How to Update Your AirPods, According to Apple

Apple is pretty consistent in shipping frequent firmware updates for its platforms, and the AirPods line is no exception. That said, users didn’t know exactly how to update their AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max to a new software version — until today.

Apple has never really explained how AirPods users can force a software update, choosing instead to fall back on its infamous “it just works” philosophy. Until now, the company only offered the following information on updating AirPods:

Firmware updates are delivered automatically while your AirPods are charging and in Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac that’s connected to Wi-Fi . You can also use your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to check that your AirPods have the latest version.

However, Apple revised its support page for AirPods firmware today to add an official update guide (via MacRumors). The statement above remains on the page but now includes new step-by-step instructions on manually updating your AirPods. Take a look at how you can do so below:

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.

If you still can’t update your firmware, reset your AirPods, then try to update your firmware again.

This process was already generally understood by the community. Even so, it’s good to know straight from the horse’s mouth exactly how you’re supposed to go about forcing a software update on your Apple AirPods. The next time a new AirPods firmware version rolls out, users will know exactly how to manually update and become one of the first to try it instead of waiting around.

The official support page also has a guide on updating AirPods Max, which essentially boils down to the same instructions except you’re supposed to plug the charging cable directly into the headphones instead of a charging case.

Apple’s recently launched AirPods 4 are currently on sale for their lowest price ever on Amazon.ca, so now might be a good time if you’ve been looking to get your first AirPods or upgrade from an older generation.