AirPods · System
Keep AirPods firmware up to date
AirPods firmware updates install automatically in the background while they're charging, in the case, and near a paired iPhone with internet access — there's no manual "check for update" button.
What you should know
- Check the current version under Settings → General → About → AirPods on a paired iPhone.
- Updates cannot be manually forced or scheduled — they happen opportunistically.
Why it matters
Firmware updates have historically fixed real connectivity bugs and added features (like new spatial audio or noise-cancellation improvements on supported models) — an AirPods pair that seems to "just have issues" is sometimes simply behind on firmware.
Best practices
- Leave AirPods in the case, charging, near your iPhone with Wi-Fi overnight occasionally to give updates a chance to install.
- Keep your iPhone's iOS itself updated — very old iOS versions can't push the newest AirPods firmware.
Common problems and fixes
- Firmware version hasn't changed in a long time
- Place both AirPods in the case, close the lid for at least 30 seconds, then reopen near your iPhone on Wi-Fi and leave it idle for a while.
Tips and tricks
- There's no way to roll back an AirPods firmware update once installed.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to do anything to install a firmware update?
No manual action is needed — just keep them charging near a paired, updated iPhone with internet access.
Related settings
- Pair AirPods with a DeviceAirPods pair almost instantly with Apple devices signed into the same Apple ID via a one-tap animation, and can also be paired manually with any Bluetooth device, including Windows and Android.
- Connectivity TroubleshootingMost AirPods connectivity complaints — audio cutting out, only one earbud playing, or AirPods not switching to the device you're actively using — are resolved by a short reset rather than a hardware fault.