AirPods Firmware Update
Learn how to check your AirPods firmware version and ensure you have the latest update for AirPods, AirPods Pro, and AirPods Max.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This costs you nothing extra and helps keep this site free.
⚡ Recommended for This Repair
Tools and accessories matched to this guide.
MagSafe-compatible drop protection
MFi-tested for proper power delivery
Microfiber + brush + alcohol wipes
64 bits, pro-grade — for serious DIY repair only
🔍 Why Update AirPods Firmware?
- Bug fixes and stability improvements
- New features (Spatial Audio, Conversation Awareness, etc.)
- Improved audio quality
- Better noise cancellation (AirPods Pro/Max)
- Security updates
🛠️ Tools You'll Need
- AirPods Cleaning Kit (precision picks + brush)
- 99% Isopropyl Alcohol
- Apple MFi Lightning/USB-C Cable
- Wireless Charging Pad (test)
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
📋 Difficulty & Time
🔧 Fix AirPods Won't Charge: Step by Step
Step 1: Clean the Charging Contacts
Dirty contacts are the #1 cause. Look at the bottom of each AirPod stem and inside the case at the magnetic charge points. You'll see small gold pins.
- Remove AirPods from case
- Wipe each charging contact (on stems AND inside case) with a dry microfiber cloth
- For stuck-on residue, use a cotton swab very lightly damp with 99% isopropyl alcohol
- Let air-dry 1 minute, then place AirPods back in case
Step 2: Try a Different Cable + Adapter
Cheap or counterfeit cables fail more than the case. Use a known-good Apple-branded MFi cable. Test in 2 different outlets.
Step 3: Test Wireless Charging (if compatible)
If your case supports wireless charging (most do): place on a Qi pad. If wireless works but wired doesn't, your case's port is dead — replacement case is $99 from Apple.
Step 4: Forget + Re-Pair on iPhone
Sometimes the firmware gets stuck. Settings → Bluetooth → tap (i) next to AirPods → Forget This Device. Then place case near iPhone with lid open and re-pair.
Step 5: Check Case Battery LED
Open the case lid. Look at the small LED. Amber when charging, green when full. If no LED at all: the case battery is fully dead and might have failed entirely. Try charging for 30 minutes and re-check.
Step 6: Update AirPods Firmware
Settings → Bluetooth → tap (i) next to AirPods. If a firmware version number doesn't appear, plug case into power, place near iPhone, and wait 30 min — Apple pushes firmware automatically.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a wet (not damp) cotton swab — drips into the case, destroys the battery
- Skipping the cleaning step (60% of cases solved by cleaning alone)
- Buying a 'replacement battery' that doesn't exist for AirPods (not user-replaceable)
🏥 When to Call a Pro
If cleaning + cable test + re-pair don't work, you need a replacement case ($99 Apple, $29 with AppleCare+) or replacement set. Apple doesn't repair AirPods cases — they swap them.
📋 How to Check Current Firmware
- Connect AirPods to your iPhone
- Go to Settings → Bluetooth
- Find your AirPods in the list
- Tap the (i) info button next to them
- Scroll down to see "Firmware Version"
🛠️ How to Update AirPods Firmware
AirPods update automatically — you can't manually trigger an update. But you can encourage it:
For AirPods and AirPods Pro:
- Put AirPods in the charging case
- Connect the case to power (Lightning/USB-C cable)
- Place your iPhone nearby (connected to WiFi)
- Leave them for at least 30 minutes
- Don't open the case during this time
For AirPods Max:
- Connect AirPods Max to power via Lightning cable
- Place iPhone nearby (connected to WiFi)
- Leave them charging for 30+ minutes
- Updates install automatically when conditions are met
- Usually happens when you're not actively using them
- Requires: charging + iPhone nearby + WiFi connection
- May take several hours or overnight
- No notification when update completes
🔄 Tips to Encourage Update
- Make sure iPhone has the latest iOS version
- Keep AirPods case charging overnight near your iPhone
- Ensure iPhone is connected to WiFi (not just cellular)
- Forget and re-pair AirPods if update seems stuck
- Check firmware version the next day
🔧 Troubleshooting Updates
Update not installing?
- Reset AirPods: Hold button on case 15 seconds until amber then white flash
- Re-pair with iPhone
- Place in case, charge, leave near iPhone overnight
- Check version next day
Still on old firmware?
- Some updates roll out gradually
- May take days or weeks to receive
- Apple doesn't provide a manual update option
📱 Checking on Mac
- Connect AirPods to your Mac
- Hold Option key and click Bluetooth icon in menu bar
- Hover over AirPods name
- Firmware version will be displayed
📊 Recent Firmware Versions
Check Apple's support pages or tech sites for latest versions. Versions change frequently.
- AirPods Pro 2: Check for versions 6+ for latest features
- AirPods 3: Check for versions 5+
- AirPods Max: Check for versions 5+
Apple doesn't publish firmware release notes publicly, but tech sites track changes.
- Updates can sometimes cause temporary audio glitches
- Reset AirPods if issues occur after update
- Rare cases: firmware can get corrupted (reset usually fixes)
- If problems persist, contact Apple Support
🔧 Having AirPods Issues?
If your AirPods have problems even after updating, PC Medics of NJ can help diagnose and troubleshoot.
📞 Call: 856-914-1074
We serve South Jersey with Apple accessory support!
📦 Mail-In Repair Service
Not comfortable doing this yourself? Send your device to a professional repair shop.
🛒 Recommended Products
The #1 repair kit — 64 bits, pro tools, lifetime warranty
EZ Fit tray — foolproof install, 9H tempered glass 2-pack
Charge iPhone, Watch & AirPods — one compact cube