As an avid AirPods user, I was recently frustrated when I attempted to update my AirPods and the update would not complete. After doing some research, I discovered that this is a common issue among AirPods users and I wanted to share the solutions I found in case someone else was experiencing the same problem. In this blog post, I will explain why your AirPods may not be updating and provide some tips on how to resolve the issue.
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| AirPods can be updated automatically by keeping them charged in their case |
| If AirPods won’t update, check for a new update and make sure the connected device has enough storage and battery power |
| Ensure that the AirPods have battery power and are not connected to a new iCloud account before attempting to locate them using Find My Device |
| Android devices cannot download and install firmware updates for AirPods |
Table of Contents
How to update my AirPods?
As AirPods have improved and grown more intuitive to use, developers have incorporated new features and functions to make them even better.
One of these is the ability for a connected device to download new firmware updates for the AirPods whenever one is available, without the user needing to check for new firmware updates regularly.
To update AirPods and AirPods pro, it is just necessary to have the AirPods in the case while it is charging and to have a connected iPhone or iPad nearby. The AirPods will then automatically update.
In order to be sure your AirPods update whenever new firmware is available, keep the case fully charged and store the AirPods in the case between uses instead of putting them in a pocket or purse.
Make sure the connected device has enough storage space to download new updates that come out. This will help ensure that your device is able to download these updates without interruption.
Read more: How do AirPods know when they are in your ear?
Why won’t my AirPods update?
If your AirPods won’t update, there can be a few simple reasons for this. First, check to be sure there is a new update available.
In some cases, you may already have the latest version of the firmware downloaded without realizing it. AirPods do not generally have updates available very often, so it can be several months between the release of new firmware versions.
To check on the version of firmware currently installed to your device, follow these steps:
- Go to your connected device, like your iPhone or iPad, and open the Settings app
- Click General, then About. Under the list of information that appears, you’ll see the name of your AirPods.
- Click on the name of your AirPods and review the firmware version listed. You can check online to be sure this is the latest version available.
Another reason can be lack of battery and storage on the device. In order to update, the device needs to have enough power to download and install the firmware update, or the system will automatically stop the update. It will also stop the update if the internet connection is unstable, or the device is moved too far away from the connected device.
Read more: Do AirPods need the case to work?
Why won’t my AirPods update location?
If you’re trying to locate your AirPods using Find My Device from your iCloud account, but the location is not updating to show you where to find them, it’s easy to get frustrated.
There are a few reasons why your AirPods might not be updating their location when you try to find them. From innocent explanations like lack of battery power to a thief being involved, there can be several causes for the lack of location update when you look for your AirPods.
When the AirPods run out of battery power, you won’t be able to update the location until they get charged again. If they were stolen and the thief has already reset them and connected them to a new iCloud account, you won’t be able to locate them any longer.
One thing you can do is put the AirPods in Lost mode. This will allow you to recover them if you are within range of the Bluetooth connection. This mode is useful if you have a general idea of where the AirPods are and can get back to that area quickly, for example, if you dropped them in a park.
Can I update AirPods on Android?
While Android devices can be paired with AirPods and used to listen to music, watch videos, or take phone calls, they are not designed to use together over a long time.
In fact, Android users are not able to access all the features of the earbuds, like automatic pairing to a connected device.
In order to update the firmware that goes with AirPods, you need an iOS-based device. Android devices are not capable of downloading and installing the firmware update, so any bug fixes and new features included in the firmware will be missing from your hardware as long as you use it.
Pros
- AirPods can be updated automatically by keeping the case charged and storing the AirPods in it between uses.
- Can easily check the version of firmware currently installed.
- If AirPods were stolen, can put them in Lost mode to try to recover them.
Cons
- AirPods do not generally have updates available very often.
- Device needs to have enough power to download and install the firmware update, or the system will automatically stop the update.
- Android devices are not capable of downloading and installing the firmware update for AirPods.
