How to Update and Check the Firmware on Your AirPods

PDF download Download Article
Keep your AirPods and AirPods Pro up to date in 3 easy steps
PDF download Download Article

Are your AirPods starting to go on the fritz but you aren’t sure why? AirPods tend to act up if they’re running outdated firmware, and updating them can help fix the problem. Apple releases new firmware to fix bugs and improve performance issues, so it’s really important to keep your AirPods updated. Luckily, updates are automatic and so simple to do. Keep reading, and we’ll walk you through updating any type of AirPods plus how to check that they’re running the most recent firmware.

Things You Should Know

  • Connect your AirPods to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac via Bluetooth.
  • Put your AirPods in their charging case and leave them next to your iOS device for 15–20 minutes to automatically update them.
  • Check the AirPod settings on your device for the firmware version. The current version for AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max is either 5E135 or 6.8.8.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Updating AirPods Firmware

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/Update-Airpods-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-Airpods-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/Update-Airpods-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Update-Airpods-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Turn on Bluetooth on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac computer so your AirPods can find the device. Keep your AirPods in their case and flip open the lid. If you’re connecting to your phone or iPad, wait for the pairing prompt to appear on screen and tap Connect .
    • If you’re pairing AirPods to a laptop , hold down the button on the AirPods’ charging case for 5 seconds until the light flashes white. Then, find your AirPods on the Bluetooth menu and tap on Connect . [1]
    • If you don’t have an Apple device, then schedule an appointment at your local Apple Store or Apple service provider to run an update for you. Currently, you’re not able to update your AirPods with an Android device or Windows computer.
    • If your AirPods aren’t connecting to your device, try resetting your AirPods by putting them in their case and holding the button down until it flashes yellow. If that doesn’t work, try turning the Bluetooth on your device off and back on again.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d3\/Update-Airpods-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-Airpods-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d3\/Update-Airpods-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Update-Airpods-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Place your AirPods inside their case and close the lid. Plug a lightning cable into the port on the case and connect it to a wall outlet or USB port on a computer to charge your AirPods and prepare them for the update. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Update-Airpods-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-Airpods-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Update-Airpods-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Update-Airpods-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Make sure your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is connected to the internet so it’s able to download the update. Your device will automatically transfer the update to your AirPods as soon as it’s downloaded. Just avoid moving your device or your AirPods case for at least 15–20 minutes to ensure the update has time to fully install. [3]
    4. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Finding the Firmware Version

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/57\/Update-Airpods-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-Airpods-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/57\/Update-Airpods-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Update-Airpods-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Open your AirPods case so they connect to your device. Open the Settings app with a gear icon and tap on Bluetooth in the menu. Locate your AirPods on the list of connected devices and click on the “i” button on the right side of the screen to open the information on your AirPods. [4]
    • Alternatively, tap on General in the Settings menu and then select About at the top of the screen. Scroll down until you find AirPods , and tap on it to open the info panel.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/12\/Update-Airpods-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-Airpods-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/12\/Update-Airpods-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Update-Airpods-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Hold down the Option (Alt) key on your keyboard and click the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen. Select System Information from the list to open a new panel, and click on Bluetooth in the menu on the left. Locate your AirPods in the list of Bluetooth devices to see all the information you need. [5]
    • If you’re running macOS Ventura, then open System Settings, select Bluetooth, and click the “i” info button next to your AirPods on the list.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Update-Airpods-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Update-Airpods-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/96\/Update-Airpods-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Update-Airpods-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    In the information panel, look for the “Firmware” heading to find out what version your AirPods are using. As of May 2023, the latest firmware versions your AirPods should be running are: [6]
    • AirPods Pro (2nd generation): 5E135
    • AirPods Pro (1st generation): 5E135
    • AirPods (2nd and 3rd generation): 5E135
    • AirPods Max: 5E135
    • AirPods (1st generation): 6.8.8
    • If you’re running an older version of the firmware, then plug your AirPods in and let them update next to your device.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • If you don’t have an Apple device, schedule an appointment at your local Apple Store or Apple service provider to run an update for you. [7]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • If you’re running into audio issues with your AirPods, make sure they’re fully charged to ensure they’re working properly.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      3 Simple Ways to Locate Your Lost Dead AirPods
      How to
      Pair Mismatched AirPods with One Case, Plus Troubleshooting
      How to
      Fix Earphones when One Side Is Silent
      How to
      Tell if AirPods Pro Are Charging: Battery Status & More
      How to
      Get Rid of a Headphone Dent (And Prevent a Future One)
      AirPods or Case Blinking Orange Light? Here's How to Fix It
      How to
      Fix Water Damaged Airpods
      How to
      Connect AirPods to a Lenovo Laptop: Easy Pair Guide
      Easy Ways to Reset Astro A50 Headphones
      Easy Ways to Tell if Sony Headphones Are Fake or Authentic
      10 Easy Ways to Keep Earbuds from Falling Out of Your Ears
      15 Ways to Fix AirPods Not Playing Sound when Connected
      4 Easy Ways to Disconnect AirPods from All Devices
      How to
      Fix Earbuds
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about airpods, check out our in-depth interview with James Bell .

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/airpods/pair-airpods-1st-2nd-or-3rd-generation-devc92111b77/web
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/a6viG-yvuTs?t=82
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/o--JAjZcY9M?t=60
      4. ↑ https://www.headphonesty.com/2022/08/update-airpods-pro/
      5. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213317
      6. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213317
      7. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/airpods/pair-airpods-1st-2nd-or-3rd-generation-devc92111b77/web

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 40,278 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement