How do you update the firmware on your AirPods? You can't! You can, however, check which version they're running.
Update May 24, 2017: Apple has released firmware version 3.7.2 for the AirPods. It's unknown at this time exactly what comes with the update, but it's likely smaller fixes and improvements.
Back in February, Apple quietly rolled out a firmware update for AirPods, the company's wireless earbuds. Early adopters scrambled to the internet, as they do, looking for ways to manually update their firmware from version 3.3.1 to version 3.5.1 only to come away disappointed. It seems Apple hasn't provided a way to manually update the firmware on AirPods, opting instead for an automatic update process.
All that said, Apple won't just install the firmware update willy-nilly (if your AirPods died mid-update it could cause all sorts of problems); you'll need to make sure of the following:
- Your AirPods must be in the charging case.
- The charging case must be plugged in and charging.
- An iOS device that's been connected to your AirPods must be nearby.
Once all of those conditions are met, the firmware update should automatically begin at some point (yeah, it's that vague).
Now, while you can't trigger a firmware update with a button press or tap, you can check what firmware version your AirPods are running and view some other interesting information about the wireless earbuds. Here's how!
How to check your AirPods' firmware version
- Make sure your AirPods are connected to your iOS device (open the charging case or put your AirPods in your ears).
- Launch the Settings app on your iOS device.
- Tap General.
Tap About.
- Scroll down and tap AirPods.
Check the number next to Firmware Version to see what firmware version your AirPods are running.
If your firmware version says something other than 3.5.1, your AirPods need an update! Put 'em in their case, plug it in, place your phone nearby, and keep your fingers crossed for that automatic update!
Questions?
If you've got questions let us know in the comments below!
Reader comments
Apple releases AirPod firmware version 3.7.2
Does this same process work for BeatsX too?
Manual updating should always be provided, if you're having some issue with your AirPods, you don't wanna have them plugged in all the time hoping that the update is going to come at some point soon, otherwise you might as well just take them to Apple
I honestly wish I could go back to the original firmware when I first got these. I never used to have a single issue, nor a single drop out. Ever since the first article about the first firmware update and any since, I have way more regular drop outs or interference that I never used to have. It seems like they've managed to make them perform worse rather than be improved.
Luckily, I had the exact opposite happen. Have you called Apple?
Agree with Kendall here. Definitely put in a call to Apple and try to get that sorted. I've noticed far fewer issues since updating firmware. Don't know if you've tried forcing them into Setup mode, but that's a good bet if they're not working correctly.
I can't make a too in-depth assessment yet, but my first experience attempting to make a phone call from the AirPods (using Siri) while listening to a podcast after the firmware update was dropping the audio from the Airpods and only having it pipe through the phone directly. Funny thing was that when the podcast app came back in the forefront, audio from it was back to the AirPods.
I got that update pretty quick after plugging mine in.
Me too. Wish they'd add a warning when you walk too far away from your phone. I've left mine on the treadmill at the gym several times, walking blithely out to my car with the podcast still playing. The extreme range makes it possible for someone to walk away from a phone before you even realize you've left it. My shiny black phone and case against the shiny black control panel of the treadmill makes this easy to do. Also, I get distracted while dismounting by ending the workout on my Apple Watch!
I wish they published what the update provides
Not a very user friendly way to implement updates
That's strange, my airpods case wasn't connected to the power and it updated to 3.7.2, maybe it does the update if there is over X% of battery in the case. Similar to others that have commented my airpods worked far better on the original firmware version than it has since the previous update, since then one or the other will just drop off require me to take it out of my ear and reinsert it before it comes back.
Same here. Getting drop sometimes with new firmware.