Apple Finally Explains How to Install New Firmware on Your AirPods

[MacRumors]

Apple regularly releases new firmware for the AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max, but the company has historically provided limited information on how to initiate an update. That changed today, and Apple updated its AirPods firmware support page with more specific instructions.

Prior to today, here's what Apple said on the subject:

Firmware updates are delivered automatically while your AirPods are charging and in Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac that's connected to Wi-Fi . You can also use your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to check that your AirPods have the latest version.

Apple still has that same information, but now it's accompanied by step-by-step instructions on how to force an update, including troubleshooting steps if your AirPods won't update.

1. Make sure that your AirPods are in Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac that's connected to Wi-Fi.
2. Put your AirPods in their charging case and close the lid.
3. Plug the charging cable into your charging case, then plug the other end of the cable into a USB charger or port.
4. Keep the lid of the charging case closed, and wait at least 30 minutes for the firmware to update.
5. Open the lid of the charging case to reconnect your AirPods to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
6. Check the firmware version again.
   If you still can't update your firmware, reset your AirPods, then try to update your firmware again.

This process was generally already known, but the specific steps for charging via a cable and the 30 minute+ wait time remove any ambiguity on how to get new firmware installed.

Article Link: Apple Finally Explains How to Install New Firmware on Your AirPods

 

[jent]

So this won’t work when the case is charging/connected via MagSafe?

 

[DavidMalcolm]

The fact that there is no update firmware now button in the iPhone’s settings is really frustrating. Like I’m not saying don’t do it manually, but what would it hurt simply letting people manually trigger it?

 

[alexandr]

I'm assuming this will also work with a MagSafe charger?

 

[cateye]

I'm stuck at the step where you enter your passcode. Do you just, like, speak it into the AirPods? If so which one? Or like tap out the numbers? I'm so confused.

 

[Anonymous123]

For those asking about MagSafe, I’ve been updating my AirPods with a MagSafe charger for a while now with no issues.

 

[BelgianChoklit]

You have to be connected to wi-fi because those firmware updates are terabytes big

 

[ignatius345]

I've never really had any issue with my firmware updating -- seems like every time I check, it's running whatever the current version is. And yet judging from the people who post here everytime there's an update, others don't have it happen as quickly. I wonder why that is?

 

[alexandr]

For those asking about MagSafe, I’ve been updating my AirPods with a MagSafe charger for a while now with no issues.

So have I, but it's hard to track when the firmware actually took place, unless you sit there and watch it like a boiling pot

 

[mxrider88]

Do they even know what they are talking about? My AirPods Pro 1gen have always updated and I’ve never charged them once with a cable, just on a wireless base.
Somebody needs to slap the management there.

 

[Michael Scrip]

So basically...

- Put your AirPods in their case
- Charge them
- Wait

It's the same thing we've always done. Your AirPods will update whenever they feel like it.

🤣

 

[axantas]

There are these things, that happen magically, without my knowledge. AirPod-updates are one of them...
As they are not Sony-Earphones, there is no need to care about it, because they just work.

...as for Sony: Their updates are a pain in the - you know. An. if you are usin. the Germa. versio. you are confront. wi. a hilari. langua. and even. more hilarou. abbrev. bec. the. y do not know the rules of tha. Langua.

Be happy. use AirPods. Don't care about udates - they just work.

 

[alexandr]

So basically...

- Put your AirPods in their case
- Charge them
- Wait

It's the same thing we've always done. Your AirPods will update whenever they feel like it.

🤣

Correct, but now this has been officially confirmed by 

 

[Sirious]

The fact that there is no update firmware now button in the iPhone’s settings is really frustrating. Like I’m not saying don’t do it manually, but what would it hurt simply letting people manually trigger it?

I think it's more of a "the average person doesn't need to worry about this" kind of thing. It's meant to just disappear and happen in the background.

Our "power user" voices have no value sadly.

 

[Polinsky]

I'm stuck at the step where you enter your passcode. Do you just, like, speak it into the AirPods? If so which one? Or like tap out the numbers? I'm so confused.

I think Morse code is involved. Tap, tap, tap....

 

[DJJAZZYJET]

They really just need to add in a firmware update check option in the settings.

 

[jarman92]

So this won’t work when the case is charging/connected via MagSafe?

It does, mine always update overnight when my iPhone and AirPods are charging wirelessly.

 

[jarman92]

Whyyyyyyyyy don't they just make a freaking AirPods app for the dozens of settings they already have, plus EQ and a software update section? Seriously how much effort could that possibly require?

 

[dadiy]

Anyone else stuck on 7b21?

 

[ghostface147]

I would just play something for about 10 minutes, close the AirPods in their case, leave it next to my phone and the next day it’d be updated.

 

[dimon2242]

For what? Any features what worth it?

 

[Rafagon]

A bit off topic, but does anyone know any trick to make the AirPods Max volume go just a little higher then the maximum? Anything possibly buried deep in Accessibility or somewhere?

 

[Eorlas]

All of that, instead of a "check for updates" button.

 

[klasma]

Anyone else stuck on 7b21?

I’m stuck on the AirPods 2. For some reason they never updated to 3, not to mention 4.

 

[jhwalker]

... and those instructions are bollocks.

I've NEVER put the case on to charge while waiting for an update. I open the case and connect the AirPods. Then I close the case and set it aside on my desk or wherever - NOT on the charger. A few minutes later, I check in and the firmware has been updated.

Just put a freakin' "update" button in iOS.