Apple finally reveals exactly how to update your AirPods to new firmware

Apple updates its AirPods products periodically with new firmware, which installs automatically in the background. But for the first time, the company now offers step-by-step instructions for how to manually trigger a firmware update yourself.

Step-by-step instructions for installing AirPods firmware

Today Apple has updated its support page for AirPods firmware to include step-by-step instructions for the first time (via MacRumors).

Here are the six steps to follow for updating AirPods and AirPods Pro:

Update your AirPods or AirPods Pro firmware

1. Make sure that your AirPods are in Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac that’s connected to Wi-Fi.
2. Put your AirPods in their charging case and close the lid.
3. Plug the charging cable into your charging case, then plug the other end of the cable into a USB charger or port.
4. Keep the lid of the charging case closed, and wait at least 30 minutes for the firmware to update.
5. Open the lid of the charging case to reconnect your AirPods to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
6. Check the firmware version again.

Apple notes that if you still can’t update your firmware, you should reset your AirPods then try again.

Similarly, there’s a five-step process available for AirPods Max users:

Update your AirPods Max firmware

1. Make sure that your AirPods Max are in Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac that’s connected to Wi-Fi.
2. Plug the charging cable into the bottom-right earphone, then plug the other end of the cable into a USB charger or port.
3. Wait at least 30 minutes for the firmware to update.
4. Reconnect your AirPods Max to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
5. Check the firmware version again.

Behind the scenes, nothing is changing with how firmware updates work. They will still install automatically in the background for most users. But before today, that was the only ‘official’ option for users.

Now, you can trigger an update yourself whenever new AirPods firmware is released.

How have you installed AirPods firmware in the past? Let us know in the comments.

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• AirPods Pro 2 (now just $199, down from $249)
• Memory foam AirPods Pro eartips for a more comfortable fit
• AirFly SE for connecting AirPods to in-flight headphone jacks
• Belemay leather case for AirPods Pro
• Magnetic strap neckband for preventing lost AirPods

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