airpods: the guide for upgrading and verifying firmware updates

airpods: the guide for upgrading and verifying firmware updates

Revamping AirPods Firmware

Bagging the GlitchesSick of your AirPods acting up without a reason? It's probably due to outdated firmware. Luckily, updating them couldn't be simpler. Apple occasionally rolls out new firmware to squash bugs and enhance performance, making it crucial to keep your AirPods up-to-date. So, let's dive into the process of updating your AirPods, along with checking for the latest firmware version.

Crucial Bits

• Link your AirPods to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac via Bluetooth.
• Stash your AirPods in their charging case and keep them next to your iOS device for 15-20 minutes for auto updates.
• Investigate 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.

Procedures

Refreshing AirPods Firmware

Step 1: Connect AirPods to an Apple beacon. Activate your iPhone, iPad, or Mac’s Bluetooth so your AirPods can locate the device. Keep the AirPods in their case (flip the lid). If you're pairing with your smartphone, wait for the pairing prompt to pop up on the screen, then tap Connect. - If you're pairing with a laptop, press and hold 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 Connect. - If you don't own an Apple device, make an appointment at your nearby Apple Store or Apple service provider to get them to run an update for you. Presently, you can't update your AirPods with an Android device or Windows PC. - In case your AirPods refuse to connect with your device, execute a reset by putting them in their case and holding the button down until it flashes yellow. If the trick fails, turn Bluetooth off and back on your device.

Step 2: Pop your AirPods in their charging case and juice it up. Place your AirPods in the charging case and snap it shut. Connect a lightning cable to the port on the case and plug it into a power outlet or a USB port on a computer to charge up your AirPods and prepare them for the update. - Alternatively, set your AirPods on a QI-certified wireless charging pad if you don't have a cord available.

Step 3: Keep your AirPods next to your device for 15-20 minutes. Ensure your iPhone, iPad, or Mac is connected to the internet to download the update. Once the download is done, your device will automatically send the update to your AirPods. Although, avoid moving your device or the AirPods case for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the update time to fully install.

Spy on the Firmware Version

Step 1: Unearth your AirPods in the Bluetooth menu on an iPhone or iPad. Fire up your AirPods' case so they connect to your device. Launch the Settings app (with a gear icon) and tap on Bluetooth in the menu. Track down your AirPods on the list of connected devices and tap the "i" button on the right side of the screen to display your AirPods' information. - 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 expose the information panel.

Step 2: Traverse the Bluetooth settings in the System Information menu on a Mac. Hold down the Option (Alt) key on your keyboard and click on 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. Discover your AirPods in the list of Bluetooth devices to see all the info you require. - If your macOS version is Ventura, open System Settings, select Bluetooth, and tap the “i” info button next to your AirPods on the list.

Step 3: Scour your AirPods' firmware version in your device settings. In the information panel, look for the "Firmware" heading to learn the version your AirPods are rocking. The latest firmware versions your AirPods should be using as of now: - 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 your AirPods are running an earlier version of the firmware, then plug your AirPods in and let them update next to your device.

Peak Insights

While you can't directly update the AirPods firmware on non-Apple devices, you can use non-Apple devices, such as Samsung TVs or Android mobiles, for playing music and other functions. However, if you don’t have an Apple device, borrow one temporarily, or visit your nearby Apple Store or Apple service provider to run the update for you. Here's an effective workaround to update your AirPods' firmware using an Apple device:

1. Utilize an Apple Gizmo: Lend or borrow an iPhone or iPad to update your AirPods’ firmware.
2. Connect your AirPods to the Apple device.
3. Put the AirPods in their charging case and plug it into a power source.
4. Keep the case close to the Apple device with the lid sealed.
5. Allow at least 30 minutes for the update to complete[2][4].
6. Check Firmware Version: Once done, head to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the “i” icon next to your AirPods, and verify the firmware version[2].

Alternatively, ensure you're using the latest software on your non-Apple devices, as compatibility issues may be resolved with newer software[5].

1. To keep your smartphones, gadgets, and technology running smoothly, it's important to update not just the software but also the firmware of your devices, like AirPods, when new updates are available.
2. If you're a tech enthusiast wanting to explore other gadgets and smartphones while updating AirPods firmware, you can borrow an iPhone or iPad briefly or visit an Apple Store to facilitate the process.

Read also: