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

iPhone 18 Pro Rumored Colors

What's Coming in September: New iPhones, Apple Watches and More

Thursday August 13, 2026 4:20 pm PDT by
Apple will introduce at least five new devices at its iPhone-centric event next month, and it's also possible we'll get devices waiting on Siri AI like the Apple TV. iPhone 18 Pro The iPhone 18 Pro is going to look like the iPhone 17 Pro, but with a smaller Dynamic Island. It's getting some internal updates, including a new Wide camera with a variable aperture for more control over lighting ...
iPhone 17 One Year Later Thumb 1

Should You Buy an iPhone 17 Now or Wait for iPhone 18?

Friday August 14, 2026 12:15 pm PDT by
For the first time since Apple started selling standard and "Pro" iPhones, we're not going to get an entry-level iPhone model this fall. Apple doesn't plan to release an iPhone 18 in September, and will only launch the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and foldable iPhone Ultra. The lower-cost iPhone 18 won't come out until spring 2027. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more ...
Everything New Your iPhone Can Do on iOS 27 Feature 1

30 New Things Your iPhone Can Do in iOS 27

Friday August 14, 2026 6:24 am PDT by
Apple will release iOS 27 in September, and despite the company's focus this year on refining its flagship operating system and nixing bugs, there are still many additional features on the way, not least of which is Apple's new context-aware Siri, re-tooled for the generative AI era. This year's major iPhone software update isn't all about AI, though, as the following feature list...