How to update your AirPods with the latest firmware, and check which version is installed

• You can’t update your AirPods manually, because they update automatically when a new update is available.
• Your AirPods will update automatically when they’re in their charging case, the case is charging, and it’s near your iPhone. 
• You can check what firmware version your AirPods are currently running in your iPhone’s Settings app.
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In an effort to make owning and maintaining your AirPods feel effortless, Apple doesn’t make you update your AirPods manually. In fact, there’s no way to update them manually at all.

Instead, when updates are available, they’re installed automatically.

You can, however, check the firmware version of your AirPods — in other words, what their current update version is — whenever you like.

When AirPods update automatically

You can’t force your AirPods to install an update, but it’s helpful to know when they’ll perform the update automatically. 

Your AirPods will update when:

• The AirPods are in their charging case.
• The AirPod case is charging — either plugged into a charging cable or on a wireless charging pad (if they can charge wirelessly).
• The AirPod case is near your iPhone.

The latest firmware version for second-generation AirPods and AirPods Pro is version 3A283, which replaced versions 2D15 and 2D27.

How to check your AirPods’ current firmware version

1. Place the AirPods in their charging case.

2. On your iPhone, start the Settings app.

3. Tap “General” and then tap “About.”

4. Open the lid of your AirPods case. On your iPhone, the AirPods battery menu will open — close it. You should see an entry for “AirPods” appear (underneath “EID”) — tap on it. 

5. On the AirPods screen, you’ll see details about your device, including the current firmware version. 

Related coverage from Tech Reference:

• How to turn on Apple’s ‘Live Listen’ feature to use your AirPods as a baby monitor or make them hearing-aid-friendly
  

• How to make your AirPods louder if they aren’t loud enough, or fix any other volume-related issue

• ‘Why won’t my AirPods connect?’: What to do if your AirPods aren’t connecting to your iOS device or Mac

• How to customize all of your AirPods’ features using an iPhone or iPad

• Your AirPods are not water-resistant — here are a few headphones that are