Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
How to Fix AirPods Firmware Update Not Installing or Stuck
AirPods firmware updates happen automatically. There is no "Update Now" button, but you can force the conditions that allow the update to install.
1. Check Your AirPods Firmware Version
Connect your AirPods to your iPhone.
Open Settings.
Tap Bluetooth.
Find your AirPods and tap the ⓘ info button.
Scroll down to Version.
Compare the version shown with the latest firmware available for your AirPods model.
2. Make Sure Your iPhone Is Updated
Open Settings.
Go to General.
Tap Software Update.
Install any available iOS update.
Older iOS versions can prevent AirPods firmware updates from installing.
3. Charge Everything Before Updating
For the update to install:
Put both AirPods inside the charging case.
Connect the charging case to a charger.
Make sure the AirPods have enough battery.
Keep your iPhone nearby.
A good setup is:
AirPods inside the case
Case plugged into power
iPhone connected to Wi-Fi
Bluetooth turned on
iPhone close to the AirPods
Leave them alone for about 30 minutes to an hour.
4. Turn Bluetooth Off and Back On
Open Settings.
Tap Bluetooth.
Turn Bluetooth off.
Wait about 10 seconds.
Turn Bluetooth back on.
Reconnect your AirPods.
5. Restart Your iPhone
Hold the power button and volume button until the power slider appears.
Slide to power off.
Wait about 30 seconds.
Turn the iPhone back on.
Connect your AirPods again.
6. Forget and Reconnect Your AirPods
Go to Settings.
Tap Bluetooth.
Tap the ⓘ next to your AirPods.
Tap Forget This Device.
Confirm.
Put your AirPods back into pairing mode.
Reconnect them.
7. Reset Your AirPods
If the firmware still will not update:
Put both AirPods in the charging case.
Close the lid.
Wait 30 seconds.
Open the lid.
On your iPhone, go to Settings → Bluetooth → AirPods → Forget This Device.
Press and hold the button on the back of the AirPods case for about 15 seconds.
Release when the status light flashes amber, then white.
Pair them again with your iPhone.
8. Try a Different Charging Method
If the update remains stuck:
Use a different Lightning or USB-C cable.
Try a different charging adapter.
Clean the charging contacts on the AirPods and case.
Make sure the case is actually charging.
9. Leave Them Overnight
Sometimes AirPods firmware updates install when the devices are idle. Leave:
AirPods in the case
Case plugged in
iPhone nearby
Wi-Fi connected
for several hours or overnight.
If It Still Will Not Update
The problem may be caused by:
An older iPhone that does not support the firmware
Damaged AirPods hardware
A counterfeit AirPods product
A charging case that is not communicating correctly
An iOS compatibility issue
At that point, checking with Apple Support or testing the AirPods with another compatible iPhone is the next step. #airpodspro
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified purchases.
How to Fix AirPods Firmware Update Not Installing or Stuck
AirPods firmware updates happen automatically. There is no "Update Now" button, but you can force the conditions that allow the update to install.
1. Check Your AirPods Firmware Version
Connect your AirPods to your iPhone.
Open Settings.
Tap Bluetooth.
Find your AirPods and tap the ⓘ info button.
Scroll down to Version.
Compare the version shown with the latest firmware available for your AirPods model.
2. Make Sure Your iPhone Is Updated
Open Settings.
Go to General.
Tap Software Update.
Install any available iOS update.
Older iOS versions can prevent AirPods firmware updates from installing.
3. Charge Everything Before Updating
For the update to install:
Put both AirPods inside the charging case.
Connect the charging case to a charger.
Make sure the AirPods have enough battery.
Keep your iPhone nearby.
A good setup is:
AirPods inside the case
Case plugged into power
iPhone connected to Wi-Fi
Bluetooth turned on
iPhone close to the AirPods
Leave them alone for about 30 minutes to an hour.
4. Turn Bluetooth Off and Back On
Open Settings.
Tap Bluetooth.
Turn Bluetooth off.
Wait about 10 seconds.
Turn Bluetooth back on.
Reconnect your AirPods.
5. Restart Your iPhone
Hold the power button and volume button until the power slider appears.
Slide to power off.
Wait about 30 seconds.
Turn the iPhone back on.
Connect your AirPods again.
6. Forget and Reconnect Your AirPods
Go to Settings.
Tap Bluetooth.
Tap the ⓘ next to your AirPods.
Tap Forget This Device.
Confirm.
Put your AirPods back into pairing mode.
Reconnect them.
7. Reset Your AirPods
If the firmware still will not update:
Put both AirPods in the charging case.
Close the lid.
Wait 30 seconds.
Open the lid.
On your iPhone, go to Settings → Bluetooth → AirPods → Forget This Device.
Press and hold the button on the back of the AirPods case for about 15 seconds.
Release when the status light flashes amber, then white.
Pair them again with your iPhone.
8. Try a Different Charging Method
If the update remains stuck:
Use a different Lightning or USB-C cable.
Try a different charging adapter.
Clean the charging contacts on the AirPods and case.
Make sure the case is actually charging.
9. Leave Them Overnight
Sometimes AirPods firmware updates install when the devices are idle. Leave:
AirPods in the case
Case plugged in
iPhone nearby
Wi-Fi connected
for several hours or overnight.
If It Still Will Not Update
The problem may be caused by:
An older iPhone that does not support the firmware
Damaged AirPods hardware
A counterfeit AirPods product
A charging case that is not communicating correctly
An iOS compatibility issue
At that point, checking with Apple Support or testing the AirPods with another compatible iPhone is the next step. #airpodspro
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified purchases.
