Updating AirPods is harder than it needs to be

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Updating AirPods is harder than it needs to be

I bought a 15PM and AirPods Pro recently and can’t update my AirPods. Not sure why this is the way it is. I came from Samsung S21 Ultra and Galaxy Buds Pro. The process of updating Buds was as easy as updating the phone. Very easy. Now I’m trying to figure out how to update AirPods and no one really knows how. Why is this a thing? Can someone please help me update them? Listening with them is awful. It’s super crackly but they are extremely comfortable.

AirPods Pro (2nd generation)

Posted on Nov 6, 2023 8:46 AM

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Answer 1

muguy

Level 10

93,312 points

Nov 6, 2023 8:56 AM in response to Benji00

Updates are automatic when firmware updates (keep the AirPods plugged in and near your phone overnight). There is no manual process.

About firmware updates for AirPods - Apple Support

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Answer 2

muguy

Level 10

93,312 points

Nov 6, 2023 9:17 AM in response to Benji00

That's not necessarily unusual. The last firmware update on my AirPods registered a few weeks after release.

Ensure that your AirPods case is plugged in to charge.

That your iPhone is charging and that bluetooth is connected and the phone is connected to WiFi.

Check that you are running the latest version of iOS as well (settings > general > software update)

You might find it helpful to remove and repair the device after updating your phone and before plugging everything in. It might trigger a firmware search.

If that doesn't trigger an update after a few days, I'd head to an Apple Store.

Not an expert but I suspect that to preserve battery life, no firmware handshake/communication will happen until the AirPods are fully charged and same with the phone. I'm only speculating that getting the device powered is of higher priority than checking for updates. I could be completely wrong too 😑

Regardless, it seems powering everything and walking away should do it.

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Answer 3

Benji00 Author

Level 1

12 points

Nov 6, 2023 9:03 AM in response to muguy

I’ve done that and nothing happened. I only tried that once though. I’ve tried leaving the case open near my phone and all sorts of other techniques that people online say works but nothing is happening. I don’t own a Mac or I would just plug them in. The firmware version is like 5E135 and hasn’t changed since got them.

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Answer 4

Benji00 Author

Level 1

12 points

Nov 6, 2023 9:25 AM in response to muguy

I always make sure my phone is running latest OS. I guess I’ll just keep putting the AirPods next to my phone at night while I charge them for the next week or so. Unfortunately there isn’t an Apple Store near me that I know of. Not sure why Apple doesn’t just let the owner manually update them rather than all these vague over-the-air rituals.

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Updating AirPods is harder than it needs to be

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