods or AirPods Pro fully into their charging case. Make sure both earbuds are seated properly in their slots, since a misaligned fit can prevent the case from charging them correctly.
This is the first requirement for the update to begin at all, so it’s worth double-checking the earbuds are sitting flush before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Close the Charging Case Lid
Close the lid all the way and keep it closed for the entire waiting period. This isn’t a minor detail, since opening the lid even briefly interrupts the connection the update relies on.
If you check on your AirPods partway through, you risk resetting the whole process without realizing it, so resist the urge to peek until the full wait time has passed.
Step 3: Plug the Case Into a Power Source
Connect the charging case to a USB charger or power source using a cable, not a wireless or MagSafe charger. Wireless charging won’t trigger the update at all.
A direct cable connection is required for the firmware transfer to start, so this step is easy to get wrong if you’re used to wirelessly charging AirPods.
Step 4: Keep the Case Near Your Paired Device
Position the closed case within Bluetooth range of the iPhone, iPad, or Mac it’s paired with, and make sure that device is connected to Wi-Fi rather than cellular data.
If the case drifts out of range or the device switches to cellular partway through, the update stops working silently. Keeping both nearby and on Wi-Fi for the full duration matters more.
Step 5: Wait at Least 30 Minutes
Let the case sit closed, powered, and in range for a full 30 minutes without interruption. Apple doesn’t show any progress indicator during this time, so there’s nothing to watch for.
The wait itself is the update happening in the background, and cutting it short or checking in early is one of the most common reasons updates don’t complete.
Apple recommends keeping the AirPods case closed during this waiting period and checking the firmware version afterward to confirm the update has been applied.
Note: For AirPods Max, connect the charging cable to the right earcup and keep the headphones near a paired Apple device for at least 30 minutes before checking the firmware.
How Do You Check Your AirPods Firmware Version?
You can check your AirPods firmware version using a connected iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Checking the version is the easiest way to confirm if an update has installed successfully.
Check AirPods Firmware on iPhone or iPad
To find your firmware version on iPhone or iPad:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Bluetooth.
- Select the Info (i) button next to your AirPods.
- Scroll down to the firmware version information.
Apple recommends using the Bluetooth settings page to check whether your AirPods are running the latest firmware version.
Check AirPods Firmware on Mac
To check the firmware version on Mac:
- Open the Apple menu.
- Select System Settings.
- Choose Bluetooth.
- Click the Info button next to your AirPods.
The firmware version will appear in the AirPods information section. Compare it against Apple’s current firmware to confirm. If the version matches Apple’s latest release, the update was successful.
Common Reasons AirPods Firmware Updates Fail
Firmware updates can fail if one condition is missing. The process depends on your AirPods, case, and Apple device communicating properly, so an issue with any part can stop it from completing.
| Issue | Fix |
|---|---|
| Charging case is not connected to power | Plug the case into a USB charger with a cable, not a wireless charger |
| Case lid left open | Close the lid fully and keep it closed for the entire 30-minute window |
| iPhone, iPad, or Mac not connected to Wi-Fi | Connect your paired device to Wi-Fi rather than cellular data |
| AirPods outside Bluetooth range | Keep the case close to your paired device throughout the update |
| Apple device software is outdated | Update your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to the latest software version |
| AirPods not properly connected | Reconnect your AirPods to your Apple device before trying again |
| Case on a wireless charger | Switch to a wired charging connection to trigger the update |
What to Do If AirPods Still Do Not Update?
If none of those fixes worked and your AirPods are still stuck on an older firmware version, don’t worry. There are a couple more things left to try before getting outside help.
If Your AirPods Still Show an Older Firmware Version:
- Reset your AirPods.
- Reconnect them to your Apple device.
- Repeat the update process.
Apple recommends resetting the AirPods and trying the firmware update again if it doesn’t complete.
If the issue continues, visit an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider for assistance.
Can You Update AirPods Firmware Without an iPhone?
AirPods firmware cannot be updated through Android phones or Windows computers.
Although AirPods can connect to non-Apple devices for listening, firmware updates require a compatible Apple device.
Android or Windows users need temporary access to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to complete the update. Another option is to visit an Apple Store or an authorized service provider for help.
How Do I Know If My AirPods Need a Software Update?
There’s no notification or alert telling you an update is due, since the process runs silently with no manual “check” button.
The only reliable method is to compare your current firmware version against Apple’s latest published release for your model.
If yours falls behind, an update is pending, and following the charging steps above will let it install automatically.
What’s the Newest AirPods Firmware Version?
There isn’t one single “newest” version, because Apple assigns separate build numbers to each model.
As of July 2026, the current stable releases are:
- AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Pro 2: build 8B41, released June 16, 2026
- AirPods Max 2: build 8E258
- Beats Studio Buds: build 1B211
Apple is also testing beta firmware (build 9A5304b) ahead of iOS 27, which adds features like custom EQ, but that track is separate from the general release.
Since these numbers change every few weeks, the most reliable move is to check Apple’s official firmware page for the current build that matches your specific model.
Conclusion
Knowing how to update AirPods firmware puts you back in control whenever an update seems stuck.
Most issues come down to one broken condition, whether that’s an open lid, a wireless charger, or a spotty Wi-Fi connection, and each one has a simple fix.
Once you understand what the update actually needs to succeed, checking the firmware version becomes a quick, reliable habit rather than a guessing game.
Keep your AirPods charging, closed, and connected for the full 30 minutes, and you’ll rarely run into trouble again.
If your AirPods are still lagging, take a few minutes today to follow the steps above and get them fully updated.
Have a tip or ran into an issue not covered here? Drop it in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Updating AirPods Firmware Affect Battery Life?
No, firmware updates don’t drain or damage your battery. Some updates even include efficiency improvements that can slightly extend listening time.
Will I Lose My AirPods Settings After a Firmware Update?
No, your paired settings, personalized audio preferences, and controls stay intact. Firmware updates only affect the internal software, not your saved configurations.
Can I Manually Download Air Pods Firmware Files to Install Myself?
No, Apple doesn’t provide firmware files for manual installation. Updates only install automatically through your paired iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
