You know those shiny new AirPods you’ve got? Well, they can get even better with regular firmware updates. These software downloads bring extra features, improvements, and bug fixes to your buds. And they’re super simple to access too.
With this little guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about updating your AirPods’ firmware to keep them up to date and running smoothly. Let’s get going…
Why update your AirPods?
There are loads of good reasons to update your AirPods. For one, the latest AirPods firmware can improve everything from their performance, right down to the battery life. Which means even more podcasts and tunes before they run out of juice.
The firmware is usually packed with new features too – like spatial audio, or better connectivity. Plus, these updates come with important security fixes that’ll protect your AirPods from any hacks or viruses.
So, by keeping your AirPods’ firmware up to date, you’ll get the best possible experience out of your buds. And it won’t take long to do either – meaning you’ll be listening again in no time.
Preparing your AirPods for an update
Before you start your AirPods firmware update, there are a couple of things you need to do first:
Make sure your AirPods are charged – otherwise, they might die halfway through the update!
Connect your AirPods to your iOS gadget – your AirPods need to be connected to an iPhone or iPad etc that’s running the latest version of iOS. If you haven’t downloaded the newest operating system release, do that first.
Checking the current firmware version
Now that your AirPods are ready, let’s see what firmware they’re running. Here’s how to find out:
Pop your AirPods in their case and flip open the lid.
Bring your device close to the case. A pop-up window should appear on your screen showing the current firmware on your AirPods.
Starting the firmware update
If there’s a firmware update available for your AirPods, just follow these steps:
Keep your AirPods in their case and check that they’re connected to your iOS device.
Make sure your iPhone, iPad etc is connected to the Wi-Fi and has enough battery life left.
Leave your AirPods case open and near your iOS device.
Wait for the firmware update to be automatically downloaded and installed onto your AirPods. This might take a little while, so be patient!
Troubleshooting update issues
Running into problems during your AirPods update? No worries. Here are a few handy troubleshooting tips…
Restart your device – it’s the oldest trick in the book, but sometimes turning them off and on again will fix any connectivity issues between your AirPods and your gadget.
Reset your AirPods – try resetting them by holding down the setup button on the back of their case for about 15 seconds. If you’re doing it properly, the status light should flash amber, then white.
Check for iOS updates – make sure your device is running the latest version of iOS. AirPods Firmware updates are often bundled with iOS updates.
Contact Apple Support – if none of these have worked, have a chat with Apple Support. They might have a few tricks up their sleeve that we don’t know about.
FAQs
Do AirPods need to be updated?
You don’t have to. But like we’ve said, if you don’t, you’ll be missing out on the latest features and performance boosts. So, if you’ve got bad FOMO, get that update on the go.
How do you manually trigger an AirPods update?
There isn’t any way to manually trigger an AirPods update. Instead, new updates are sent through automatically when your AirPods are connected to an iOS device with the latest version of iOS installed.
How do I update my AirPods’ firmware without iOS
For now, the only way to update your AirPods firmware is through an iOS device running up to date software. If you don’t have access to an iOS device, you won’t be able to update the firmware. Sorry!
So, now you should be an expert on how to update AirPods. Need any other tips? We’ve got you covered. If yours are getting a bit grimy, here’s how to clean AirPods. And if you can’t hear that playlist very well, we’ve got a few tricks on how to fix quiet AirPods too.
