How to Update Your AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max Firmware

Apple's AirPods line is praised for its seamless connectivity and excellent sound quality. But to ensure your AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max are always performing at their best with the latest features and performance improvements, you need to make sure their firmware is up to date.

Unlike on an iPhone or Mac, the firmware update process for AirPods happens automatically in the background, and users cannot manually start it. However, you can follow a few simple steps to check your current version and ensure the update goes smoothly. Here’s how.

Step 1: Check Your Current AirPods Firmware Version

Before attempting to update, it's best to know your current firmware version. You can use your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to find the AirPods firmware version. The process is very simple.

Find your AirPods firmware version on your iPhone or iPad

To use your iPhone or iPad to check if your AirPods have the latest firmware version:

1. Make sure your device has the latest version of iOS or iPadOS.
2. Go to Settings > Bluetooth.
3. Find your AirPods in the list of devices, then tap the More Info button ℹ️ next to their name.
4. Scroll down to the "About" section, where you will see the "Firmware Version" number.

Find your AirPods firmware version on your Mac

To use your Mac to check if your AirPods have the latest firmware version:

1. Make sure your device has the latest version of macOS.
2. Choose Apple menu  > System Settings, then click Bluetooth.
3. Find your AirPods and click the More Info button ℹ️ next to their name.
4. Here, you will be able to see the current firmware version.

Step 2: How to Trigger an AirPods Firmware Update

Firmware updates are automatically sent to your AirPods when the following conditions are met: the AirPods are charging and are within Bluetooth range of an iPhone, iPad, or Mac that is connected to a Wi-Fi network.

After checking the firmware version, if your AirPods are not on the latest version, you can update them.

Update the firmware for AirPods or AirPods Pro

1. Make sure that your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is updated to the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS, and that Bluetooth is turned on.
2. Ensure your AirPods are connected via Bluetooth to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
3. Connect your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to a Wi-Fi network.
4. Connect your AirPods charging case to a power source.
5. Place the AirPods in the charging case and close the lid. Keep the lid closed and ensure the AirPods stay within Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
6. Wait at least 30 minutes for the firmware update to complete.
7. Open the lid of the charging case to allow the AirPods to reconnect to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
8. Check the firmware version again.

Update the firmware for AirPods Max

1. Make sure that your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is updated to the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, or macOS, and that Bluetooth is turned on.
2. Ensure your AirPods Max are connected via Bluetooth to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
3. Connect your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to a Wi-Fi network.
4. Plug the charging cable into the bottom of the right earcup and plug the other end of the cable into a USB charger or port.
5. Keep the AirPods Max within Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and wait at least 30 minutes for the firmware update to complete.
6. Reconnect your AirPods Max to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
7. Check the firmware version again.

What If the Update Fails?

If your AirPods firmware version still hasn't changed after following the steps above, the final solution is to try resetting your AirPods. After the reset, pair them with your device again and repeat the charging and waiting steps. This usually resolves update issues.

Tip: If you don't have an Apple device nearby, you can make an appointment at an Apple Store or with an Apple Authorized Service Provider to get your firmware updated.

About This Guide

Apple periodically releases new firmware for the AirPods family to introduce new features, improve connection stability, and fix potential bugs.

The core purpose of this guide is to provide you with the most accurate and reliable process for updating the firmware. We will maintain this article long-term to ensure that every step matches Apple's latest operating systems.

As for what new features or fixes are included in each firmware update, we will detail those in separate, dedicated articles. We recommend you bookmark this article and use it as your go-to instruction manual when you need to update your AirPods. When you learn about a new firmware release from our other articles, you can always return here to follow the safest update method.