How to Update Your AirPods
Apple frequently releases firmware updates for the entire AirPods line, including the AirPods Pro, AirPods 2, AirPods 3, and AirPods Max. However, the company doesn’t make it clear how to actually update your AirPods, nor does it say what each firmware update does . So, here’s how to do it, whichever model of AirPods you’re using. But in the first place, why should you worry? Apple, of course, knowingly updates the firmware. Firmware updates can solve bug issues, such as when AirPods Max users encountered abnormal battery drain (for all other issues, there is a hidden reset option we talked about earlier ) and improve performance, so it’s worth updating them regularly, even if they seem to , works fine.
How to check the current firmware version of your AirPods
First, check the firmware version of your AirPods to make sure the update hasn’t happened yet. The first step is to connect AirPods to iPhone. For this step, how you do it doesn’t matter, but will matter when it comes to actually installing the update (more on that later).
Now on your iPhone, go to Settings > General > About , then scroll down. If your AirPods are connected, you should see their name. Touch the name, then check ” Firmware version “. At the time of this writing, 4E71 is the latest firmware for all AirPods, but check with Google to make sure Apple hasn’t released a newer update since then.
How to update the firmware on your AirPods
To update your AirPods, you still need to connect them to your iPhone, but in a special way: the trick here is to make sure your AirPods are connected to your iPhone while remaining in the case. Your AirPods won’t update if they’re out of the case, so don’t keep them in your ears and expect iOS to update the firmware. If you’ve previously connected your AirPods to your iPhone, they should connect when you lift the case cover (again, AirPods Max should connect when they’re in the case).
Now you need to connect your AirPods to a power source. In theory, the update should work if you’re using wireless charging (if your AirPods case supports it), but I’ve only ever seen walkthroughs using a Lightning cable to update the firmware. After connecting to the network, leave the AirPods for 10-15 minutes. After this period of time, check the firmware version for your AirPods: it should now be fully updated. If not, repeat this step.