How to Check and Update AirPods Firmware - MacRumors
Skip to Content

How to Check and Update AirPods Firmware

by

Apple occasionally releases firmware updates for its AirPods and AirPods Pro wireless earphones that can include performance improvements, feature tweaks, and bug fixes.

If you're having a particular issue with your AirPods or AirPods Pro, or if you just want to make sure they're up to date with the latest software, then follow the steps below.

airpods pro 2 gradient

How to Update Your AirPods or AirPods Pro

  1. Insert your AirPods in their case if they aren't already.
  2. Connect the AirPods charging case to a power source using the included Lightning to USB-C/USB-C to USB-C cable, or alternatively if you have a Wireless Charging Case or AirPods Pro, place it on a Qi-compatible wireless charging mat.
  3. Move the iPhone or iPad that the AirPods have been paired with near to the charging case, and make sure the iOS device has an internet connection.

And that's all there is to it. After a short while, any available software updates should be automatically downloaded and installed. If you're having trouble updating your AirPods, make sure the charging case is fully charged. You can also try resetting the AirPods.

Check Your AirPods' Firmware Version

To check the version of the firmware that you have installed to make sure it's up to date, follow these steps:

  1. With your AirPods connected, launch the Settings app on your iOS device.
  2. Tap the name of your AirPods below your Apple Account banner.
  3. Scroll down to the "About" section and tap Version.
  4. Check the numbers shown beside Version and Case.

settings

Firmware updates for the AirPods don't come out very often, so don't be surprised if the version stays the same for a while.

Popular Stories

Apple Event Logo

Apple Working on All-New Operating System

Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:39 am PDT by
Apple is developing an all-new operating system that is essentially a mix of tvOS, watchOS, and iOS, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In a report this week, he said the operating system will feature a grid of icons, widgets, and apps, along with customizable clock faces. The new software platform is intended for Apple's long-rumored smart home hub. With built-in facial recognition,...
imac video apple feature

Apple Made Its Second-Biggest Acquisition Ever This Year

Wednesday July 29, 2026 12:03 pm PDT by
Apple this year acquired Israeli startup Q.ai for close to $2 billion, according to the Financial Times. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone maker Beats in 2014. This is also the largest known Apple acquisition since the company purchased Intel's smartphone modem business and patents for $1 billion in 2019. Q.ai...
Dynamic Island iPhone 18 Pro Feature

iPhone 18 Pro: Twelve Changes Coming to Apple's Next Flagship

Thursday July 30, 2026 3:43 am PDT by
We're less than two months out from the launch of Apple's premium next-generation smartphone lineup, and while we're not expecting a dramatic change in terms of functionality, there are still several enhancements rumored to be coming to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. One thing worth noting is that Apple is reportedly planning a major change to its iPhone release cycle this year,...