How to Update Your AirPods’ Firmware Without an iPhone

Are your AirPods acting out and not working correctly? The most probable cause for any malfunction of AirPods is outdated firmware. The good news is that you can update your AirPods firmware easily. The bad news is that you can’t do it without an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch.

If you have any of these devices, you are in luck. Otherwise, you can ask a friend or go to an official Apple store and ask for help. Apple support can’t help you with the update remotely, and you need to have an iOS device nearby for this.

Read on for update instructions.

Which AirPods Do You Have?

If your answer to this question is the original AirPods (first generation), then you don’t have to worry too much. These AirPods have already had their fair share of firmware updates, so you don’t have to concern yourself about future updates.

Maybe there will be some updates in the future, but it is highly unlikely. When you get the firmware update, you’ll be all set. Firmware updates for the AirPods 2 (second generation) and AirPods Pro are much more common.

The newer AirPods are updated continuously, so it is pointless to name the current firmware version. It will likely be updated very soon, anyway. However, you can check the firmware version on your AirPods quickly by yourself.

You will still need an iOS device, not necessarily an iPhone, but an iPad or iPod.

How to See If You Need the Firmware Update

To capitalize, you need a supported iOS device to check if you need an AirPods firmware update. If you have one, follow the instructions:

1. Connected an iPod, iPad, or iPhone to your AirPods.
2. Go to the device’s Settings.
3. Select General settings.
4. Then, choose the About option.
5. Select your AirPods (near the bottom of this screen).
6. Look at the firmware version and write it down.
7. Google this “current AirPods (or AirPods Pro) firmware version.”
8. If your firmware version doesn’t match the current one, you need to install the update.

How to Install a Firmware Update Without iPhone

If you don’t have an iPhone but have a supported iPad or iPod, you are golden. Follow the instructions to install the newest AirPods firmware update using one of these devices:

1. Place the AirPods inside their case. Make sure the lid is open.
2. Place your iPad or iPod next to the charging case. Make sure that Bluetooth is on and that the device is connected to the internet.
3. Leave the device and the case as they are for up to ten minutes.
4. Your firmware update should be installed. Recheck the firmware version to see if you were successful.
   

Your AirPods Can Update Firmware Automatically

In case you didn’t know, your AirPods have automatic updates. You don’t have to update them all the time if you do the following:

1. Leave your AirPods in the case.
2. Plug the case into a power outlet for charging or use the Qi charger if you have a wireless case.
3. Place your compatible iOS device next to the case. Make sure that the device is compatible, connected to the internet, and previously paired with your AirPods.

If you do this from time to time, you don’t ever have to worry about manual firmware updates. This process only takes several minutes, so you can do it every time you are charging your earbuds. It is a useful habit to have because then you will always keep your AirPods up to date.

Apple Synergy

All Apple products have great synergy with one another, so it is smart to have an entire Apple ecosystem in your home. AirPods work well with all Apple devices (iPad, iPod, iPhone, Apple TV, and Apple Watch).

They are not so great with Android or other non-Apple devices. You can’t get your firmware updates using Android phones or tablets, unfortunately. Maybe this will change in the future, but it probably won’t. Apple wants you to have all Apple products, which is relatively reasonable for such a mighty company.

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